How to Stay Warm in Winter

When I first arrived in Japan in 1987, it was a freezing day in January. With flurries outside, I entered an unheated apartment, with no running hot water and drafty windows. It hasn't become any warmer but I've learned there is a method to beating the chill factor!

If you can't insulate the whole house, then insulate yourself. Invest in a safe KOTATSU TABLE. This is your first line of defense. A table with a heating element under the top and a blanket draped all around so you can stay cozy and warm - at least from the waist down. It serves as a convenient place to dry wet socks and ferment natto as well. Just don't let anything catch fire!

A HEATED CARPET is another key item. The downsides are that it will hit your utility bill and it is difficult to store during summer. My husband took ours and put it under the kotatsu table so he can heat his butt and his feet at the same time. Go figure.

It is worth investing in proper WINDOW COVERINGS. Since you can't do much about the poorly insulated buildings, you can do your best by keeping the cold from entering the windows. I find that double layers - a combination of blinds (preferable cellular type) and curtains - can insulate a room dramatically. Also, we make the most of the sunny moments by opening the blinds and letting the sun heat the air!

The Japanese also have a number of traditional ways to keep warm, such as wearing a heavy quilted indoor jacket (hanten) or sitting around a kerosene heater. Creating small spaces with sliding doors and partitions also helps conserve heat. Some older homes and temples still use charcoal-burning hibachis (but these must only be used where there is plenty of fresh air - outdoors, near an open window, entry hall).

Finally, the best way to warm up the body and soul is to soak in a steaming HOT BATH. Soak until you are as red as a lobster and then dash out, dress warmly and crawl into bed! A glass of warm sake or red wine doesn't hurt either.