Japanese Winter Hacks to Stay Warm and Save Money

Summary

In this video, the creator shares practical and budget-friendly Japanese winter hacks to stay warm, including unique methods for insulating windows with bubble wrap, using floor insulators with hot carpets, and layering bedding with velvety feel blankets and heated mats. Other tips include the use of portable heaters, warm socks, and compact drying methods for clothes in winter, all while maintaining energy efficiency. Additionally, the creator showcases how to prepare for the cold by cooking hearty, warming dishes like onabe. The video offers a wealth of tips for those looking to stay cozy during Japan’s chilly winters.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use double-sided bubble wrap on windows to keep the cold out while still allowing light to enter. It's an easy and budget-friendly insulation hack.
• 😀 Consider using a hot carpet with a foil insulating mat to reflect heat back into the room and warm up cold floors.
• 😀 Switch to velvet-feel blankets instead of sheets during winter to retain warmth, and consider using an electric blanket to keep cozy at night.
• 😀 Coin laundromats with large dryers are a cost-effective way to dry clothes in winter, especially when you don't have a dryer at home.
• 😀 Prepare hearty one-pot meals like *onabe* (Japanese hot pot) to warm your body in the cold. These meals are filling, affordable, and easy to make.
• 😀 Foot warmers and hand warmers are essential for staying warm when outdoors or indoors, and they can be easily activated and placed in clothing.
• 😀 Avoid using kerosene heaters if you have family members with asthma. Instead, consider using more efficient heaters like carbon or *hogen* heaters.
• 😀 Prepare your home for winter early by swapping out summer rugs and curtains, and give the house a thorough cleaning to ensure comfort during the colder months.
• 😀 Use bulk-buying strategies to save money on winter items, such as buying a large roll of bubble wrap to insulate multiple windows at a lower cost.
• 😀 When cooking for one, consider making meals in bulk to reduce waste, save energy, and ensure you have affordable and home-cooked meals for several days.

Q & A

What is the average winter temperature in Wakayama, Japan?

The average winter temperature in Wakayama is around 5°C, which is cold, especially for someone coming from Queensland, Australia.

What is the purpose of the bubble wrap for windows mentioned in the video?

The bubble wrap used for windows in Japan serves as an insulator. It blocks cold air from entering while still allowing light to come through, helping to keep the house warmer during winter.

How do you install the window bubble wrap?

To install the bubble wrap, you only need a spray bottle with water. You cut the bubble wrap to size and spray the window with water to adhere the bubble wrap, which is double-sided and acts as insulation.

What is a 'hot carpet' and how does it help keep the house warm?

A 'hot carpet' is a heated carpet that you place on the floor to keep warm. It helps by directing heat back into the room with the foil side up, ensuring that heat doesn't escape into the floor.

What are some ways the Japanese use bedding to stay warm during winter?

In Japan, people use velvety feel blankets instead of sheets and often use heated electric blankets. They also use a kotatsu, a heated table covered with blankets, to stay warm while seated.

Why doesn't the narrator use a kerosene heater this year?

The narrator decided not to use a kerosene heater this year because it affects her mother's asthma, and the narrator personally found it a bit smelly. Additionally, the house had to be ventilated regularly while using it.

What is the advantage of washing clothes at a coin laundry in winter in Japan?

In winter, many Japanese homes don't have dryers. Instead, the narrator uses coin laundries, where large dryers can dry clothes efficiently. The cost is about 100 yen for 8 minutes, which is more economical than owning a dryer.

How does the narrator save money on food and energy in winter?

The narrator practices conscious cooking by buying ingredients in bulk, using them for multiple meals, and freezing leftovers. This helps avoid food waste and saves on energy by cooking in larger batches rather than using energy for individual meals.

What is 'onabe' and why is it a popular winter dish in Japan?

'Onabe' is a Japanese hot pot dish where vegetables, protein, and sometimes noodles are cooked together in one pot. It's popular in winter because it is warming, filling, and easy to make. The narrator enjoys making onabe with kimchi and udon noodles.

What do Japanese people typically do with their futons in winter?

In winter, Japanese people often use velvety feel blankets instead of regular sheets, and they may also use a heated electric blanket. The narrator uses an all-season futon, which can be used throughout the year.