Recommended songs about mountains: classic and popular tracks for mountaineering and mountain songs
Mountains are popular spots that people of all ages—from children to seniors—can enjoy through activities like climbing and hiking.
When you take in the majestic scenery and beautiful nature, your mind and body feel refreshed, and everyday worries and stress can start to seem small—you might even wonder, “Why was I so worried in the first place?”
In this article, we’ll introduce songs themed around mountains.
It’s packed with tracks you’ll want to sing with friends in the mountains and songs you’ll want to listen to before a hike.
By listening, you might get a sense of why so many people are so captivated by mountains.
Recommended songs about mountains: classic and popular tracks for mountaineering and mountain songs (1–10)
Hymn to the Snowy MountainsDark Ducks
It is said that in January 1927, Eizaburo Nishibori—who later became the leader of Japan’s first Antarctic wintering expedition—composed and sang a parody with different lyrics set to the melody of “Oh My Darling, Clementine” together with his fellow members of the Kyoto Imperial University Mountaineering Club.
Singing it in the bath would probably feel pleasant, with your voice resonating like mountain echoes.
Hakone HachiriRentaro Taki
This song, included in the 1901 publication Chugaku Shoka, features music by Rentaro Taki and lyrics by Shin Torii.
Its verses incorporate many references to Li Bai’s Chinese poetry, as well as place names and topics derived from Chinese anecdotes, classics, and history.
While the archaic style of the lyrics may be difficult in the modern era, savoring them brings the scenery of Hakone vividly to mind, making it a truly wonderful piece.
Hymn to BogatsuruYoko Seri
This song was sung by Yoko Seri and broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1978.
It is said to have originally been created in 1952 by three Kyushu University students at a mountain hut in Bogatsuru, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, based on the Hiroshima Higher Normal School mountaineering club’s First Song, “Yama-otoko no Uta” (Song of the Mountain Man).
Its plaintive minor-key melody seems to teach us both the gentleness and the severity of the mountains.
Mountain Range of HopeWatarirouka Hashiritai 7
This is a Showa-style song released in 2011 by Watarirouka Hashiritai 7, a sub-unit of AKB48.
It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Crayon Shin-chan, which increased its recognition among children.
With lyrics that liken the ups and downs of life to mountains and a catchy, easy-to-hum melody, it’s a song that people of all ages can likely relate to.
Mount Bandai of Aizu
This song is a folk tune handed down in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, said to be an adaptation of the local “Genyo-bushi” into a Bon dance song.
Along with the Gujo Odori and Awa Odori, it is counted among Japan’s three great folk songs, so you’ve probably heard it at least once.
It’s also unique in that the lyrics mention an individual by name: Obara Shosuke.
Farewell, Hotaka.Lyrics by Mitsuhiko Yoshino / Music by Yuji Koseki
This song, with lyrics by Mitsuhiko Yoshino and music by Yuji Koseki, expresses a strong desire to return to Hotaka, carrying memories of the climb after summiting.
In the old days, when mountaineers stayed overnight in mountain huts, they probably formed a circle and sang songs like this together to liven things up.
It’s a nostalgic mountain-climbing song that brings the scenery of Hotaka vividly to mind.
Song of the Mountain ManDark Ducks
Here is a kayōkyoku released in 1962 by the Dark Ducks, a group that could be called a leading act among male vocal quartets.
The original song is said to be a military song, “Junko-bushi,” which was beloved at the Naval Academy that once stood in Etajima, Hiroshima Prefecture.
While the lyrics might be seen as sexist if sung today, the song’s gentle melody may well convey the atmosphere of that era.