Miles from Home

It’s been consistently cold and snowy here in Buffalo, NY, the kind of cold that seeps into your bones and lingers. Even under layers of blankets, warmth feels out of reach. This frigid weather has me reminiscing about Japanese winters, which, in my experience, were far milder but carried a different kind of charm. I thought it might be fun to share some things that are synonymous with winter in Japan—those small comforts and traditions that bring warmth to the season.

1. Snow

When many people in Japan think of winter, snow is often the first thing that comes to mind. While regions like Kanto, which includes Tokyo and my hometown of Yokosuka, rarely see snowfall, the idea of snow in winter is woven into the culture. You see it used in symbolic effects in movies and TV dramas set in winter as something romantic and magical.

Did you know that Japan is home to some of the snowiest cities in the world? According to various studies, cities like Aomori, Sapporo, and Toyama consistently rank at the top. Aomori City, in particular, averages a staggering 312 inches of snow per year. For comparison, Buffalo—which often boasts about its snowy reputation—sees an average of 95 inches annually. Maybe I shouldn’t be complaining about how frigid it is here in Buffalo.

The heavy snowfall in Japan isn’t just a statistic; it shapes the local lifestyle. From snow festivals, with intricate ice sculptures in Sapporo to hot springs surrounded by snowy landscapes, the winter season in Japan is as much about celebrating the snow as it is about enduring it (even if you live somewhere that infrequently snows.)

2. Kotatsu

While snow often transforms Japan into a winter wonderland, the real charm of Japanese winters lies indoors—starting with the beloved kotatsu.

Picture this: a low wooden table draped with a thick futon blanket, a heat source tucked underneath. You sit on the floor with your legs under the table, enveloped in warmth. It’s a cozy cocoon that makes even the chilliest days feel bearable.

What’s surprising is that this ingenious contraption hasn’t caught on outside Japan. There’s something so satisfying about gathering around the kotatsu on a cold evening, often with a bowl of mandarins—or mikan, as we call them—within arm’s reach.

The phrase “kotatsu ni mikan” (mikan at the kotatsu) perfectly captures the nostalgic essence of winter in Japan. It’s a scene of simple pleasure: the warmth of the kotatsu, the sweetness of the fruit, and the sense of contentment that comes from being present in the moment. For me, it’s a reminder to savor life’s small comforts, especially when the world outside is covered in frost.

3. Nabe

Another indoor tradition that warms both body and soul is nabe, Japan’s take on the ultimate comfort food. Nabe is a hot pot dish that’s both a meal and an experience. Families and friends gather around a bubbling pot of broth, perhaps at a kotatsu, adding ingredients like fresh vegetables, tofu, and thinly sliced meat as they go. The steam rises, the flavors meld, and the act of sharing the meal brings people closer together.

Nabe isn’t just about the food—it’s about the togetherness it fosters. In my family, we’d often huddle around the pot on winter evenings, the smell of miso or soy-based broth filling the air. Each bite felt like a warm hug, a perfect counterbalance to the chill outside. I did write a little recipe article, Embracing Winter with Nabe: A Comforting Veggie-Packed Hot Pot, if you’re interested in trying it at home yourself!

Other Nominees

Other wintertime themes that hold a special place in the Japanese soul include Christmas, New Year’s, hot springs, and illuminations.

Christmas in Japan has taken on a unique character, distinct from its Western roots. It’s more of a festive occasion than a religious holiday, with a focus on light-hearted celebrations, colorful decorations, and, of course, the quintessential Christmas cake. Fried chicken (yes, KFC!) has also become an unexpected yet iconic Christmas tradition for many Japanese families.

I have two Christmas related articles: Lights, Chicken, Action: Celebrating Japanese Christmas and Why Christmas Eve is Japan’s Romantic Night if you’re interested in reading more about Japanese Christmas!

New Year’s, on the other hand, is steeped in tradition and reverence. It’s the most significant holiday in Japan, marked by customs like eating osechi ryori (special New Year’s foods), visiting shrines for hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year), and sending nengajo (New Year’s postcards). There’s a sense of renewal, reflection, and connection that defines the season.

Hot springs, or onsen, offer another layer of warmth to winter in Japan. There’s something magical about soaking in a steaming outdoor hot spring, surrounded by snow-covered landscapes. It’s the perfect way to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy the harmony of nature during the colder months.

Finally, illuminations bring a sparkling wonder to winter nights. Cities and towns across Japan light up with breathtaking displays of LED art, from romantic tunnels of light to sprawling landscapes of glowing designs. These illuminations create a magical ambiance that draws both locals and tourists alike.

In the end

Winter, no matter where you are, has a way of bringing people closer and inspiring moments of stillness and warmth. Reflecting on these Japanese traditions reminds me that even in the coldest months, there are countless ways to create comfort and joy—whether it’s sharing a hot meal, gathering under a cozy blanket, or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.

As I sit here in Buffalo, wrapped in layers and dreaming of a kotatsu, I’m reminded that winter is as much about finding warmth within ourselves and our surroundings as it is about enduring the chill. Wherever you are, I hope this season brings you moments of peace, connection, and your own little pockets of magic.