[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.
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[Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces That Sing of Kyoto and Songs That Made It Their Theme: The Enduring Heart of Our Hometown (21–30)
Kyoto Love SongHiroshi Itsuki
“Kyoto Koika” was released by Hiroshi Itsuki in January 2000.
The lyrics were written by Koko Takabayashi and the music was composed by Masami Tao.
Sung in the Kyoto dialect, it weaves winter scenery—such as the landscapes of Ohara in Kyoto—into the emotions of a woman yearning for a forbidden love.
From DemachiyanagiNakanoshima Yuki
The Keihan Railway image song “From Demachiyanagi,” released in 2003, was reportedly a major hit with 10,000 copies sold—unusual for an image song in this industry.
The singer credit being “Nakanoshima-yuki” is a playful touch.
She was presented as a fictional singer named after the Nakanoshima Line, and her name was not revealed at first, but it turns out her true identity is Rieko Miura.
Kyoto bastardCRAZY KEN BAND
Released by CRAZY KEN BAND in 2012, this track is a stylish Kyoto-themed song with percussion-driven arrangements that evoke the feel of a Western film insert song.
The lyrics are packed with keywords that carry a Showa-era vibe, and the fact that they ultimately don’t add up to a deep meaning is, conversely, what makes it cool.
The Great Buddha of Kyotochildren’s song
Speaking of great Buddha statues, we tend to think of the one at Tōdai-ji in Nara or the Great Buddha of Kamakura, but it’s said that Kyoto once had a famous Great Buddha as well.
This song is a children’s ditty that sings about the Great Buddha that once stood at Hōkō-ji in Kyoto (present-day Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City).
This Great Buddha had a streak of misfortune and is said to have been destroyed by various fires every time it was rebuilt.
Song of Kyoto PrefectureKiyoto Tachikawa, Masako Saito
Among songs about Kyoto that ought to be famous yet have remained overlooked is the Kyoto Prefecture Song.
Kyoto Prefecture, which had long gone without an official prefectural song, adopted one in 1984.
It is said that the lyrics were created through a public solicitation held in anticipation of the 1988 National Sports Festival in Kyoto and the 1994 celebration of the 1200th anniversary of the founding of Heian-kyō.
Saga-no PilgrimageKaori Mizumori
This song is a heartbreak number sung by enka singer Kaori Mizumori, with a hint of an illicit affair in the air.
The image of a woman setting off on a journey to Kyoto, carrying her wounded heart, lends itself well to both picture and song.
Many of her signature pieces are set in various locales, earning her the nickname “Queen of Local Songs,” and she is said to serve as a tourism ambassador for several regions as well.
Rainy ArashiyamaTsuyoshi Nagabuchi
Released in 1977 as Nagabuchi’s debut single, this song was reportedly at odds with his own feelings.
Because there were plans to market him under the name “Nagabuchi Go” in the enka/kayōkyoku style, he once returned to his hometown and effectively made his debut a second time.
In this song, unlike his current singing style, he sings in a straightforward and clear manner.