Winter is coming. Though it rarely freezes, Japan gets really, really cold. You can blame the wind. You can blame the lack of central heating in Japan . You can blame whatever you want. But blaming won’t prepare you for the rare days it snows, when the trains stop in Tokyo , and you need to take a taxi home. You have to be ready. Here are seven MUSTS for surviving the Japanese winter.

1. Space Heater (ヒーター／ストーブ)

You will probably need a space heater in Japan. Japanese buildings do not traditionally have central heating. This means mornings will be cold. I have woken up many times in the past, shivering, teeth chattering, because I didn’t have one. Nowadays, a lot of modern apartments have started to include central systems, but if you’re living anywhere old, cheap, or “Japanesey”, then good luck surviving without it.

They’re not expensive. You can get a decent one for 3000–4000 Yen, and they’re easy to use. Just be careful not to put it too close to things. I’ve had a few incidents before that made it very clear I should be careful of the heat.

2. Humidifier (加湿器)

Tokyo’s winter is very dry. Nosebleeds, cracked lips, and static shocks are all common at this time of year. A wet towel over your heater could help, but you’re better off just investing in a proper humidifier for winter. It doesn’t have to be fancy – even the small ones from Donki or Nitori work fine.

Without it, you’ll wake up feeling like you swallowed sand. With it, you won’t – you’ll feel normal. Normal is good. Don’t neglect your health. Skin care and respiratory comfort matter more than you think.

3. Proper Bedding (毛布と羽毛布団)

When you sleep, your body cools down whether you like it or not. That means, for winter, you’ll really need good bedding – or you’ll risk getting sick. Thankfully, Japan is actually quite good here. The average futon and duvet is thick and well-insulated.

But if you want to stay truly warm, get a feather duvet (umō futon) and stack a blanket on top. Heated carpets and electric blankets help too. The difference between a cheap blanket and a real duvet is the difference between sleeping and suffering. It’s not extravagance. It’s survival.

4. Good Housing (断熱・日照権)

Sunlight matters in winter housing. Apartments with poor sunlight exposure (nisshōken) stay cold all day, making life unbearable. Construction firms do try to plan for this, but there’s only so much they can do.

If your room faces north, you’ll never get real warmth. Make sure your windows are sealed and free of drafts. South-facing rooms get more light, more heat, and a better mood. It’s the one detail that changes everything for free. When house-hunting, remember: direction is insulation.

5. Winter Clothing for Indoors

Yes, the kotatsu is nice and comfortable. Get one. But if you want to save on heating bills, dress warmly indoors. Invest in fleece loungewear, thick socks, and thermal wear. Layer properly – warmth first, looks later.

With the right layers, you can relax at home without extra heating. Nobody will judge your indoor outfit; everyone in Japan does this in winter. What matters is staying warm, not fashion.

6. The Bathhouse

It’s a bit of a pain to walk to the local sentō or onsen, but this will definitely keep you healthy during the cold months. Bathhouses help blood flow, skin, and muscles recover, keeping your body ready for the season.

They’ve been a staple of Japanese winter culture for centuries. And now, with many allowing tattoos, even foreigners can comfortably enjoy a soak as a way to stay warm and unwind.

7. Winter Foods

This one’s more for when you’re out, but Japanese winter food is a survival tool on its own. Just as summer is for kakigōri, winter is for yakiimo, nabe, and oden.

By November, every convenience store starts selling oden — the best way to warm your body for a few hundred yen. Try daikon, shirātaki, mochi, whatever catches your eye. Add in hot canned coffee or lemon drinks , and you’ll feel life return to your fingertips.

Final Summary

Japan’s winters are not deadly, but biting in ways you don’t expect. The dry air, poor insulation, and lack of central heating all add up. Preparation is everything.

A space heater, humidifier, warm bedding, good sunlight, indoor clothes, bathhouse visits, and comfort food – that’s all you really need. The rest is attitude.

Keep your room warm, your air moist, and your body relaxed. Surviving winter in Japan isn’t about toughness. It’s about knowing how Japan really works – and working with it.