31 Most Popular Songs About Asia of All Time (Travel Playlist)

Asia, with its vast landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultures, has long inspired musicians across the world. Songs about Asia capture not only the beauty and complexity of the continent but also its symbolic significance in the realms of discovery, mystery, and personal transformation.

Whether artists focus on specific locations like Tokyo or Shanghai or use Asia as a metaphor for distant dreams, these tracks reflect a deep fascination with the East.

From the energetic beats of modern pop to the haunting melodies of classic rock, songs about Asia offer a journey through the imagination, where the East often represents both the known and the unknown.

31 Most Famous Songs About Asia & Culture That You Must Hear Before You Travel

These songs cover various locations and cultural references across Asia, from cities like Tokyo and Hong Kong to countries like China and India.

Here’s a list of 31 songs about Asia:

#1 “Turning Japanese” by The Vapors

“Turning Japanese” by The Vapors is a 1980s new wave classic that explores the feeling of intense obsession and emotional transformation. Though often misunderstood, the song’s lyrics delve into the experience of someone overwhelmed by desire, causing a psychological shift in perspective. The phrase “turning Japanese” is a metaphor for the extreme nature of this obsession, symbolizing a shift into a different state of mind. The song is energetic, with rapid guitar riffs and a catchy chorus, which helped it become a cult hit despite its controversial interpretations.

At its core, the song is about identity and change, using Japanese imagery to convey the feeling of losing oneself in infatuation, while remaining upbeat and fun.

#2 “China Girl” by David Bowie

“China Girl” by David Bowie is a song with layers of meaning, blending personal relationships with a commentary on Western perceptions of the East. Released in 1983, it was co-written with Iggy Pop, who initially recorded it. Bowie’s version, however, took on a more polished sound. The lyrics, “Oh baby, just you shut your mouth,” highlight a controlling dynamic, which some interpret as representing the power imbalance between the West and China. The “China girl” serves as both a literal character and a symbol for cultural misunderstanding and exoticization.

Musically, the song features a smooth rhythm, balancing its darker themes with a sense of romantic melancholy, making it one of Bowie’s standout tracks with deep socio-political undertones.

#3 “Hong Kong Garden” by Siouxsie and the Banshees

“Hong Kong Garden” by Siouxsie and the Banshees is an energetic post-punk song released in 1978, with a melody inspired by East Asian sounds. The song was reportedly inspired by a Chinese restaurant in England and, more deeply, by the racism and mistreatment its staff endured. Siouxsie Sioux uses her platform to express a sense of solidarity, while also creating a catchy and memorable tune with its jangly guitars and upbeat tempo.

The combination of punk energy with Eastern musical influences makes “Hong Kong Garden” a unique commentary on cultural clashes and the resilience of minority communities. It’s a song that intertwines cultural references with a strong message against racial intolerance.

#4 “Big in Japan” by Alphaville

“Big in Japan” by Alphaville, released in 1984, plays on the idea of fleeting fame, referencing how some Western artists or ideas become successful in Japan when they are struggling elsewhere. The lyrics, “Big in Japan tonight,” refer to someone who dreams of success in a distant land, where their troubles can be left behind. The song’s electronic synth-pop beat embodies the sound of the ’80s, blending escapism with a commentary on cultural fascination and fantasy.

While not literally about Japan, it uses the country as a symbol for distant success and the allure of a fresh start, capturing the yearning for reinvention and recognition in a faraway place.

#5 “One Night in Bangkok” by Murray Head

“One Night in Bangkok” by Murray Head, from the Chess musical, is a witty and sharp commentary on the city’s nightlife, filled with cultural observations. Released in 1984, the song contrasts the spiritual richness of Bangkok with the superficial pleasures that tourists often seek. The line, “The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free,” reflects this dichotomy between Western perceptions and the deeper cultural essence of Thailand. The song’s mix of Eastern instrumentation and funky beats creates an unusual but captivating sound.

With lyrics critiquing both hedonism and Western attitudes toward Eastern cultures, “One Night in Bangkok” remains a unique pop-cultural artifact, blending East and West through storytelling and a catchy melody.

#6 “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin

“Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin is a powerful rock epic, evoking a sense of grandeur and mysticism that aligns with its namesake region in South Asia. Released in 1975, the song’s lyrics reflect Robert Plant’s fascination with travel and distant lands, although Plant later clarified that the song wasn’t directly inspired by the region of Kashmir, but by his travels in Morocco. The song’s hypnotic, driving rhythm and orchestral arrangement add to its sense of expansiveness, mimicking the feeling of traversing vast, mysterious landscapes.

“Kashmir” is a metaphor for the journey of life, with its fusion of Eastern scales and rock music creating an unforgettable experience that transports listeners to another world.

#7 “Tokyo” by Imagine Dragons

“Tokyo” by Imagine Dragons, from their 2010 EP Hell and Silence, explores the excitement and alienation of being in a bustling city far from home. The lyrics capture the feeling of being a stranger in a foreign land, surrounded by vibrant lights, unfamiliar sounds, and a sense of detachment. The chorus, “Tokyo, I’ve never been so far away from home,” emphasizes the disconnection felt in such a chaotic, distant place. Musically, the song features Imagine Dragons’ signature energetic pop-rock sound, with catchy beats and an anthemic quality.

The track paints a picture of Tokyo as both a place of adventure and loneliness, encapsulating the bittersweet feeling of traveling far from the familiar.

#8 “China” by Tori Amos

“China” by Tori Amos is a haunting ballad from her 1992 album Little Earthquakes that uses China as a metaphor for emotional distance in a relationship. The lyrics, “China, all the way to New York, I can feel the distance getting close,” reflect the growing separation between two people, even when they’re physically near. The song’s delicate piano melody and Amos’ ethereal voice evoke a deep sense of longing and melancholy, perfectly mirroring the emotional barriers that the characters face.

While not directly about China, the country symbolizes vast distances and the emotional walls that people sometimes build in relationships, making the song a poignant reflection on love and isolation.

#9 “Indian Summer” by The Doors

“Indian Summer” by The Doors is a gentle, dreamy song that captures the mystical beauty of fleeting moments, much like the short-lived warmth of an Indian summer. Released in 1970, the lyrics, “I love you the best, better than all the rest,” speak of an enduring love set against a backdrop of natural beauty. The song’s minimalist instrumentation, led by Jim Morrison’s soft vocals, gives it a timeless quality, evoking images of long, sun-drenched days and a peaceful sense of serenity.

Though not directly about India, the title invokes the poetic image of an autumn warmth that feels nostalgic and fleeting, symbolizing a moment of calm and contentment in love.

#10 “China Roses” by Enya

“China Roses” by Enya is a mystical, atmospheric song from her 1995 album The Memory of Trees, weaving together delicate imagery of nature and faraway lands. The lyrics, “Who can tell me if we have heaven? Who can say the way it should be?” create a dreamlike vision of beauty and longing, with China serving as a metaphor for a distant, idealized world. Enya’s ethereal voice, paired with the song’s lush orchestration, evokes a sense of wonder and serenity, inviting listeners into a tranquil, reflective space.

The song’s reference to “China Roses” symbolizes both fragility and beauty, drawing on Eastern imagery to explore themes of longing, mystery, and the pursuit of spiritual peace.

#11 “Japan” by CocoRosie

“Japan” by CocoRosie is a whimsical and eclectic track that blends experimental sounds with poetic lyrics, capturing the duo’s unique blend of indie and avant-garde music. Released in 2010, the song doesn’t focus on Japan in a literal sense but uses it as a symbol of escape and fantasy. The lyrics are filled with surreal imagery, and the music itself feels like a journey through different sonic landscapes, much like traveling through a foreign, dreamlike country.

CocoRosie’s signature experimental style, combining elements of folk, electronica, and art-pop, makes “Japan” an abstract exploration of identity and place, where the destination is as fluid and imaginative as the journey itself.

#12 “Marrakesh Express” by Crosby, Stills & Nash

“Marrakesh Express” by Crosby, Stills & Nash is a vibrant folk-rock song that takes listeners on a train journey through the colorful and bustling streets of Marrakesh, Morocco. Released in 1969, the lyrics, “All aboard the train, all aboard the train,” invite the listener into a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and experiences, painting a vivid picture of the city’s lively market streets. The song’s upbeat rhythm and cheerful harmonies evoke a sense of wonder and adventure, much like the cultural richness of the city itself.

Though technically about Morocco in North Africa, the song connects to Asia through its evocation of the exotic, faraway allure of the East, as seen through the eyes of a curious traveler.

#13 “Shanghai Breezes” by John Denver

“Shanghai Breezes” by John Denver is a tender ballad that reflects on the loneliness of being far from home and loved ones. Released in 1982, the song tells the story of Denver’s experiences while touring in Asia, particularly in Shanghai, China. The lyrics, “And the moon and the stars are the same ones you see, it’s the same old sun up in the sky,” express the universality of love and longing, despite being separated by thousands of miles. Denver’s gentle vocals and acoustic guitar bring a sense of calm and reflection to the song, making it a heartfelt tribute to those distant connections.

The song beautifully captures the bittersweet feelings of isolation and connection that come with traveling far from home.

#14 “China Cat Sunflower” by Grateful Dead

“China Cat Sunflower” by Grateful Dead is a psychedelic rock song known for its surreal lyrics and free-flowing structure. Released in 1969, the song’s lyrics, “Look for a while at the China Cat Sunflower, proud-walking jingle in the midnight sun,” paint a vibrant and abstract picture, blending images of Eastern culture with the whimsical, free-spirited nature of the ’60s counterculture. The song’s winding, improvisational musical style mirrors the band’s signature sound, creating a sense of exploration and uncharted territory.

While the title suggests a reference to China, the song’s meaning is open to interpretation, offering listeners a glimpse into the Grateful Dead’s experimental approach to blending Eastern and Western imagery.

#15 “Oriental Beat” by Hanoi Rocks

“Oriental Beat” by Hanoi Rocks is a fast-paced, energetic rock song that draws inspiration from the band’s experiences in Asia. Released in 1982, the song is infused with the glam rock spirit that the band is known for, with lyrics that hint at the allure of Eastern culture. The title itself, “Oriental Beat,” reflects the band’s fascination with Asia, but rather than diving into deep cultural exploration, it serves more as a backdrop for the song’s high-energy celebration of adventure and youth.

With its driving beat and catchy guitar riffs, “Oriental Beat” captures the excitement of being in a foreign land, where everything feels new and exhilarating.

#16 “Taipei Person/Allah Tea” by Stone Sour

“Taipei Person/Allah Tea” by Stone Sour is a heavy, adrenaline-fueled track from their 2017 album Hydrograd, exploring themes of identity, power, and rebellion. The song’s cryptic title plays on the phonetic sound of “Type A Personality,” but also incorporates references to Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, blending Western and Eastern cultural elements. The hard-hitting guitar riffs and intense vocals create an aggressive, defiant atmosphere, as the song touches on feelings of frustration and empowerment.

The track’s East-meets-West title and its complex layers of meaning mirror the chaotic, fast-paced energy of modern global culture, where different influences collide and merge into something new and powerful.

#17 “Across the Great Wall” by Kitaro

“Across the Great Wall” by Kitaro is a stunning instrumental piece that captures the majesty and mysticism of one of China’s most iconic landmarks. Released in 1981, Kitaro’s mastery of synthesizers creates an ethereal, atmospheric soundscape that evokes both the ancient history and vast expanse of the Great Wall. The music swells with a sense of grandeur, mirroring the awe-inspiring feeling one might experience standing before such a monumental structure.

The track reflects Kitaro’s signature blend of Eastern and Western musical styles, blending traditional Chinese motifs with modern electronic elements. “Across the Great Wall” takes listeners on an auditory journey through China’s rich cultural heritage, offering a meditative and immersive experience.

#18 “In a Shanghai Mood” by Tokyo Blade

“In a Shanghai Mood” by Tokyo Blade is a heavy metal track that mixes the band’s hard-hitting sound with themes of mystery and allure associated with the city of Shanghai. Released in 1984, the song’s lyrics evoke a sense of adventure, drawing on the city’s reputation as an exotic, bustling metropolis filled with secrets. The fast-paced guitar riffs and aggressive drumming create a contrast to the imagined elegance of old Shanghai, combining the raw energy of metal with the intrigue of the East.

The song is a reflection of Western fascination with Shanghai as a symbol of the East’s glamour and mystique, embodying the band’s mix of edgy sound and worldly curiosity.

#19 “Bangkok” by Alex Chilton

“Bangkok” by Alex Chilton is a raw, post-punk track about the chaotic and vibrant nightlife of Thailand’s capital city. Released in 1978, the song’s lyrics describe a city where “money flows like wine,” reflecting both the excitement and excess associated with Bangkok’s underworld. Chilton’s sharp, almost sarcastic tone, paired with the gritty guitar work, gives the song a rebellious edge, capturing the sense of both attraction and danger that the city represents.

The song contrasts Western perceptions of Bangkok as a place of decadence and adventure, using the fast-paced rhythm to embody the frenetic energy of a city that never seems to slow down.

#20 “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” by The Flaming Lips

“Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” by The Flaming Lips is a whimsical and fantastical song that centers around a Japanese heroine named Yoshimi, who must fight robotic enemies to save the world. Released in 2002, the song’s lyrics, “Yoshimi, they don’t believe me, but you won’t let those robots defeat me,” give it the feel of an anime-inspired storyline, blending playful imagination with a sense of heroism. The electronic-infused sound and dreamlike melody create a surreal atmosphere that adds to the song’s offbeat charm.

The track is a blend of pop culture and Eastern influences, with the character of Yoshimi representing the strength and courage often associated with Japanese protagonists in sci-fi and adventure genres.

#21 “Bombay” by El Guincho

“Bombay” by El Guincho is a vibrant, tropical track that infuses electronic beats with a sense of wanderlust, invoking the bustling city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay). Released in 2010, the song’s lyrics are sparse, allowing the pulsating rhythm and hypnotic melodies to transport listeners into a state of euphoria. El Guincho’s mix of experimental pop and world music creates a sonic landscape that feels both exotic and familiar, blending cultures and sounds into a seamless journey.

While the song doesn’t delve into Bombay’s complexities, it captures the spirit of movement and discovery, embodying the excitement of exploring new places and experiences through its rhythmic beats and global influences.

#22 “Lady from Shanghai” by Roxy Music

“Lady from Shanghai” by Roxy Music is a track that blends mystery, romance, and the allure of the East, using Shanghai as a backdrop for a tale of intrigue. Released in 1973, the song’s lyrics are filled with cryptic imagery, painting a picture of a femme fatale in a glamorous yet shadowy setting. The sultry tone of Bryan Ferry’s vocals, combined with the band’s smooth, sophisticated sound, creates an atmosphere that’s both seductive and elusive.

The title nods to the cinematic noir genre, where Shanghai represents a world of secrets, deception, and exotic beauty. It’s a song that plays on the Western imagination of the East as a place of mystery and allure.

#23 “Midnight in Tokyo” by Y&T

“Midnight in Tokyo” by Y&T is a power ballad that captures the electric atmosphere of Tokyo at night. Released in 1983, the song’s lyrics, “Under the neon lights, the city comes alive,” reflect the vibrant energy of the city after dark. The powerful guitar solos and emotive vocals echo the feeling of excitement and adventure that comes with being in a city known for its dazzling nightlife. Y&T brings a sense of grandeur to the track, with soaring melodies that make it feel like an ode to Tokyo’s dynamic and fast-paced nature.

The song captures the allure of Tokyo, where tradition and modernity collide under the glow of neon lights, making it a celebration of the city’s unique character.

#24 “Sukiyaki” by Kyu Sakamoto

“Sukiyaki” by Kyu Sakamoto is one of the most famous Japanese songs to achieve international success, released in 1961. Its original title, “Ue o Muite Arukō,” translates to “I Look Up as I Walk,” and the song is a poignant reflection on sadness and resilience. Though the song is named after a popular Japanese dish for its Western release, the lyrics have nothing to do with food. Instead, they express deep emotions of heartache and perseverance, with Sakamoto’s soft, melodic voice conveying a sense of melancholy yet hope.

The song’s universal theme of looking up in difficult times resonated globally, making it a timeless classic that transcended language and cultural barriers.

#25 “Mongolia” by Ultramarine

“Mongolia” by Ultramarine is an atmospheric, instrumental track that captures the vast, untamed beauty of Mongolia’s landscapes. Released in 1992, the song is part of the British electronic duo’s album Every Man and Woman is a Star, known for blending ambient sounds with hints of folk and world music. The slow, meditative rhythm reflects the endless plains and rugged terrains of Mongolia, invoking a sense of solitude and expansiveness. The delicate use of synthesizers and percussion mimics the raw natural beauty that defines the region.

The song encapsulates the spirit of exploration and travel, with Mongolia serving as a symbol of open spaces and untouched wilderness, a place where time seems to stand still.

#26 “Kyoto” by Phoebe Bridgers

“Kyoto” by Phoebe Bridgers is a personal, indie rock track that uses the Japanese city as a backdrop for the singer’s introspective journey. Released in 2020, the lyrics, “I wanted to see the world through your eyes until it happened, then I changed my mind,” reflect feelings of disconnection and inner conflict, set against the cultural and historical richness of Kyoto. The song blends upbeat melodies with melancholic undertones, capturing the tension between the desire to escape and the longing for emotional closure.

Bridgers uses Kyoto symbolically, portraying it as a place of distant beauty, yet also highlighting the emotional distance between herself and her surroundings, making it a powerful reflection on identity and self-discovery.

#27 “China Grove” by The Doobie Brothers

“China Grove” by The Doobie Brothers is a classic rock song from 1973, blending Southern rock vibes with an imaginary tale of a small town in Texas named China Grove. While the song title hints at a Chinese influence, the lyrics paint a quirky picture of the town’s eccentric residents, rather than directly referencing Asian culture. The song’s infectious guitar riffs and lively tempo make it one of the band’s most memorable hits, with its playful lyrics adding a touch of humor to its rock-and-roll sound.

Despite the geographical confusion, “China Grove” captures the spirit of Americana while hinting at the idea of cultural fusion, making it a fun, upbeat track with a unique twist.

#28 “India” by Psychedelic Furs

“India” by Psychedelic Furs is a dark, post-punk song that evokes a sense of mystery and exoticism, using the country of India as a metaphor for the unknown. Released in 1980, the song’s lyrics are cryptic, with lines like, “India, I saw your people,” creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. The haunting vocals and brooding instrumentation capture the band’s signature sound, blending melancholy with intrigue. India is portrayed not as a literal destination, but as a symbol of something distant and unreachable.

The song explores the idea of cultural fascination and the allure of faraway places, making it a moody, introspective track that reflects the band’s philosophical and artistic leanings.

#29 “Bali Ha’i” by South Pacific Soundtrack

“Bali Ha’i” from the South Pacific soundtrack is a lush, romantic song that invokes the allure of a mystical island paradise. Written by Rodgers and Hammerstein for the 1949 musical, the song is sung by the character Bloody Mary as she describes the enchanting island of Bali Ha’i, which beckons to the listener from afar. The lyrics, “Bali Ha’i will whisper on the wind of the sea,” create a sense of longing and exotic beauty, capturing the island’s otherworldly charm.

While Bali Ha’i is a fictional place, the song evokes the allure of the South Pacific and the dream of escaping to a far-off, magical land, making it an enduring classic in American musical theater.

#30 “Bangkok Rain” by Jill Sobule

“Bangkok Rain” by Jill Sobule is a reflective folk-pop song about finding solace and connection in the vibrant, chaotic streets of Bangkok. Released in 2000, the song’s lyrics, “I walked through Bangkok in the pouring rain,” depict a traveler navigating both the physical and emotional landscapes of the city. Sobule’s gentle guitar work and soft vocals create an intimate atmosphere, contrasting the bustling urban environment with the personal journey of the protagonist.

The song captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by a foreign culture while finding moments of peace and clarity in the midst of it all, using the city’s rain as a metaphor for cleansing and renewal.

#31 “Tokyo Nights” by Bee Gees

“Tokyo Nights” by the Bee Gees is a disco-infused track that paints a picture of romance and adventure in the bustling streets of Tokyo. Released in 1979, the song’s lyrics tell the story of a fleeting love affair that takes place during a magical night in the Japanese capital. The catchy rhythm and Barry Gibb’s signature falsetto give the song a light, playful feel, capturing the excitement and allure of a cosmopolitan city where anything feels possible.

The song’s blend of disco beats and Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife creates a sense of escapism, making it a fun and nostalgic anthem for lovers of both romance and adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are many songs about Asia often symbolic rather than literal?

Songs about Asia frequently use the continent as a metaphor for distant or exotic places, symbolizing mystery, discovery, or emotional journeys. Artists are often drawn to Asia’s cultural richness, using it to evoke a sense of adventure or introspection.

Which genres commonly feature songs about Asia?

Songs about Asia appear across various genres, including rock, pop, electronic, and folk music. These diverse musical styles reflect the broad appeal and fascination with Asian culture, geography, and symbolism.

Do songs about Asia always reference specific countries or cities?

Not all songs about Asia mention specific places; some use Asia as a broader metaphor or theme. However, many songs do focus on particular cities or countries, such as Tokyo, Shanghai, or India, highlighting their cultural or historical significance.

What themes are often explored in songs about Asia?

Common themes in songs about Asia include exploration, cultural fascination, emotional distance, and romanticized visions of the East. These themes allow artists to convey both personal and universal experiences through the lens of Asian imagery and locations.