[BGM] Japanese songs for campfires and BBQs: A playlist of J-pop to enjoy while camping
Outdoor activities have become hugely popular in recent years, influenced in part by camping videos on YouTube.
When you feel like you want to break free from everyday life, why not put yourself in a setting that’s a little different from the norm and refresh your mind? This time, I’ll introduce some Japanese songs that are perfect for camping and the outdoors.
I’ve gathered everything from upbeat, exciting tracks to chill tunes that are perfect as background music for a campfire.
Let’s lean on the power of nature and music to forget everyday stress!
- [Camp Songs] Classic camping songs. Campfire songs you can play along with
- Recommended songs about mountains: classic and popular tracks for mountaineering and mountain songs
- [Night Songs] Classic masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP you’ll want to listen to at nighttime.
- Songs for every season: classic and popular tunes of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
- Songs of the constellations: classic and popular tracks you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the night sky
- [Moon Songs Special] Famous songs about the moon. Songs you’ll want to listen to under a full moon or in the moonlight.
- Song of the Wind: Masterpieces themed around wind. Popular songs [2025]
- Masterpieces that sing of the stars. Star songs that resonate in the heart, best heard beneath the night sky.
- [2025] Iconic songs and love songs themed around or set by the sea and sandy beaches — sea songs
[BGM] For campfires and BBQs. A collection of Japanese songs you’ll want to listen to while camping (11–20)
Kaigara-bushiMinyo Crusaders
A danceable number by Minyo Crusaders that layers fiery Latin rhythms over traditional Japanese melodies, guaranteed to get your body moving.
Featured on their November 2023 album “Nihon Minyo Chindōchū,” this track boldly reconstructs the Tottori folk song “Kaigarabushi” in their own distinctive style.
While preserving the original’s nostalgic atmosphere, it invites listeners into a cheerful celebration.
Perfect for a lively BBQ at camp or a night gathered around the fire with friends.
FlyTo Preordained Lovers
It’s a work by the band ‘Akirakani Kimerareta Koibitotachi e’ (To the Predetermined Lovers), included on their 2013 album DOCUMENT.
The sound is relaxed and soothing, with tones that feel as if they slowly expand deep in your chest.
Its lyrical, urban electro-dub sound resonates deeply with listeners.
It’s perfect for quiet nights, listening while thinking about the future.
I also recommend it when you want to reflect on yourself or need energy for tomorrow.
Ocean living roomSuzuki Suzuki
This is a track defined by a summer-breeze feel and refreshing vocals.
Released in August 2021 by the sibling duo SUZUKI SUZUKI, it’s characterized by an easy, upbeat groove perfect for outdoor fun in the hot season.
Gaining popularity mainly on TikTok, it topped the Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs chart.
The lyrics are striking for their snapshot of a summer spent with friends, contrasting the unchanging sea with the ways we ourselves change.
It’s the perfect song for creating special seaside memories with your crew.
LONELINESS WILL SHINEToe
This is toe’s “LONELINESS WILL SHINE,” a track that invites you into the world of post-rock.
Released in July 2024 as the lead single from the album NOW I SEE THE LIGHT, it deftly conveys loneliness and inner conflict over a more accessible sound.
The structure builds gradually from a quiet opening, beautifully mirroring emotional rises and falls.
Listen to it amid vast nature, and it’s sure to soothe your soul.
U.F.O.beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)
A dreamy, catchy number that spins a mysterious tale of a lover departing aboard a spaceship.
It’s a song by Kabutomushi, included on the album “Hiraisha,” released in February 2024.
With its striking piano arpeggios, it leans into art rock.
Despite being a song about parting from someone you love, it carries a touch of humor that helps you relax your shoulders.
Set in an extraordinary space, it’s sure to spark your imagination.
The light is far away.skirt
Skirt is the solo project of Wataru Sawabe, known for delicate melodies and literary lyrics.
Centered on pop and city pop, its genre-fluid sound captivates many fans.
Released in July 2025, this track was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Futari Solo Camp.” Sawabe’s own camping experiences served as the creative spring, with memories of the night’s quiet and distant lights melting seamlessly into the mellow, comforting sound.
The lyrics’ poetic worldview—searching through loneliness for a faint glimmer of hope—further deepens the track’s chill atmosphere.
It’s truly a perfect piece for relaxing in nature.
[BGM] For campfires and BBQs: A collection of Japanese songs you’ll want to listen to while camping (21–30)
California coconutskururi
This is a Kururi track brimming with a summery vibe.
It’s included on the album “Kankaku wa Michishirube,” released in October 2023.
The song was also used in Koikeya’s “Pure Potato” TV commercial.
Its warm vocals and melody are striking, making it a piece packed with Kururi’s signature style.
The lyrics convey the importance of holding on to hope even during life’s difficult times.
It’s perfectly suited for a night of camping, listening by the campfire.
You might even enjoy humming along with someone special.