Last updated on October 10th, 2026 at 01:45 pm
4 Ways Japanese People Stay Warm in Winter
Japanese winters can be colder than you expect! That’s not only up in the north, where snow and ice festivals are common. Even in Tokyo or Osaka, the winter months can be tough for people from warmer climates. Here’s four ways you can stay warm and toasty and enjoy the peaceful Japanese winter.
1. Nothing like a warm can of coffee!
Japan is famous for vending machines. You can find them on any corner in the city, or even on long empty roads in the countryside. Did you know they sell hot drinks, too? Look for any drinks with a red button that says “あたたかい”. Usually, they come in a can or bottle that is a bit on the warm side. It’s a great way to keep your hands from freezing. Of course, you can find an even wider variety of these at the convenience store too.
You’re not limited to only coffee, either. They have green tea, black tea, and even corn soup is a common sight! Whatever you’re feeling, the machine has a warm drink to meet your tastes.
2. Winter foods to warm your body and soul.
We’ve got drinks down, now how about food? No food says ‘winter in Japan’ more than nabe! Nabe (鍋) is a kind of hot pot, filled with a flavored broth, lots of vegetables, and usually some meat added in. 2020 might not be the year for it, but nabe is a great way to share a meal with friends, whether at home or dining out. Everyone can fill up their own bowl, and you’re always welcome for seconds and thirds!
Nabe takes some time to prepare and cook, so what if you’re hungry now? Head to your local 7-11 or Lawson to try some oden (おでん)! Your first time in Japan, you might’ve even seen it without knowing what it was. In winter, most convenience stores will have oden on display near the register. If you saw a lot of different vegetables sitting in a stew, that’s oden.
Unlike regular nabe, which has a lot mixed in, you can pick and choose exactly what you want in your oden for a great price! Don’t know where to start with all the options? Two of the most popular are daikon (Japanese radish) and boiled egg. Give it a try! A different cultural experience than the rolling hot dogs you see at 7-11 in America, for sure.
One more warm winter food is a piping-hot yakiimo (焼き芋), or roasted sweet potato. You can often find these fresh-made in supermarkets, or even from sellers on the street. It’s greatness is in the simplicity – a roasted sweet potato, no seasonings or additives needed.
3. Kotatsu
It looks like any ordinary table on top, but it’s a special winter tool in almost 50% of Japanese households. A kotatsu (こたつ) has a heater under the tabletop, and the special blanket helps to keep the heat in. This makes it the spot in the house you want to be – no need to turn on the other heaters! Add a bowl full of mikan on top for an iconic Japanese winter image.
If you’re using a kotatsu, people tell you to avoid falling asleep. They say you’ll catch a cold if you do. It might be true, but actually, experiments haven’t proved it either way yet. For sure though, you don’t want to touch the heating element in your sleep. Be sure to practice good safety usage with your nice and cozy kotatsu!
4. Beat the cold with a trip to an open-air onsen
Being outside in the winter is one thing, but taking a trip to the open-air bath? It’s more common than you think! Going on a winter onsen trip is a great way to spend the day or weekend outside of the city. Not every onsen has an open-air bath, so if you’re interested, look for one that has “露天風呂” (rotenburo). Crisp, cool air around your head with the hot spring water keeps you feeling refreshed. It’s so warm, you need to be careful when you’re getting in/out or staying in too long – avoid heat shock!
Of course, there’s lots of other ways to conquer the cold. Pocket warmers, and aircon heaters, and so on are necessary too, but these are a few ways to do so in a fun Japanese way.
3 Tips for Staying Warm as an ALT in Japan
Finally, here’s some practical advice from one of our ALTs at Interac
“Check your apartment’s rules about kerosene heaters and make sure they’re okay before getting one. If in doubt, ask an Interac staff member in your local office and they can point you in the right direction. There are other kinds of electric heaters you can buy as well, and they work for keeping a particular spot warmer.”
“Placing plastic packing around windows can help keep drafts down and keep heat in. These are sold in drugstores and home centers. I’ve used different kinds of bubble wrap, plastic sheets, and tape to seal off the windows and add an extra layer between the inside and outside.”
“Bundle up when going outside. You want some layers of insulation between you and your coat. A knit cap, gloves, and scarf also helps a lot if you are going to be outside, waiting for a bus or train. There are chemical hand warmers (“kairo”) you can buy and put in your pocket or stick inside your clothes that give off heat, and these can help you feel warmer when outside.”
Made it through winter, enjoyed spring, and heading into summer? Don’t forget to check out our article on how to stay cool!
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