Easy Kansai Dialect Guide: Key Phrases You Can Use During Travel

• Table of Contents
• What is Kansai-ben(Kansai Dialect)?
• Differences between Standard Japanese and Kansai-ben(Kansai Dialect)
• Examples of Kansai-ben(Kansai Dialect) Useful During Travel
• Japanese Works That Frequently Use Kansai-ben(Kansai Dialect)
• Recommended Things to Do in Kansai

Kansai dialect is one of the most common dialects spoken in the Kansai region, including Osaka and Kyoto, and has distinctive vocabulary and intonation depending on the region. Many people may have heard it on television or in movies, but the situations in which it is actually used and the ways of expression are unique and different from standard Japanese.

What is Kansai-ben(Kansai Dialect)?

Kansai dialect is the general term for the dialects used in the Kansai region of Japan, and is widely spoken mainly in Osaka Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, and Wakayama Prefecture . Although it is often lumped together as "Kansai dialect," there are actually slight differences in vocabulary and intonation depending on the region, and each dialect has its own unique characteristics rooted in its own region.

For example, Osaka dialect is said to have a fast tempo and a friendly impression, while Kyoto dialect is said to have many refined and soft expressions. In Wakayama and Shiga , even different tones and expressions are used, so even though it is called "Kansai dialect," it is not a single unified language.

In this way, the Kansai dialect is a language that strongly reflects the culture and history of the Kansai region, and its diversity is one of its charms. You will often hear it when traveling or in everyday conversation, and it can also be an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the region.

Differences between Standard Japanese and Kansai-ben(Kansai Dialect)

There are many differences between standard Japanese and Kansai dialect, such as pitch, word endings, and expression methods. While both are Japanese, the impression they give can change dramatically depending on how they are spoken. Here we will explain the main differences.

Standard Japanese vs. Kansai-ben — Key Differences at a Glance

Examples of Kansai-ben(Kansai Dialect) Useful During Travel

When traveling in the Kansai region, it's useful to learn a little Kansai dialect to make conversations with the locals more enjoyable. Here we'll introduce some example sentences in Kansai dialect that you can use while traveling, divided into two situations: "when eating at a restaurant" and "when shopping."

When shopping

■ How much is this?
Kansai dialect: これ、なんぼですか？（kore nannbo desuka?）
Standard Japanese: これ、いくらですか？（kore ikura desuka?）

■ Which one should I choose?
Kansai dialect: どっちにしよかな（docchini shiyokana）
Standard language: どっちにしようかな（docchini siyoukana）

Travel-Ready Kansai-ben: Practical Phrases You Can Use Today

Japanese Works That Frequently Use Kansai-ben(Kansai Dialect)

Check out the links below to see Japanese works that make striking use of the Kansai dialect!

Discover Japanese Works Featuring Kansai-ben

Recommended Things to Do in Kansai

Watch a Baseball at Kyocera Dome

Kyocera Dome Osaka , home of the ORIX Buffaloes , is an urban dome with easy access from central Osaka. It's about an hour from Kansai International Airport and about 30 minutes from Osaka Station. The nearest stations are Domemae-Chiyozaki Station on the Osaka Metro, Domemae Station on the Hanshin Namba Line, and Taisho Station on the JR Lines. As it's a completely indoor stadium, you can watch games comfortably even in the heat of midsummer or on rainy days, and it's also great for planning trips away from home.

Check here for ways to enjoy Kyocera Dome even more

Orix Buffaloes Schedule — Upcoming Games & Tickets

Enjoy the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025

If you're visiting Osaka, we recommend making the Osaka-Kansai Expo (EXPO 2025) a central part of your itinerary. Held at Yumeshima in 2025, each country's pavilion will be based on the theme of "Designing a Future Society for Life," allowing visitors to experience the possibilities of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and food culture. There will also be plenty of hands-on exhibits and programs for kids, and the evening illuminations are not to be missed.

Osaka–Kansai Expo 2025 Guide — Pavilions, Routes & Tips

If you're planning a trip to Kansai, be sure to combine the Osaka -Kansai Expo 2025 with a game ORIX Buffaloes at Kyocera Dome Osaka .

Buy Sports & Entertainment Tickets in Japan — on Tickets in Japan