Japanese winter essentials
Discover all our tips for visiting Japan in the cold season!
pixabay / sharonang
Stay warm in all weathers!
The generally temperate climate of the country can vary depending on the region. In winter, it can be -5° in Sapporo (Hokkaido) to 15° in Naha (Okinawa)! Although it is relatively dry and rather sunny, it is better to take precautions before boarding the plane.
Buddha Jizô under the snow
Fabian Reus
Discover all our tips for a pleasant stay in Japan during the cold season!
Heating patches and warmers (kairo)
On sale in all supermarkets and pharmacies, kairo or heating patches will be your allies throughout your stay! The most popular are disposable warmers ( tsukaizute kairo ). You can find them in various sizes at the konbini , starting at 30 yen (about 0.30€). In supermarkets and pharmacies, it is possible to buy them in packs (cheaper!). Finally, note that there are "patch" versions to stick on your clothes . Once activated, a kairo emits heat for at least 10 hours; if not more!
Read : The Kotatsu
Pack of 30 heaters
kenko.com
The kairo comes in the form of a bag filled with a sandy material
Wikipedia
Haramaki Belt
The haramaki ( hara : "belly" and maki : "roll") is a wide elastic band of more or less thick fabric , worn on the stomach. This modern belt is inspired by those worn by samurai under their armour, although the usage is different. You can find haramaki made with various patterns and materials. A popular piece with women, it is used to warm the central part of the body , as well as the back. You can get haramaki in clothing stores and malls in Japan.
Haramaki, the Japanese heating belt
takuhitofujita
Haramaki armor on display at the Tokyo National Museum
Wikipedia
Medicines and travel insurance
As no one is ever safe from a cold snap, it is safer to leave with a small kit containing basic medication . Of course, it is possible to buy medicines on site but this will save you some inconvenience. Before leaving, remember to take out travel insurance ; in case you fall ill and need to consult, it will make your job easier. Finally, if you have a cold, wearing a surgical mask is the least polite. You will easily find some at the konbini , at the pharmacy and at the supermarket.
Japanese medicines
icoro
Person wearing a surgical mask in Japan
David Shackelford
Snow statues in Japan
pixabay / sharonang
Cover up well
Depending on where you plan to go in Japan, we strongly advise you to do some layering ; that is to say, to wear several layers of warm clothing ( heattech type). Don't forget to bring accessories against the cold: hat, gloves, scarves and woolen socks. If you are staying in a traditional house , bringing a hot water bottle could be useful. Finally, if you go to Japan for its mountains and winter sports, strongly think about taking sunscreen, as well as a good moisturizer!
Read also : The Japanese Alps, skiing and hot springs
Jigokudani Park Monkeys
Pixabay / Julienlstark
Japan-style cocooning
- Onsens
When the cold sets in and freezes your bones, nothing better than slipping into a nice hot bath . The Japanese thermal springs, onsen , will be the ideal destination for this winter! In addition, this season offers you a nice feature: enjoy the outdoor rotenburo baths... under the snow!
To read : 5 onsens for winter
- Taste winter dishes
After a good walk in the snow, how about warming up with a good nabe , the Japanese stew? On top of that, winter is the season for seafood in Japan, especially the tarabagani crab - highly sought after and whose price per kilo is around 250 euros! - and the fugu , the fish with toxic organs.
Find out more : Winter specialties
