![[Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/54DSRc54n1o/maxresdefault.webp)
[Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
Here we introduce songs that are about Kyoto or use it as a theme!
Even if a song doesn’t seem like it’s about Kyoto at first glance, some tracks include related keywords in the lyrics, such as “Kamo River.”
It does feel like there are many enka and kayōkyoku numbers, but it turns out there are similar songs in more recent pop and rock as well.
Kyoto is, after all, a city with a long history.
Having flourished as the capital, it’s indispensable for understanding Japan.
With its refined, traditional atmosphere and picturesque scenery, Kyoto is truly captivating.
Take your time and enjoy these wonderful Kyoto songs that will stir your hometown pride.
[Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing of Kyoto and songs that took it as their theme: The enduring heart of our hometown (1–10)
The Kyoto Street-Name Counting Song
For anyone born and raised in Kyoto, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that—even if you can’t sing the whole thing—you’ve sung or at least heard this song once; in fact, claiming not to know it might even surprise people.
Kyoto is famous for its streets forming a grid running north-south and east-west.
This song goes through the initial characters of the street names in order from the north—like “Maru” for Marutamachi-dori and “Ane” for Anekoji-dori—and many people were taught it as children.
Plenty of Kyoto locals find themselves bursting into the song when they’re trying to remember, “Where was that shop again? Which street?” It’s also well known for being used in the feature film Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital.
University student in Kyotokururi
As the title suggests, this song—written by Quruli when they were actually university students in Kyoto—reads like a breakup song told from the perspective of a female college student in Kyoto.
The lyrics are in Kyoto dialect, and it’s interesting how they capture subtle nuances and situations that only locals would fully understand.
The nod to Paris, Kyoto’s sister city, is a nice, refined touch as well.
Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Mai Kuraki
When I first heard the song title, I thought, “Wasn’t there an enka singer named Mai Kuraki…?” The title sounds a bit enka-like, doesn’t it? “Togetsukyo ~Kimi Omou~” was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Detective Conan, and it swept the daily and weekly rankings, taking the number one spot on various charts like iTunes, RecoChoku, and Dwango.
The lyrics, which revolve around Togetsukyo, a quintessential sightseeing spot in Kyoto, are filled with the aching sorrow of wanting to meet someone but being unable to.
Kuraki’s urbane-sounding voice also fits perfectly with Kyoto.
Kyoto StoryHaruko
A masterpiece set in Kyoto, born from the ultimate dream team: lyrics and composition by Keisuke Kuwata, sung by Yuko Hara.
The sound, interwoven with what seems like koto tones, feels like a perfect blend of J-pop with a traditional enka sensibility—an ideal match for Hara’s whispery vocals.
The lyrics touch on key Kyoto landmarks—Kamo River, Gion, Arashiyama—rich with emotion, tracing meetings and partings of people while Kyoto has watched over them all this time, and will continue to do so… that narrative is exquisite.
If this is a lesser-known song, I wish more people would hear it.
They should play it at Kyoto Station!
KYOTOJUDY AND MARY
This is a song released by JUDY AND MARY, a Japanese rock band active from 1992 to 2001, and it’s said to rank in the top five among fans.
The lyrics and composition are by TAKUYA, who is from Kyoto.
Although the only word in the lyrics that evokes Kyoto is the Kamo River, that actually makes it cooler than Kyoto songs that just list place names.
And yet you're going to Kyoto?Cherish
What’s the song you’ve heard most at weddings? It probably depends on the generation, but for me it’s Cherish’s “Ladybug Samba.” That gentle, cozy melody and the little staged routine where everyone eggs on the kiss are so endearing, aren’t they? And Cherish’s “And Yet You’re Going to Kyoto” was actually this husband-and-wife duo’s debut single.
Lyrics like “You chose Kyoto over me, the one who loves you—tell me, why…” are heartbreakingly sad.
The fact that it never once mentions place names like Gion or Arashiyama somehow makes it even sadder.
KYOTORomantic Revolution
This song features a lively tone and a striking, soaring horn section.
It’s by Romankakumei, a band from Kyoto, and is included on their debut album NEW ISLAND ROMANCE, released in 2019.
The nicely laid-back sound arrangement is wonderful.
It has a charm that naturally brings a smile to your face as you listen.
The lyrics portray life and everyday moments in Kyoto in down-to-earth language, and they’re crafted in a way that listeners who don’t live in Kyoto can relate to as well.