[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 perfect for camping (41–50)
HachisuYuta Orisaka
This track unfolds a relaxed, expansive atmosphere—perfect for listening to while camping.
It’s included on Yuta Orisaka’s album “Jumon,” released in June 2024.
The lyrics, which portray the complexities of love and human relationships, sink deeply into the listener’s heart.
I recommend listening quietly and attentively around a campfire.
If you want to reflect on yourself in nature, be sure to add it to your playlist.
freeMao Abe
Abe Mao, who captivates with her powerful vocals and excellent singing ability, titled the lead track of her first album “Furii.” Not in kanji or katakana, but written in hiragana, the word “furii” looks cute, and she delivers her idea of freedom set to a pop-rock sound.
If you want to hype things up at a lively group BBQ, this song might be perfect.
How about listening to it to forget your daily stress and cherish time with friends who let you enjoy an extraordinary escape?
sodasumika
Sumika, known even among listeners who don’t usually follow bands, released a track that’s also popular as a wedding song.
This one is perfect for summer.
Since many people enjoy camping in the warmer months, why not use this song as your BGM? It’s poppy and catchy, and the chorus lyrics are so pleasing to the ear! On the other hand, the words tell a story of a slightly bittersweet regret over love.
Still, the protagonist takes a step forward in the end, and that clean, uplifting conclusion really tugs at the heart.
Everyone, gather aroundKazuo Todaka
Since its release, the Nintendo Switch game Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been a huge topic of conversation, and its main theme, Welcome Horizons, is no exception.
This installment is centered on life on a deserted island.
Your first home is a tent, you can build a campsite—there are plenty of outdoor elements! The main theme song of Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a relaxed, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for taking a breather outside.
It fits a variety of scenes, like listening by a campfire or as background music while chatting around a lantern.
SUNGen Hoshino
Gen Hoshino is a multitalented performer with many faces—singer-songwriter, actor, essayist, and columnist.
His eighth single, SUN, was also used as the theme song for a TV drama.
It’s one of those numbers that gives you a lovely sense of anticipation—just hearing the intro somehow makes you excited! A proper BBQ actually takes more prep than you’d think, but if you listen to this song while you’re getting ready, the work might just fly by.
For camping, where you can fully immerse yourself in nature—linking perfectly with the lyrics about the sky, streams, and birds—this is one track I highly recommend.
Middle-Aged JUMPSouthern All Stars
“Sounen JUMP” is one of Southern All Stars’ more pop-leaning songs, with a summertime vibe.
Released in 2018, it was created with the late Hideki Saijo, who passed away that year, and Namie Amuro, who retired from singing, in mind.
Everyone has an eternal idol of their own, right? It could be fun to play this song on a camping trip with friends and passionately talk about each person’s favorite idol.
Just don’t get too carried away!
SundayNaoto Inti Raymi
This track is the lead song from Tabiuta Diary 2, created while traveling across countries.
It feels like a theme song for the road, woven by someone who’s walked countless journeys.
In the sense of savoring the extraordinary, it’s the same spirit—you can probably find things in the lyrics that resonate with camping and the outdoors, too.
The ska-style offbeat rhythm is delightful, and the catchy melody line makes it easy to listen to.
Give an ear to its unexpected mix as well: there’s a rap section in the middle, and you can sense a touch of folk/traditional elements woven into the background.