Locals Still Use These 3 Kyoto Expressions

Three Popular Kyoto Phrases Every Traveler Should Know

Kyoto’s language is more than words—it's a window into centuries of etiquette, history, and elegant cultural nuance.

Kyoto has long been the cultural heart of Japan, a city shaped by aristocrats, artisans, monks, and refined traditions that continue to influence modern Japan. Understanding a few key Kyoto expressions not only enriches your experience but also deepens your appreciation for the city’s rhythm and spirit—especially when visiting iconic neighborhoods like Ninenzaka or enjoying local specialties such as yatsuhashi.

In this guide, we introduce three beloved Kyoto phrases that travelers often hear during festivals, dining experiences, and everyday encounters. Each phrase offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s distinctive blend of elegance and humility—qualities that make the city an essential stop on many Japan tours.

1. 「おおきに」 — Ōkini (Thank you / Much appreciated)

Unlike the standard Japanese arigatou, Kyoto locals often say Ōkini—a warm, friendly expression that conveys gratitude infused with Kyoto’s traditional charm. You’ll hear it while strolling the atmospheric streets of Ninenzaka, shopping for handcrafted sweets, or sampling yatsuhashi, Kyoto’s famous cinnamon mochi treat.

Hearing “Ōkini” while exploring these historic lanes feels like an invitation into the city’s softer, slower way of life. It’s one of the reasons Kyoto remains a traveler favorite on our Japan group tours, especially for visitors seeking cultural depth.

2. 「おこしやす」 — Okoshiyasu (Welcome)

This elegant Kyoto-style greeting reflects deep hospitality—more poetic than the standard irasshaimase.

The phrase beautifully captures Kyoto’s refined spirit. Whether you’re entering a traditional shop, checking into a ryokan, or meeting a guide before exploring the festival’s float processions, “Okoshiyasu” signals genuine welcome and cultural respect.

3. 「おたのもうします」 — Otanomōshimasu (A humble request / I am in your care)

This deeply polite Kyoto phrase is commonly used in the world of geiko and maiko culture. If you join a Maiko Dining Experience, you may hear this soft, graceful expression as a maiko begins her performance or greets the guests.

“Otanomōshimasu” carries a sense of humility and artistry—an acknowledgment that the host and guest are part of an important shared moment. It is one of Kyoto’s most culturally significant expressions, offering travelers rare insight into the etiquette of traditional performing arts.

How These Kyoto Phrases Enrich Your Travel Experience

Using or even simply recognizing these phrases helps travelers connect more deeply with Kyoto’s heritage. Kyoto dialect is gentle and poetic, reflecting the city’s long-standing values: respect, elegance, and harmony.

Whether you're wandering the stone paths of Ninenzaka, visiting a centuries-old temple, admiring a float during Gion Matsuri, or attending an intimate maiko dining event, these expressions deepen your sense of place and enrich your understanding of Kyoto’s timeless charm.

Planning a Trip to Kyoto?

Kyoto is a treasure trove of culture—from UNESCO temples to artisan workshops to atmospheric neighborhoods that preserve traditions spanning more than 1,000 years. If you're considering a visit, explore some of our curated tours that highlight the city’s most meaningful experiences:

Discover a Kyoto that goes beyond sightseeing—one full of language, meaning, and unforgettable cultural encounters.