Tokyo's Yamanote Line might be known for its punctual trains and iconic green stripe, but this year, we're giving each station a virtual touch of retro magic.
Picture this: Itâs the late 1960s and early 1970s. Tokyo is a city on the rise, blending tradition with rapid modernization, while across the Pacific, the sounds of rock, soul, and pop are reshaping the cultural landscape.
We've curated a playlist of 60 chart-topping hits on Spotify from the Billboard Hot 100 to accompany your Yamathon adventure. These songs arenât just tracks; theyâre snapshots of an era when music had the power to unite, inspire, and transform. Whether you're a seasoned walker or just in it for the fun, these tunes will have you tapping your feet from Tokyo to Kanda and every stop in between.
As you journey through the city, let these songs transport you back to a time when vinyl was king, and Tokyo was a city buzzing with new possibilities. And don't worry, we've done our homeworkâeach track comes with a fun fact to keep your mind groovin' while your feet keep movin'.
So, grab your sneakers, plug in those headphones, and letâs take a musical tour through Tokyo, where the past meets the present in perfect harmony.
1. Tokyo Station
Song:Â "Wake Up Everybody" - Billboard Rank:Â #12 - Released:Â November 1975
Artist:Â Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
đ¶Note: "Wake Up Everybody" is more than just a songâitâs a call to action. Released during a time of social and political upheaval, the track urges listeners to take responsibility for making the world a better place, addressing issues like poverty, education, and injustice.
Song:Â "Lean on Me" - Billboard Rank:Â #1 - Released:Â April 1972
Artist:Â Bill Withers
đ¶Note: Bill Withers wrote this song after moving to Los Angeles and feeling homesick for his hometown in West Virginia. It became an anthem of friendship and support.
2. YĆ«rakuchĆ Station
Song: "California Dreamin'" - Billboard Rank: #4 - Released: December 1965
Artist: The Mamas & the Papas
đ¶Note: Despite the song's title, it was actually written on a cold winter's day in New York City. The longing for California's warmth helped make this one of the most enduring songs of the 60s.
Song: "Black and White" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: August 1972
Artist: Three Dog Night
đ¶Note: "Black and White" was originally written in 1954 to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Three Dog Nightâs upbeat and melodic rendition brought the song to a broader audience nearly two decades later, turning a historical moment into a feel-good anthem of unity.
3. Shimbashi Station
Song: "Light My Fire" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: April 1967
Artist: The Doors
đ¶Note:"Light My Fire" was the first song written by Robby Krieger of The Doors. Jim Morrison suggested the band members start writing songs individually, and Krieger came up with this classic.
Song: "Cecilia" - Billboard Rank: #4 - Released: April 1970
Artist: Simon & Garfunkel
đ¶Note: "Cecilia" is one of Simon & Garfunkelâs most upbeat and infectious tracks, known for its rhythmic clapping and playful lyrics. Written by Paul Simon, the song is about a manâs fickle relationship with a woman named Cecilia, who has often been interpreted as a metaphor for inspiration or luck.
4. HamamatsuchĆ Station
Song: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: April 1967
Artist: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
đ¶Note: Written by the legendary team of Ashford & Simpson, this song was initially intended for Dusty Springfield, but Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell made it their signature duet.
Song: "Psychedelic Shack" - Billboard Rank: #7 - Released: December 1969
Artist: The Temptations
đ¶Note:"Psychedelic Shack" marked The Temptations' full embrace of the psychedelic soul sound, pioneered by their producer, Norman Whitfield. The songâs trippy effects and socially conscious lyrics captured the spirit of the late '60s, and it became an anthem for the counterculture movement. The phrase "psychedelic shack" quickly became a catchphrase, symbolizing a place where everyone was welcome to experience the new, experimental sounds of the era.
5. Tamachi Station
Song: "I Can See Clearly Now" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: June 1972
Artist: Johnny Nash
đ¶Note:This song was written by Johnny Nash after he had recovered from cataract surgery, making the lyrics "I can see clearly now, the rain is gone" particularly personal.
Song: "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: October 1969
Artist: B.J. Thomas
đ¶Note: This song was featured in the film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
6. Takenawa Gateway
Song:Â "Calypso" - Billboard Rank:Â #2 - Released:Â August 1975
Artist:Â John Denver
đ¶Note:"Calypso" is a tribute to the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau and his research vessel, the Calypso. John Denver, an avid environmentalist, wrote the song to celebrate Cousteauâs work in marine conservation and exploration.
Song: "Canât Get It Out of My Head" - Billboard Rank: #9 (US) - Released: November 1974
Artist: Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
đ¶Note: "Canât Get It Out of My Head" was ELOâs first Top 10 hit in the United States, marking the bandâs breakthrough in the American market.
7. Shinagawa Station
Song: "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: October 1965
Artist: The Byrds
đ¶Note: This song is based on a passage from the Book of Ecclesiastes and became one of the Byrds' most enduring hits, embodying the spirit of the 1960s folk-rock movement.
Song:Â "Saturday in the Park" - Billboard Rank:Â #3 - Released:Â July 1972
Artist:Â Chicago
đ¶Note: "Saturday in the Park" was inspired by a Fourth of July celebration in New York City's Central Park. Written by Chicagoâs keyboardist Robert Lamm, the song captures the joyful, carefree vibe of a sunny afternoon in the park, complete with the sounds of people laughing and children playing. It became one of Chicago's most enduring hits, embodying the bandâs signature blend of rock, jazz, and pop elements.
8. Ćsaki Station
Song: "For What It's Worth" - Billboard Rank: #7 - Released: January 1967
Artist: Buffalo Springfield
đ¶Note: "For What Itâs Worth" quickly became an anthem of the 1960s counterculture, encapsulating the era's social unrest and spirit of protest. Written by Stephen Stills, the song was inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles, where young people clashed with police over the enforcement of new curfew laws.
Before finding fame with Buffalo Springfield, Stephen Stills auditioned to be one of The Monkees. However, he was ultimately turned down due to concerns about his receding hairline and bad teeth. Instead, he recommended his friend Peter Tork, who went on to join the band and become a key member of The Monkees.
Song:Â "Iâm a Believer" - Billboard Rank:Â #1 - Released:Â November 1966
Artist:Â The Monkees
đ¶Note:"Iâm a Believer" was written by Neil Diamond and became The Monkees' biggest hit, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Upon first hearing âIâm a Believer,â Mike Nesmith thought the track was worthless. None of the Monkees were particularly pleased with the song but Nesmith hated it.
9. Gotanda Station
Song: "If I Can Dream" - Billboard Rank: #12 - Released: November 1968
Artist: Elvis Presley
đ¶Note: "If I Can Dream" marked a powerful moment in Elvis Presleyâs career, closing his iconic 1968 Comeback Special. Written as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., the song reflects Elvisâs deep yearning for a world of peace and equality. It was recorded just two months after Kingâs assassination.
One of the many notable facets of the Kingâs character was his love for comfort food. From banana sandwiches to fried chicken, Elvisâ table was always full of delicious dishes. One of Elvisâ very favorite meals was the Fool's Gold Sandwich, one that couldnât be found just anywhere. In fact, Elvis once had his private jet fly him over 1,000 miles to indulge his craving!
Song: "Crocodile Rock" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: October 1972
Artist: Elton John
đ¶Note: This song was inspired by Elton John's love of early rock and roll and was one of his most successful singles in the U.S.
10. Meguro Station
Song: "Brown Eyed Girl" - Billboard Rank: #10 - Released: June 1967
Artist: Van Morrison
đ¶Note: Despite its popularity, Van Morrison has said that he grew tired of performing "Brown Eyed Girl" because it overshadowed his other work.
Song: "You're So Vain" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: November 1972
Artist: Carly Simon
đ¶Note: The identity of the person Carly Simon is singing about in "You're So Vain" has been a mystery for decades, with many speculating it's about Warren Beatty, Mick Jagger, or Cat Stevens.
11. Ebisu Station
Song: "Sweet Caroline" - Billboard Rank: #4 - Released: September 1969
Artist: Neil Diamond
đ¶Note: "Sweet Caroline" was inspired by Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F. Kennedy. It has since become a sing-along anthem at sporting events, especially for the Boston Red Sox.
Caroline Kennedy grew up and, 44 years later, was appointed by President Barack Obama as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan in 2013, continuing her familyâs legacy of public service. During her time in Japan, she developed a fondness for Tokyoâs rich cultural heritage and even rode the Yamanote Line in 2014 to experience daily life as many Tokyo residents do.
Song: "Ventura Highway" - Billboard Rank: #8 - Released: September 1972
Artist: America
đ¶Note: "Ventura Highway" is a quintessential California anthem, capturing the laid-back, sunny vibe of the early 1970s. The song's imagery of "alligator lizards in the air" and "purple rain" evokes a sense of freedom and adventure, making it a perfect soundtrack for a road trip.
12. Shibuya Station
Song: "Good Vibrations" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: October 1966
Artist: The Beach Boys
đ¶Note: This track was one of the most expensive songs ever recorded at the time, with an estimated cost of $50,000. It introduced the world to the concept of the "pocket symphony."
Song: "Dancing in the Moonlight" - Billboard Rank: #13 - Released: July 1972
Artist: King Harvest
đ¶Note:"Dancing in the Moonlight" was originally recorded by the band Boffalongo before King Harvest made it famous. The song became a defining track of the early '70s.
13. Harajuku Station
Song: "Build Me Up Buttercup" - Billboard Rank: #3 - Released: November 1968
Artist: The Foundations
đ¶Note:Despite its cheerful sound, the song's lyrics describe the pain of unrequited love. It has since become a pop culture staple, featured in movies like "There's Something About Mary."
Song: "Me and Bobby McGee" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: January 1971
Artist: Janis Joplin
đ¶Note: Written by Kris Kristofferson, "Me and Bobby McGee" became Janis Joplin's only #1 hit. Tragically, she passed away before she could see its success.
14. Yoyogi Station
Song: "The Tears of a Clown" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: September 1970
Artist: Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
đ¶Note:This song features a circus-like organ riff and lyrics about hiding sadness behind a facade. It became a hit two years after its initial release, reaching #1 in the UK before topping the charts in the U.S.
Song: "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: May 1972
Artist: Looking Glass
đ¶Note: This song tells the story of a barmaid named Brandy who attracts the love of a sailor. It became a summer anthem in 1972 and is still fondly remembered.
15. Shinjuku Station
Song: "Let's Stay Together" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: November 1971
Artist: Al Green
đ¶Note:This song was Al Green's biggest hit and has been covered by numerous artists, including Tina Turner, who made it a hit all over again in the 1980s.
Song: "Everyday People" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: November 1968
Artist: Sly & the Family Stone
đ¶Note:"Everyday People" became an anthem for unity and equality during the late 1960s. Its message of acceptance and harmony, summed up in the iconic line "different strokes for different folks," resonated with audiences during a time of social upheaval.
Hey there! Now that youâre grooving to these classic hits, why not take that energy to the streets of Tokyo? Join the Yamathon and put your rhythm to the test! But donât wait too longâentry is closing at the end of the month. Not ready to walk? No worries! Why not volunteer and be part of the magic? Whether you're walking or volunteering, there's a spot for you in this incredible event. Sign up now and make your mark!
16. Shin-Ćkubo Station
Song:Â "Respect" - Billboard Rank:Â #1 - Released:Â July 1965
Artist:Â Aretha Franklin
đ¶Note: "Respect" was originally written and sung by Otis Redding, but it was Aretha's version that became a feminist anthem and earned her the title "Queen of Soul."
Song: "Somebody to Love" - Billboard Rank: #5 - Released: April 1967
Artist: Jefferson Airplane
đ¶Note: "Somebody to Love" became a defining song of the 1967 Summer of Love, showcasing Grace Slick's powerful vocals and the band's psychedelic rock sound.
Grace was rarely a one-man woman, she was neither a single medium artist. Grace Slick knows that music is just one medium, and she has always been a talented painter as well. In the 1990s, Slick retired from touring to turn her focus to painting full time. Alice in Wonderland is a favorite subject of her art
17. Takadanobaba Station
Song: "Venus" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: July 1969
Artist: Shocking Blue
đ¶Note:This Dutch band scored a global hit with "Venus," which later became popular again when covered by Bananarama in the 1980s.
Song: "Hooked on a Feeling" - Billboard Rank: #5 - Released: February 1974
Artist: Blue Swede
đ¶Note: Known for its "ooga chaka" chant, this cover of B.J. Thomas' original became a surprise hit in the U.S. and was later popularized again by the "Guardians of the Galaxy" movie.
18. Mejiro Station
Song:Â "Smoke on the Water" - Billboard Rank:Â #4 - Released:Â March 1973
Artist:Â Deep Purple
đ¶Note: The riff from "Smoke on the Water" is one of the most famous guitar riffs of all time, inspired by a fire that broke out during a Frank Zappa concert in Switzerland.
Song: "Woodstock" - Billboard Rank: #11 - Released: March 1970
Artist: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
đ¶Note: "Woodstock" was originally written by Joni Mitchell, who was inspired by the legendary 1969 festival despite not being able to attend. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Youngâs electrified cover of the song brought Mitchellâs poignant lyrics to a wider audience, transforming it into a rock anthem.
19. Ikebukuro Station
Song: "All Right Now" - Billboard Rank: #4 - Released: May 1970
Artist: Free
đ¶Note: "All Right Now" was written in response to a dull gig where the band wanted to energize the crowd. It worked, becoming an instant classic.
Song:Â "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" - Billboard Rank:Â #10 - Released:Â July 1971
Artist:Â T. Rex
đ¶Note: "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" became one of the defining tracks of the glam rock movement. Frontman Marc Bolanâs flamboyant style and catchy guitar riffs made this song an international hit. In the U.S., the song was simply titled "Get It On" to avoid confusion with another song by the band Chase.
20. Ćtsuka Station
Song: "Black Magic Woman" - Billboard Rank: #4 - Released: September 1970
Artist: Santana
đ¶Note: Originally written by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, Santana's version of "Black Magic Woman" added Latin flair and became a staple of his live performances.
Song: "The Letter" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: August 1967
Artist: The Box Tops
đ¶Note:The Box Tops' lead singer, Alex Chilton, was just 16 years old when he recorded "The Letter," which became the shortest song to ever hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
21. Sugamo Station
Song: "Bad Moon Rising" - Billboard Rank: #2 - Released: April 1969
Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
đ¶Note:"Bad Moon Rising" was inspired by a 1941 film about a hurricane, and the song became an anthem for those feeling the winds of change.
Song: "The Joker" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: October 1973
Artist: Steve Miller Band
đ¶Note:"The Joker" introduced the world to the phrase "pompatus of love" and became a defining song for the Steve Miller Band, blending rock and blues influences.
22. Komagome Station
Song: "Come Together" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: October 1969
Artist: The Beatles
đ¶Note: Originally written as a campaign song for Timothy Leary's run for governor against Ronald Reagan in California. Leary's campaign folded after he was imprisoned for marijuana possession in 1970 and Ron went on to be governor and eventually President. "Come Together" became one of The Beatles' most iconic tracks.
It was a funky record â itâs one of my favorite Beatle tracks, or, one of my favourite Lennon tracks, letâs say that. Itâs funky, itâs bluesy, and Iâm singing it pretty well. I like the sound of the record. You can dance to it. Iâd buy it!- John Lennon
Song: "Bloody Well Right" - Billboard Rank: #35 - Released: March 1974
Artist: Supertramp
đ¶Note:"Bloody Well Right" is a biting critique of societal expectations and the educational system, delivered with a healthy dose of sarcasm. The songâs title, a quintessentially British phrase, emphasizes the band's frustration with the rigid norms imposed by authority figures.
23. Tabata Station
Song: "Stuck in the Middle with You" - Billboard Rank: #6 - Released: April 1973
Artist: Stealers Wheel
đ¶Note:"Stuck in the Middle with You" is a catchy, upbeat track that became an unexpected hit for Stealers Wheel in 1973. Written by band members Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan, the song was intended as a playful parody of Bob Dylanâs style.
Before forming Stealers Wheel, Gerry Rafferty was a member of the folk group The Humblebums alongside Scottish comedian and musician Billy Connolly.
Artist: Daniel Boone
đ¶Note:"Beautiful Sunday" is a cheerful, feel-good anthem that became Daniel Boone's biggest hit. The songâs infectious melody and simple, uplifting lyrics made it a favorite at parties and gatherings, especially during the 1970s. It was particularly popular in Japan, where it became the best-selling single by a foreign artist in 1972.
24. Nishi-Nippori Station
Song: "Superstition" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: October 1972
Artist: Stevie Wonder
đ¶Note: Stevie Wonder wrote "Superstition" in the studio while experimenting with a clavinet, creating one of the most famous riffs in music history.
Song: "Vehicle" - Billboard Rank: #2 - Released: March 1970
Artist: The Ides of March
đ¶Note:"Vehicle" is known for its powerful brass section and driving rhythm, making it one of the most energetic tracks of the early 70s. The song was the debut hit for The Ides of March and has been a staple of classic rock radio ever since.
Vocalist and frontman Jim Peterik, who wrote "Vehicle," went on to establish the band Survivor. He later co-wrote the massive hit "Eye of the Tiger," which became the iconic theme song for the movie Rocky III and a defining anthem of the 1980s.
25. Nippori Station
Song: "Sunshine of Your Love" - Billboard Rank: #5 - Released: December 1967
Artist: Cream
đ¶Note: "Sunshine of Your Love" is one of the most famous songs of the '60s and became Creamâs most popular song, known for its iconic bass line.
Song: "I Feel the Earth Move" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: April 1971
Artist: Carole King
đ¶Note: Released as the A-side of a single, "I Feel the Earth Move" became one of Carole King's signature songs and was a massive radio hit in 1971.
26. Uguisudani Station
Song: "Whatâs Going On" - Billboard Rank: #2 - Released: January 1971
Artist: Marvin Gaye
đ¶Note:"Whatâs Going On" is more than just a songâitâs a poignant commentary on the social and political turmoil of the early 1970s. Inspired by his brother's stories from the Vietnam War and Gayeâs own experiences with racial tension and societal unrest, the track marked a turning point in his career.
Song: "Killing Me Softly with His Song" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: January 1973
Artist: Roberta Flack
đ¶Note:Inspired by a poem about Don McLean, "Killing Me Softly with His Song" won three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year.
In 1971 Don McLeanâs performance of âEmpty Chairsâ at the Troubadour sparked an intense emotional experience that would quickly change the path of Lori Liebermanâs life. Lieberman connected so deeply with that performance that she began to write her feelings down on a tear-stained napkin. Â
27. Ueno Station
Song:Â "Maggie May" - Billboard Rank:Â #1 - Released:Â July 1971
Artist:Â Rod Stewart
đ¶Note: "Maggie May" was a last-minute addition to Rod Stewart's album, but it
became his first big hit and is still one of his most famous songs.
Song: "Band on the Run" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: December 1973
Artist: Paul McCartney & Wings
đ¶Note:"Band on the Run" was recorded under difficult circumstances in Lagos, Nigeria, but it became one of Paul McCartney's most successful post-Beatles hits.
In 1985, the publishing rights to The Beatles' songs were put up for sale. Michael Jackson, taking McCartney's advice to heart, outbid others, including McCartney himself, and purchased the catalog for around $47.5 million. McCartney was reportedly hurt and frustrated by this move and despite their friendship, the deal created a strain between the two artists.
28. Okachimachi Station
Song:Â "ABC" - Billboard Rank:Â #1 - Released:Â February 1970
Artist:Â The Jackson 5
đ¶Note:"ABC" was the Jackson 5âs second single and became an instant hit, knocking The Beatles' "Let It Be" off the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The songâs infectious energy, playful lyrics, and catchy melody quickly made it a classic
Song: "Sugar, Sugar" - Billboard Rank: #1 - Released: July 1969
Artist: The Archies (vocals by Ron Dante)
đ¶Note: "Sugar, Sugar" became the quintessential bubblegum pop hit of the late '60s, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the best-selling single of 1969. Although The Archies were a fictional band from a cartoon TV show, the real vocals were provided by Ron Dante, with backing vocals by Toni Wine.
29. Akihabara Station
Song: "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Billboard Rank: #9 - Released: October 1975
Artist: Queen
đ¶Note:Initially dismissed by critics as a joke, "Bohemian Rhapsody" became one of Queen's most iconic songs, featuring a unique blend of rock, opera, and ballad.
Song: "Dream On" - Billboard Rank: #6 - Released: June 1973
Artist: Aerosmith
đ¶Note:"Dream On" was written by Steven Tyler when he was just 17 years old. It became Aerosmith's first major hit and remains one of their most enduring songs.
30. Kanda Station
Song:Â "My Sweet Lord" - Billboard Rank:Â #1 - Released:Â November 1970
Artist:Â George Harrison
đ¶Note: "My Sweet Lord" was George Harrison's first solo single and the first solo #1 hit by a member of The Beatles.
Song: "Feelinâ Alright" - Billboard Rank: #69 - Released: March 1969
Artist: Joe Cocker
đ¶Note: Originally written by Dave Mason of Traffic, "Feelinâ Alright" became one of Joe Cockerâs most enduring hits. Cockerâs gritty, soulful rendition of the song added a powerful new dimension to the original, turning it into an anthem of resilience and determination.
Are you feelin' alright from all that groove? đ§
As you groove through the Yamanote Line, youâre not just taking a journey through Tokyo, but a journey through time. From station to station, these 60 tracks will transport you back to the golden era of music, reminding you of the incredible impact these songs had on the world. With over 3 hours and 30 minutes of classic hits, this playlist is the perfect companion to keep your spirits high and your feet moving as you tackle the Yamathon.
So lace up your sneakers, plug in those headphones, and let the rhythm of the 60s and 70s guide your steps through Tokyo. Whether you're reminiscing about the days gone by or discovering these tracks for the first time, there's no better soundtrack for your Yamathon adventure. Happy walking, and may the music keep you groovin' all the way to the finish line, follow us on Spotify for more !
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