RAG MusicJapanese Songs
Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs
search

[Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride

Across Japan, there are many “local songs” created around themes like regional climate and traditions, long-standing customs, hometown pride, and specialty foods.

However, few people are likely familiar with songs from places far from their own living area or hometown.

Some might even have spent years in a region without knowing its local songs at all.

In this article, we’ll introduce some highly impactful, must-hear local songs from across Japan that we hope many of you will get to know.

If it’s a place you’ve visited, try listening while picturing the local scenery.

If it’s somewhere you’ve never been, let the song help you imagine the land and the lives of the people who live there.

Playlist

[Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
show_chartTitlePlaylistOne point
1Kanda RiverPrincess KaguyaA masterpiece where the bittersweetness of youth resonates with the urban landscape
2Mikuni StationaikoA poignant song set at Osaka’s Mikuni Station.
3Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Tokiko KatoThe famous song by Tokiko Kato that depicts the charm of Shiretoko
4SakuragichōyuzuA song about heartbreak and growth, set in Sakuragicho
5KikyogaokaKen HiraiA warm song depicting the bond and love between parent and child
6Watarase BridgeChisato MoritakaChisato Moritaka’s classic that paints memories of love
7Crossing Amagi PassSayuri IshikawaForbidden love and a woman's passion depicted at the Amagi Pass
8Osaka RomanesqueKanjani EightSinging of a bittersweet love set in the streets of Osaka.
9Blue Light YokohamaAyumi IshidaA legendary masterpiece depicting Yokohama’s nightscape, rich in emotion.
10North WingAkina NakamoriAn inspiring song singing Akina Nakamori's classic hit, 'Departure of Love.'
11The Hill of PromisesMasaharu FukuyamaA moving song inspired by Mount Inasa in Nagasaki
12Islanders’ TreasureBEGINBEGIN’s classic song packed with the charms of Okinawa
13When I turn around, it’s YokohamaFuyumi SakamotoA classic song sung by Fuyumi Sakamoto: the scenery of Yokohama and love
14Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneSayuri IshikawaTsugaru Strait Winter Scene, a masterpiece by Sayuri Ishikawa
15Omiya SunsetSpitzTwilight in Ōmiya, a romantic scene of lovers on a date.
16Harbor Yoko, Yokohama, YokosukaRyudo UzakiA classic song set in Yokohama that portrays a free-spirited woman.
17Cape TappiKaori MizumoriA masterpiece that overlays the sorrow of heartbreak onto the landscapes of Aomori
18Tottori Sand DunesKaori MizumoriKaori Mizumori sings of love at the Tottori Sand Dunes
19Song of YokkaichiHideshi ItoSimple folk music that evokes a sense of home
20Mie Prefecture Arare OndoHot.A love song to my hometown, singing the charms of Mie
21Treasure HuntkururiA heartwarming song that sings about small joys in the community
22I love this town.MucchiSong of citizens meeting and helping one another, the heart of Tsu City
23Would you like some Noto?Fuyumi SakamotoFuyumi Sakamoto’s beloved Noto-themed masterpiece resonates with the heart.
24A solitary journey to MichinokuJoji YamamotoA love song of a heartrending farewell and the belief in reunion
25News from BizenSaori NonakaThe city song packed with Bizen City’s charms resonates in the heart.
26A city that leads into the futureLyrics and composition: Kosetsu MinamiKōsetsu Minami’s hopes for the future of Shikokuchūō City
27Ferry to MatsuyamaKozo Murashita
Ferry to MatsuyamaKozo Murashita
Kozo Murashita’s famous song from Ehime, “Scenes of Parting”
28Scarred KaruizawaBread and butterReleased in September 1969 as their debut single...
29“Mijumarism” — Mie Prefecture VersionConveying the charms of Mie through a catchy pop song
30The wind is future-colored.A Song of Hope Played by the Nature of Saga
31I love Mie Prefecture.AgorophiusA rock band from Mie, a song brimming with hometown love
32The flower that blooms in KuwanaMummy-D(RHYMESTER)A musical journey by Mummy-D singing the charms of Kuwana
33Mie Nishi Elementary SchoolThe ShiawaseA warm song depicting Mie’s landscapes and childhood memories
34Kiyama, the tip of SagaDoburokkuA song that blends love for one’s hometown with laughter
35Saga Prefecture — SAGA, Then and NowHanawaA heartful song of Hanawa’s love for his hometown
36Yaite, yaite, SagaSelf-styled Tourism AssociationA unique song that portrays the charms of Saga
37Dive into EspañaSelf-styled Tourism AssociationA song that shares the charms of Mie with laughter
38Shima PeninsulaIchiro TobaSinging of pride and love for my homeland with the sea as the backdrop
39Nara would be good.D.W. NichollsA heartwarming song that sings of love for Nara
40Yamato Nadeshika (deer pun)Le SianaA classic hit by a Nara-born idol: Love for Deer and Yamato
41Nihondaira Calling YouColumbia RoseA famous song that sings of Nihondaira’s charm, making the heart dance.
42Yamato Love SongNanako KawanamiNanako Kawanami’s Yamato Love Song, Love in the Ancient Capital
43Muro-ji TempleMieko MakimuraAn elegy of a love with nowhere to go, composed at Muro-ji Temple
44Shimanto Youth StoryRaymond MatsuyaSet against the Shimanto River, it sings of a love remembered.
45Secret FireflyMiyuki NagaiEarly summer in Nara, a fleeting love drawn to fireflies
46Night in AtamiShinichiro HakozakiA bittersweet, one-time love on a night in Atami
47Rain in IzuHiroshi KadokawaHiroshi Kadokawa’s emotionally rich masterpiece of Izu
48Song of Oarai TownBxAxGA powerful song by a local band filled with love for Oarai
49Our backs and the sunLUNKHEADA hometown love song by a band from Niihama
50osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)LUNKHEADThe scent and memories of youth that long for my hometown
51STU48 Ehime ver.STU48A refreshing song by STU48 that praises Ehime
52HospitalityIbaraki Young MasterSong of a young innkeeper conveying the charms of Ibaraki
53The Crows of TsukubaHaruo MinamiHaruo Minami’s Kayō-Rōkyoku Singing Ibaraki
54Our hometown6th grade, Bekku Elementary School, Imabari CityA community song celebrating the charms of Imabari, created by elementary school students
55A town with a skyLyrics and Music by Tatsurō MashikoTatsuro Mashiko’s Hitachiota City Song
56Toride Citizens’ Song ~A New Tomorrow~Lyrics and Composition: Takayoshi TanimotoToride City Citizens’ Song, an anthem of hope and nature
57Ishioka, my hometownLyrics by Hanako Oshima and the citizens of Ishioka / Music by Hanako OshimaA heartwarming song for the 10th anniversary of Ishioka City
58For a wonderful tomorrowLyrics by Yasushi Akimoto / Music by Tsugutoshi GotōA famous song that sings Hitachinaka City's hopes
59Seal of TearsSelf-styled Tourism AssociationA classic filled with Ibaraki’s love and melancholy
60Ah, Mito RōshiSaburō KitajimaSaburō Kitajima’s masterpiece singing of the Mito rōnin
61When you’re tired, Ehime.Wagyu (Japanese beef)When you're tired, head to Ehime: a soothing song showcased by Wagyu beef
62GAIYA ON THE ROADRyudo UzakiA festival song of Uwajima, a soul-stirring piece.
63From my daughter who married and moved to EhimeJunpei OdaJunpei Oda’s Daughter’s Love and Longing for Her Hometown
64Moon-waiting Waterfall Love SongKaori MizumoriKaori Mizumori sings a heartrending love song at Tsukimachi Falls.
65Matsuyama AirportKiyoshi HikawaMatsuyama Airport: Melancholy for my hometown and lingering feelings of love
66MITO!Jun IsoyamaAn anthem of support by Jun Isoyama singing the charms of Mito
67Sada Misaki (Cape Sada)Ichiro TobaThe Soul of Sada Misaki Sung by Ichiro Toba
68Miyazaki BluesMiyako OtsukiMiyako Otsuki’s classic that sings of her feelings for Miyazaki
69Takachiho Travel SentimentMiyuki KawanakaA classic song that sings of heartbreak in Takachiho
70Port Town Love SongNatsumi KawanoSet in my hometown’s harbor, it sings of a woman’s bittersweet heart.
71Hiroshi’s proud hometown, ze yo!Hiroshi MiyamaA passionate local song by Hiroshi Miyama singing his love for Kochi Prefecture
72The Great Cedar of SugiHiroshi MiyamaHiroshi Miyama Sings of His Love for His Hometown
73Typhoon of LoveSelf-styled Tourism AssociationA love song from Kochi, a typhoon kind of mood
74Shimanto no Yado (Inn of Shimanto)Yuko OkaA bittersweet love story on the Shimanto River in Kochi
75Long live old age!Gee-Pop from Kōchi-ken All StarsAn engaging Jii-POP track sung by seniors
76Yosakoi enkaTatsue KanedaA powerful enka imbued with the spirit of Yosakoi
77Tosa manGoro KagamiSinging of the spirit and scenery of Tosa men
78Yufuin SentimentYuji MitsukiA song of deep affection for my hometown, Yufuin
79Wakakusa Mountain StarmineBURNOUT SYNDROMESYouthful rock that colors the scenery and spirit of Nara
80AtamiKroiElegant music that evokes a sense of nostalgia
81A large Buddha statue in NaraRekishiThe Great Buddha’s construction, a crystallization of everyone’s strength and dreams.
82New Nara OndoHaruo MinamiA traditional dance song by Haruo Minami singing the charm of Nara
83Nara Road NostalgiaKoichi MiuraKoichi Miura’s emotion-filled “Longing on the Nara Road”
84Amagi YearningTadashi MikadoThe romantic charm of Izu, an enka brimming with emotion by Tadaji Mikado
85Izu ShowerYuji KitagawaA melancholic enka about rain in Izu and a broken heart
86Rainy Nara RoadKazuo Chiba & Kazuko OnoA wistful love song that colors the rainy roads of Nara
87Lingering Attachment to the Yamato RoadGoro MinamiAn enka ballad of tragic love set in Nara
88Heavenly LeafAyaka YoshiokaAi Yoshioka poured her feelings for her hometown
89Travel Longing ~At Ikaruga~Akira FuseAkira Fuse's Song of the Autumn Scenery of Ikaruga
90Lament of the Hot Spring TownAraki IchiroA song of bittersweet memories set in Atami
91Song of the Old Lady of GotenbaFusako FujimotoA Song of Memories Traveling Through Shizuoka’s Place Names
92Sataro of IzuKokichi TakadaA renowned poem that portrays a traveler’s emotions, set against the backdrop of the Izu road.
93Chikuma Ko-utaLyrics by Fuyokyu Masaki / Music by Shimpei NakayamaMasaki Fu..., who was born in a hot spring town on the banks of the Chikuma River...
94Hakuba Mountain FoothillshunterA song expressing a longing for the snowy landscapes and majestic mountains of the northern country...
95Hell EstheticianSelf-styled Tourism AssociationA famous song from Oita Prefecture themed around hell
96Miyazaki BluesKenzo TsukamotoKenzo Tsukamoto sings his love for Miyazaki
97Takachiho GorgeYuko OkaThe scene of Yuko Oka singing at Takachiho Gorge
98Oita RiverChiharu HigashiScenes of the Oita River and Longing for My Hometown
99Kunisaki PeninsulaHiroko MatsumaeA lyrical enka that reflects the scenery of the Kunisaki Peninsula
100Bungo PilgrimageHiroko MatsumaeBungo Pilgrimage, a masterpiece brimming with travel sentiment that sings of Oita’s charms
101Yunohira UjōNatsumi MizukiA celebrated song that sings of love, set in Yufuin Onsen
102Miyazaki Tegetegete OndoDaisuke MizukiAn ode brimming with love for Miyazaki, packed with local charm
103Cape HyugaKaori MizumoriSet in Hyuga City, singing of farewell and hope.
104Highland RomanceRyuun NagaiA love song to Takahara Town sung by Ryuun Nagai
105Song of Nagano PrefectureKurumi AsakuraHonestly expressing my love for my hometown, nestled among the mountains of Shinshu...
106It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Kiyoshi Maekawa & Cool Five
It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Kiyoshi Maekawa & Cool Five
A memorable song that sings of Nagasaki’s rain and the poignancy of love
107Kumamoto Pride SongPi BouA bright, buoyant melodi… capturing the rich scenery of Kumamoto
108Kumamon UmakamonKeroponsKeropons, packed with the delicious charms of Kumamoto...
109Come on! Kumamon!Keropons, Sukanpo, Takashi DeguchiA listening experience packed tightly with Kumamoto’s energy and kindness...
110Kumamon monChisato MoritakaChisato Moritaka, who hails from Kumamoto, recorded her singing voice…
111Familiar TrainManamiA song to her hometown by MANAMI, portraying the landscapes and soul of Fukushima
112Yanagase BluesKenichi MikawaA journey of the heart that felt the pathos in Mikawa’s song
113Woman of KisoSaburō KitajimaSet against the deep mountains of the Kiso Road, it depicts complex feelings toward one’s hometown…
114Alone on the Shinano RoadYuri HaradaSung through the mindset of a solo journey, it expresses feelings for one’s hometown…
115Woman of the Kiso RoadYuri HaradaSet against the beautiful Kiso Road, a woman's heartrending love and...
116Space and NaganoOkazaki TaiikuA complex yet endearing portrayal of his hometown by Okazaki Taiiku…
117Rain in AzuminoEtsuko ShimazuIslands where the rain falling in the mountains of Shinshu resonates deep within the heart…
118Lake Nojiri AloneKaori MizumoriTrying to heal the wounds of a broken heart on the tranquil lakeshore of Shinshu...
119The Bride of SetoRumiko KoyanagiThe Islands of the Seto Inland Sea and the Feelings of a Bride
120Tsugaru Love WomanKenji NiinumaMr. Niinuma’s songs that sing of the sadness of snow
121Ishin Dancin’ Kagoshima CityKagoshima City Travel GuideExpressing the charm of Kagoshima through music in a fun way
122Ishin Dancin’ Kagoshima City Returns ~This Is the Real KAGOSHIMA~Kagoshima City Travel GuideHigh school students dancing as Saigō Takamori showcase the charms of Kagoshima.
123Hiroshima DriveTamio OkudaA Hiroshima song brimming with Tamio Okuda's hometown pride
124Hometown ~Blue Sky Homeland~Misaki UsuzawaMisaki Usuzawa’s singing voice, infused with the memory of the earthquake disaster
125Not not, boy, you knowKotoe NishiyamaAmami Lullaby: The Melody of a Mother’s Love and Tradition
126Star SandRumiko KoyanagiA heartwarming song that longs for the sea of Ishigaki Island
127Trace ~Footprints~JA So-o Kagoshima’s original songA heartwarming song filled with love and hope for Kagoshima
128Fukushima personaveA powerful cheer song filled with love for Fukushima
129Talarira Sanriku Reconstruction Support Versionunderpath!A recovery support song for the Great East Japan Earthquake: the beauty and hope of Sanriku
130Give me your heart[Official] Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture Original SongAn official song of regional love that conveys the charm of Kure City
131Song of the Puppy SiblingsIwate/Hiraizumi Tourism Campaign Executive CommitteeA heartwarming song that celebrates the charms of Iwate
132Come on! Party! Kanoya Kanpachi!Government workerA song brimming with local pride that sings the charms of greater amberjack (kanpachi)
133Soul of TohokuGroup SoulA rock song with the spirit of Tohoku sets the heart ablaze.
134Apollo (Hiroshima dialect ver.)Porno GraffittiPorno Graffitti: a classic song of love and hope sung in Hiroshima dialect
135Kagoshima City Residents’ SongYoshinao NakataA city song that sings of Kagoshima’s nature and pride, composed by Yoshinao Nakata.
136Wonderful FukushimaLyrics by Ichiro Reiwa / Music by Yuji KosekiYuji Koseki’s hometown-love song conveys the charms of Fukushima.
137With AllLyrics: Masaki Sawauchi & Yumiko Omori / Music: Mao YoshidaAn anthem of hope and solidarity for post-disaster recovery
138Bound by fateChitose MotoThe soul of Amami: Chitose Hajime’s heartwarming song
139Come on over! Kita-HiroOfficial Theme Song of Kitanohiroshima Town Image Character, Hanada MaitaroA theme song that conveys the charm of Kitahiroshima Town
140Kagoshima Prefectural AnthemKósçak YamadaKagoshima Prefectural Anthem: Singing of Sakurajima and the Spirit of Satsuma
141Hometown WindYasutaka ShibataA renowned song that prays for the hometown and sings of its reconstruction
142A solitary journey through SatsumaKaori MizumoriA song of a woman who longs for her hometown with Sakurajima in the background
143Yume ~KIBAIYANSE~ DanceBlazing Inspiration: Kagoshima National Sports Festival and Kagoshima GamesA theme song in the Kagoshima dialect delivers moving emotion.
144Guribu DanceTheme song of Kagoshima Prefecture’s official character “Guribu”The song of “Guribū” that shares the charms of Kagoshima
145Tanegashima Kamone OndoYoshimi TendoYoshimi Tendo’s famed song depicting the charms of Tanegashima
146Dotonbori SentimentYoshimi TendoYoshimi-chan’s song full of Osaka charm
147A Melancholy Road on the Shimokita PeninsulaNobue MatsubaraNobue Matsubara’s enka brimming with the charm of the northern country
148The City of Love, SapporoYujiro IshiharaStrolling through Odori Park with my lover from the Clock Tower
149Yokosuka StoryMomoe YamaguchiMomoe is the symbol of the Uzaki–Aki world.
150Cape ErimoTakuro YoshidaThe lyrics resonate with profound reflections on life.
151Flying to IstanbulMayoyo Shōno
Flying to IstanbulMayoyo Shōno
A musical experience that made me realize the charm of lyrics
152Honmoku MärchenTakashi ShikanaiA sad, movie-like song resonates in my heart.
153Azusa No. 2hunterShaking off a romance on a train along the Shinano route
154hometownsongSing about the scenery of my hometown and my feelings for my family
155Hakata MirenGoro NoguchiTheir debut song is enka, and their singing ability is excellent.
156Aomori ElegyAine HonmaA song that resonates in the heart, where the pain of parting overlaps with Aomori’s winter
157Cape Tappi of the WindMasaru FukumotoTohoku enka with Tsugaru shamisen: The tale of Cape Tappi
158For some reason, Saitama.SaitamanzōDeeply moved by a song overflowing with love for Saitama
159Tokyo WomanThe PeanutsA pleasant song by Kenji Sawada that sings about Tokyo.
160Cape ErimoChiyoko ShimakuraMisaki’s beautiful high notes and pure emotions are captivating.
161Isezakicho BluesMina AoeAoe's husky singing voice is striking and captivating.
162Tokyo Boogie-WoogieShizuko KasagiThe Allure of the Postwar Hit Song “Tokyo Boogie-Woogie”
163A woman aloneDuke AcesHealing a broken heart on a solo trip to Kyoto
164Yokohama TwilightHiroshi ItsukiItsuki's song expresses the pain of a broken heart.
165Chasing YokohamaJunko SakuradaMiyuki Nakajima sings about Yokohama in her distinctive style.
166Love in KyotoYuko Nagisa with The VenturesThe charm of Kyoto’s songs as expressed by The Ventures
167~Yaizu Black Hanpen~ Black Hanpen OndoHachirō Minato & Kaori ChigusaSupport song sung by Minato Hachiro for Yaizu’s black hanpen
168Ginza 9-chome, on the waterIchiro KobeA lovely voice and scenery that set one’s thoughts drifting to Kobe-san’s song.
169Rainy MidosujiFifi Ouyang with The Ventures
Rainy MidosujiFifi Ouyang with The Ventures
A song that conveys the charm of Osaka’s city and its music
170Woman of ShinjukuKeiko FujiPraising the enka singer’s cheerful true personality and vocal ability
171Leaving sunny Tosa behindPeggy HayamaFound the name of a place in lyrics that evoke nostalgia