A roundup of Kyoto’s local commercials: a special feature of ads you can’t help but keep watching
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!
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.
Suzakutei
This is a commercial for Suzaku-tei, a wedding venue located about a five-minute walk from Enmachi Station.
Many people probably remember the catchphrase, “Kyoto Enmachi, the town of bonds.” The video beautifully captures everything from the building’s exterior to its interior, and together with the violin BGM, it clearly conveys the venue’s pure and serene atmosphere.
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.
Kyoto’s Taste Spot Izumoya
This footage, showing two businessmen being interviewed on the street at Shijō Bridge, is a commercial for Izumoya—well known for the tagline “Kyo no Ajidokoro.” When the interviewer asks about Izumoya, they fluently extol its appeal: “It’s cheap, delicious, and clean…” They go on to explain in more detail that the eel and the Hyotan Bento are especially popular.
As it turns out, these two are actually employees of Izumoya.
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.
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 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.