5 Winter Travel Essentials
After a never ending summer, the temperature drops quickly in Japan and we've put together 5 top essentials to keep you warm during winter!
Kairo (Heat Pack)
Japanese heat packs, known as kairo, will keep you warm and toasty all day long
For ultimate warmth ook for heat packs with the kanji ‘貼る’ on them, and stick the packs to on to the inside of your clothes (between your shoulder blades is my personal recommendation or for girlies with period pain, on your stomach is really good too)
Pair it with the kairo for your shoes, or socks, and you’ll be set for even the coldest of winters.
You can find all of these at convenience stores and drug stores, in case you're ever caught out in the cold
Airism??
You thought we'd say heat tech but no our hack for winter is actually Airism!
Hear us out - start with an Airism layer first as this will wick all the sweat away (perfect for when you're on the train or in a store that has the heater blasting)
On top of your Airism layer, wear your usual heat tech and that will still keep you warm for the cold weather
Canned Drinks
Did you know that in winter, both vending machines and convenience stores increase their range of hot drinks
Although we love a soothing honey lemon drink (perfect for if you're recovering for a cold too), the best way to stay warm is a canned hot drink (usually coffee or tea)
These warm cans act as perfect hand warmers before you enjoy your drink too!
One of our secret favourites are also the hot corn soup and hot clam miso soup - something hearty to keep you warm
Kotatsu
You’ve seen it in movies, drama and anime, but once you experience a kotatsu for yourself, you’ll know why it’s so hard to get out!
People will argue about whether it’s better to sit at the kotatsu with an ice cream in hand, or peel mikans while watching TV, but either way soon you’ll forget how cold it is outside and want to dive further into the kotatsu, pulling the blanket all the way up to your neck!
Just be careful to not fall asleep at the kotatsu though - a surefire way to wake up with a sore back and dry mouth.
Try: For a unique kotatsu experience Geibiki gorge in Iwate has a kotatsu on a boat! Take in the peaceful winter scenery while staying nice and toasty waterside! (http://www.geibikei.co.jp/en/)
In Tokyo, cafe stay happy in Shimokitazawa will pull out the kotatsu once it gets cold enough.
Onsen
There's nothing better than warming up in an on sen in the middle of winter - and there's nothing more megical than watching the snow fall whilst warming up in that onsen
Although it may be a little daunting for first timers, this is a uniquely Japanese experience that can't be missed
Let the warm onsen water melt away your initial nerves and stress!
Try: Some of the best winter onsen towns are found in the colder regions of Japan. Try either the Yamagata or Miyagi side of Zao onsen for powdery snow and warm baths.
If you like your onsen water HOT Iizaka onsen in Fukushima is the place to be. This lesser known spot is actually only 2.5 hours from Tokyo station, with easy access on the shinkansen and only one local transfer. After a quick dip in the baths, don’t forget to try the famous enban gyoza on your way home.
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