Have you ever found yourself captivated by a commercial that happened to play on TV or a video site, and ended up watching it intently? Kyoto’s local commercials are packed with the unique charm and culture of the ancient capital, with clever touches that draw you in—even within a short clip.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of local commercials from Kyoto Prefecture.
You might come across ones you recognize, or discover videos you’ve never seen before.
Be sure to take your time and check them out!
- Shiga Prefecture Local Commercial Guide: A Collection of Community-Focused Advertisements
- [Kansai Region Local] A compilation of local commercials broadcast in Kansai
- A comprehensive introduction to Hyogo Prefecture’s local TV commercials: a collection of ads loved by the community
- A roundup of local commercials from Osaka Prefecture—all at once. Including those catchy phrases you can’t help but hum.
- Nara Prefecture local commercial special: introducing memorable advertisements
- [Famous] Compilation of Local Commercials from Across Japan
- Compilation of Gekkeikan commercials. Commercials from a Kyoto-based sake manufacturer.
- [Nagoya Commercials] A Collection of Local Commercials from Aichi Prefecture
- A showcase of local commercials from Ishikawa Prefecture: memorable regional ads
- Local commercials broadcast in Hokkaido
- Local commercials from Shizuoka Prefecture: from regional chains to souvenir ads.
- A collection of local commercials from Kagoshima Prefecture. A roundup of nostalgic classic ads and catchy phrases that stick in your head.NEW!
- List of local commercials in Okinawa Prefecture. Classic corporate commercials too
Introducing a batch of Kyoto local commercials. A collection of ads you can’t help but watch (1–10)
Iwata Gofukuten (Iwata Kimono Shop)
Starting with a scene where someone compliments a kimono in Kyoto dialect, this is a commercial for Iwata Gofukuten (Iwata Kimono Store).
It has been broadcast for many years as a local Kyoto commercial, and the phrase “That’s Iwata, you know” is well-known.
It continues to be produced with the same timeless style, and many people from Kyoto likely feel a sense of comfort when they see it.
Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo Yuko
Nama yatsuhashi is a classic Kyoto souvenir sweet.
Among them, the product Yuko by Izutsu is carried by many souvenir shops throughout Kyoto Prefecture.
Many of you may also recognize the gentle original melody that plays in its commercials.
Kyoto Bank
Speaking of local Kyoto commercials, you can’t leave out Kyoto Bank’s ads! Their catchy slogan, “A loooong relationship,” is memorable, and it’s famous for featuring all sorts of long things.
In the commercial being introduced this time, there’s a scene of harvesting daikon radishes—and they’re incredibly long.
Many viewers probably felt like quipping, “How long is that thing?!” as the radish just wouldn’t come out of the ground no matter how hard they pulled.
Kyoto Bank’s ‘Senryu Theater’ series is also well-known.
KBS Housing Center
This is a commercial for the KBS Housing Center, a model home exhibition site that used to be located along National Route 9 in Kameoka.
The structure—showing the model homes inside the exhibition grounds while introducing the location with a detailed map—really gives it that local commercial feel, doesn’t it? I imagine many people will also recognize the sound logo singing “KBS Housing Center” that plays at the end of the commercial.
Keihan Electric Railway
Speaking of the commercials for the Keihan Railway, which connects Kyoto with Osaka and Shiga, the catchy phrase “Ride Keihan, Okeihan” really stands out, doesn’t it? A woman named something-“keiko” appears and serves as the commercial’s character as the “Nth-generation Okeihan.” In addition to showing the interiors and exteriors of Keihan trains, the videos are characterized by a Kyoto vibe, featuring elements like maiko, Buddhist monks, and charming traditional streetscapes.
Kyoto Cuisine Daigo
This place, where you can admire a waterfall from inside the restaurant—a sign of those wonderfully prosperous times—is Kyoto Cuisine Daigo.
The thick Kansai dialect line, “This ain’t a place to get pounded by the waterfall; this here’s a place to get carried away by it,” really leaves an impression.
It highlights both the elegance and the fine taste, and the ad stirs a sense of nostalgia with the lively spirit unique to that era.
Maizuru Port Toretore Center
This is a commercial that cheerfully introduces the Toretore Center at Maizuru Port, where you can enjoy fresh seafood.
It clearly showcases the details of the facility and what you can eat there, building excitement for the experience.
The smiling staff speaking to viewers also conveys that it’s a fun place to visit.
