Winter In Japan - How To Survive Cold Small Japanese Apartment Guide 日本の冬

A tour of the coldest parts of my Japanese Apartment! How do YOU survive the winter?
*As a precaution for using kerosene, my description of 'cracking a window' doesn't illustrate how much ventilation is actually necessary - open your window wide.
Is Japan cold? The Japanese winter is very cold! I'm a live in Fukushima, just north of Tokyo, and I've seen so much more snow than my time in Tokyo. Here's a brief tour of my small Japanese apartment, and a Japanese apartment guide on how to survive the cold in Japan - the Winter in Japan will get you if you don't take care of insulation and a decent heater. I hope you enjoy your winter in Japan and survive cold weather while spending your time in Japanese winter! 日本の冬
Due to Japanese apartment design, the walls arn't insulated and the windows are single pane, leading to a very cold apartment in Japan! There really should be a part 2 of this Japanese apartment guide, I havn't even mentioned the snow shovelling, or people's love of kotatsu, heated tables that many people have.
I may make a Japan survival guide to get you through Japanese Winter in your small Japanese apartment, consisting mostly of wearing slipper boots and mulled wine. Yes Japan is cold, but the 'hot wine' takes the edge off. You'll definitly have a Japanese apartments tour soon, now that my Japan small apartment looks much prettier!
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[@Marhava2023]

5:01 これは一定の効果はあるが、春になったらすぐに取り外さないとガラスに張り付いて取れなくなる。遅れると、紫外線ですぐにボロボロになる。こうなってからだときれいに取り外せなくなりガラスが非常に汚くなる。 最初の年に一回やれば、二度とやりたくないと思う筈だ。幸運を祈る。

[@tsiefhtes]

Agreed, I live in a old company house built for Boeing employees post WW2. The Homes in my neighborhood are built solid but as cheaply as possible with non-existent insulation as natural gas was dirt cheap in the late 40s and early 50s. To keep in the heat we tried the bubble wrap but but had the same mess problem, now we use home made thermal curtains made from blankets.

[@beeenie822]

I would say woolly socks, scarfs and beanies. Warm food and drinks and go to bed early under a warm blanket.

[@JasonIsLost]

Far more sensible! Thanks for watching!

[@miroslavzima8856]

@@JasonIsLost Our former accountant did following. From work he went to local pub. He just took newspaper or book, bought some beer and food (and chainsmoked cigarettes - it was allowed at that time). In the evening he took bath and directly to bed. He NEVER used his heating (only for hot water - electricity).

[@ScottMason-ss8ww]

​@@miroslavzima8856tight arse, no wonder he was an accountant!, 😉🔥

[@Ater_Draco]

My tips are - heat the body. Buy a heated throw blanket for times you're sitting around the home. - wear layers, and natural material where possible. - use draught excluders under doors. (If you can't buy them in Japan, you can easlly make them. Or buy some old towels from a secondhand shop, roll up into sausages and use as draught excluders.) - if the bubble wrap doesn't work on the door, you can buy over the doo curtain rods to hang a thermal curtain. (Or any curtain will do.) Re: the kerosene heater, if you don't already have one, please invest in a carbon monoxide alarm

[@JasonIsLost]

Excellent points! Thanks for watching!

[@stevem6259]

A couple of years ago I bought a dog basket warmer. Stick it in the microwave for 7-8 minutes and you have a hot "water" bottle that last all night - and much cheapness too!

[@JasonIsLost]

Excellent idea! Thank you for contributing, I hope you enjoy my new videos!

[@aliciacuoco8273]

I use a full sized feather blanket with a duvet cover. I found one for cold weather. It was good enough for me to sleep outside in a tent with 19 degrees farenhight/-7.22 Celsius. No problem for the winter in Japan.

[@JasonIsLost]

Sounds cozy! Thanks for watching! I hope you’ll check out my newer videos!

[@debeckersley3850]

Years ago I bought a kerosene heater at a hardware store. Shortly after I purchased it, they were banned here in the U.S. (That explains the good price on it) I still used it, as I needed to. My asthma skyrocketed, and I had to go to the ER. When I got home, I took it outside to burn off the rest of the kerosene. I had to open all my windows and turn my fans on to get rid of the fumes. The next day I bought a wood stove. When I go home, I broke up the kerosene heater with a sledge hammer and sold it for scrap.

[@j.ownbybuilders]

They do suck but they still sell them in my part of u.s.

[@TheZorch]

I wonder, how readily available is propane in Japan? You can get propane tank refills almost everywhere here in Texas. The smell isn't as strong, but propane does produce a lot of moisture when it burns.

[@cbakerarmy25]

Sounds like you don't know how to use a kerosene heater

[@efkay93]

​@@TheZorchParaffin (kerosene) also produces water when burning. Need to run a dehumidifier alongside those heaters! 😮

[@theproplady]

I have some sewing skills, so I took a fleece blanket and made myself a robe. It isn't pretty, but it keeps me warm. I also have some fleece slippers with vinyl botttoms. Protects against the chill of the floor.

[@ExploringWithJason]

Damn! That's really solid advice! I have one of those big double sliding glass doors to the balcony and a metal door leading outside, gonna get some bubble wrap 😸

[@JasonIsLost]

I'm pleased I could help! I hope you survive!

[@downtoearth1950]

We always wear warm clothing before adding any heating

[@Su-ri5ob]

I would definitely want better curtains, even using blankets or other curtains to layer them up. I'd also be using a door 'sausage' to cut down in the draught from underneath the door.

[@DHogg-w5u]

Wool or down duvet on the bed. Thermal curtains on the windows and a door curtain on a rod over the exterior doors. Also clear plastic heat shrink on windows and patio doors. I’d you have hardwood floors, carpets are a must.

[@Katiekatie948]

Try adding insulation to existing curtains. I sewed a fleece blanket to the curtains….wow, no more drafts, and noticeable warmer room, but also blocks the heat in the summer

[@JasonIsLost]

Yes I suffer with drafts too, sounds like a great idea! Thanks for watching!

[@zsuzsasvendsen3976]

Wool underlayers are brilliant. Learnt about them while I lived in Norway. They are soft and comfortable and really keep you warm.

[@JasonIsLost]

This is a great idea! Thank you watching! New 2024 Lucky Bag Unboxing video is now Live!

[@Ts7005]

Agree, but expensive.

[@PoeticOsmosis]

Hell, I stuffed plastic wrap where the drafts were because of a snow storm, it works great. 😂 I don't understand why they're not using central heating, that's insane. No to a gasoline heater for sure

[@sly5346]

Dude, you really do want those curtins longer. It's going to keep that wind flow down. 🌬

[@mcouturex]

Lol great vlog I don’t even live in Japan, but I thought it was quite interesting to hear how cold it gets and your bloopers at the end was funny loved it😂✨

[@JasonIsLost]

I hope you enjoy my recent videps! I had to watch this again after reading that, I'd forgotten the ending. Thanks for watching!

[@pakeshde7518]

Resisto M2m reflective bubble wrap is even better.

[@Tokoroegao]

My one winter in Japan was the coldest I've ever been. I duck taped the windows shut, because they were so loose, I could reach a hand through. 😀 Could have really used your tricks then.

[@mitchellwilley7208]

id recommend alpaca or merino wool for winter clothing, if you cant afford them filament fleece are a great cheap bang for your buck option, but sherpa fleece and polartech are warmer but more expensive. Another idea is to use a heated blanket when not moving around. weather strip around your windows and doors as well.

[@JasonIsLost]

Heated blanket sounds ideal! Thanks for watching!

[@Sirtohu]

Im Japanese and this video helps me so much

[@JasonIsLost]

I’m pleased you enjoyed it! I hope you’ll enjoy my newer videos!

[@fusedglass01]

Um.. surviving winter tip from where I'm at.. make sure to have a long sleeve shirt, FL , USA. Id trade that shirt for a parka if I were able to live in Aomori. Japan doesn't have a retirement visa available yet like a lot of countries. Stay warm and thanks for the videos.

[@Dusty3032]

So I lived in Japan for 13 years. Kerosene was the go to option. There was a time when I lived in Hakuba durring ski season. Everything here is spot on and gold.

[@JasonIsLost]

Thank you for watching, do check out my new videos!

[@ClairePetersen-p6d]

Long underwear is my go to for staying warm and protecting from pulled muscles

[@pegz.3959]

We’re in the US. We head south for the winter 😅

[@bryan314]

Put your bubbles toward the window and it'll work better.

[@JasonIsLost]

Yes I bet it would! Thanks for watching!

[@samiko6091]

Imagine the landfill for those little packs :( and the cost! And the fuel.... 🤯 if your tips were more eco friendly you could make awesome videos :) nicely made video

[@rq11w45]

thank you for sharing those ideas , I live in Yamagata , it is very cold in these wooden apartments

[@JasonIsLost]

I hope you’re surviving! Thanks for checking out my videos!

[@UserUser0102]

Thank you so much for your work making this video And showing the Kerosin Heater I have one and before not really understand it But it works incredible good up to the minute when needed

[@JasonIsLost]

Thank you for watching, glad I could help! Make sure you're ventilated and it works wonders!

[@dragontoothless4351]

Getting ready to move to Hokkaido, so this will be helpful. ^^

[@JasonIsLost]

Oh yes, perfect! I still wish to return to the snow festival. Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoy my new videos!

[@jackwiththefish2973]

You need *at least* one Carbon Monoxide alarm for your apartment when you're running the kerosene heater. Two would be better. Carbon monoxide is a scentless poisonous gas that results from fuel not burning cleanly and it can be deadly in very small amounts. A smoke alarm might be in order too if you don't have one, but please do not get a dual smoke alarm/carbon monoxide detector. The KZbin channel Technology Connections has a video explaining why those dual devices are dangerous. But you definitely need one of each right now.

[@JasonIsLost]

Yes detectors are a necessary precaution! Thanks for watching!

[@LLjean-qz7sb]

In the USA we use RED containers only for GASOLINE, and BLUE containers for KEROSENE! Do you have anything like that in Japan?

[@Ater_Draco]

I'd imagine every country has it's own regulations or common usage. In my country red is for leaded petrol, green for unleaded, black for diesel, and yellow or blue for paraffin / kerosene. In western Japan, they use blue cans for paraffin / kerosene, in eastern Japan, they use red cans

[@kathytomesh7936]

You can cover the walls with large white Styrofoam sheets on walls to cover the cold exterior walls . It looks like walls, it works great and makes a huge difference. I live in the northern part of the US. We get as low as -40. Kerosene heaters are not safe used inside. Try an electrical ceramic heater instead. A heating blanket will warm your bedroom. Stay warm!

[@JasonIsLost]

I bet styrofoam works wonders! Thanks for watching!

[@ResidentEvilBiohazard]

I would need to stack space heaters. I loathe the cold...and I lived in one of the coldest states in the u.s. until last year.

[@JasonIsLost]

And now I'm in the humidity turning my AC down to a temperature I would never accept in winter...

[@Stephaney-s1h]

I just learned about using bubble wrap to insulate windows, and I'm wondering how well the small bubble wrap worked. I saw online that the larger the bubble, the better it insulates, but it seems like the bigger bubbles would be harder to get to stay on the windows, especially small panes like in a door. I also saw that the bubble side goes against the glass. Curious because I just ordered a huge roll of the big bubbles kind and wondering if I got the best option. 😊

[@pegz.3959]

If you are using water, the smooth side against the glass.

[@Stephaney-s1h]

@pegz.3959 that's what I thought too. It makes more sense, but you know how the internet is. One says this way, one says the opposite 🙂

[@konsstar]

​@@pegz.3959 why? it seems that bubbles agains glass would create extra air pockets between glass and the smooth side and that would improve insulation?

[@deeRay7292]

​@@konsstarBc that side doesn't stick

[@pegz.3959]

@@konsstar The only reason I was told is that if you use the smooth side you can use water to get it to stick. Otherwise you have to use tape or another way to get it on there. I believe though that there wouldn’t be much of a difference as far as insulating quality 🤷‍♀️

[@2xtreem4u]

My Swedish 1950s apartment with old drafty windows isn't better (go near them and you feel the cold)

[@JasonIsLost]

I hope you’re surviving! Thank you for checking out my videos!

[@godden18]

Glad to see you back brother. May I ask if you're anywhere near the fukushima incident? Any chance of doing a video on it(after effects on ppl that lived there at the time of it happening) or getting anywhere near the blocked off area?

[@JasonIsLost]

Thanks for watching! I'm essentially in a city far from the effects that housed those affected. I'm considering some appropriate avenues such as sharing people's new lives, so we'll see. stay tuned!

[@dianeladico1769]

Could you order window insulator kits? I couldn't see the detail of the window frame well enough to see if it would go inside the screen or not but you could either remove the screens or pick a position you like and put the insulator kits on the innermost wood frame. Now you could put it on the metal frame nearest the window but what you really want is an air gap for the best insulation. They really are terrific. If you put it on the wood frame you'll not only have the air gap (similar to what the bubble wrap does but better) but it completely seals against air infiltration and 3M has very large kits for patio doors that should fit. Properly installed it fits as tight as a drum and makes a dramatic difference. Plus they're crystal clear so you can still enjoy the view and get the undiffused radiant heat from the sun during the day. And get the 3M. Knockoffs don't always stick well and their plastic sheeting isn't as durable.

[@JasonIsLost]

Thanks for tuning in! I bet an insulation like that would work wonders!

[@Bellz972]

I got fake Uggs for indoor use and my feet stay warm.

[@JasonIsLost]

Excellent idea! Thanks for watching!

[@Keepone974]

The kerosene heater is a bit cumbersome with the refills for me (and also the fact that you need to think about ventilating). The heat pump from the AC is not bad at all, energy wise. Of course it's more expensive than the kerosene heater (which is the absolute cheapest thing) but it's not as expensive as a electric fan heater for example. Downside of the heat pump? Well it starts to suffer extracting heat from the air when it goes below 0, especially from -5c (rare in Tokyo but happens often in Fukushima I think). Otherwise for me it's double winter socks inside (I should try the boots lol) and recently I appreciate a small electric carpet (38 watts). Additional small electric heater for the kitchen when it gets really cold that I also move inside the toilet/bathroom sometimes :D. Also, I keep a hair dryer by my bed to warm it up super quickly. Nevertheless, I just hate winter in Japan after 13 years here. Much prefer summer (unpopular opinion I know).

[@JasonIsLost]

I'm still adjusting to the summer's humidity, something so rare in the UK, so it's winter for me. And what great ideas with the carpet and hairdryer! Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoy my new videos!

[@valeriebolton2607]

Cardboard on doors ans windows

[@richardm4706]

Try the notoriously cold kominka. Get up into the Japanese alps and you will see houses with vinyl sheets hanging outside the house. Tsuchikabe walls shrink over time leaving gaps between the wood frame. You can feel the wind blowing through.

[@JasonIsLost]

I thought I had enough drafts here!

[@gaza102289]

What about those diesel heaters used in sheds and caravans?

[@JasonIsLost]

I bet the kerosene is toxic enough! Thanks for watching!

[@aislingdonoghue961]

Layers, heat-tech from Uniqlo!

[@JasonIsLost]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@konsstar]

why smooth side against glass instead of the bubbles against glass? it would seem that bubbles agains glass would create extra air pockets between glass and the smooth side and that would improve insulation?

[@Ater_Draco]

There's more surface area for the water to secure the bubble wrap against the glass.

[@JasonIsLost]

Precisely! Thanks for watching!

[@jhonsiders6077]

Get a ventless propane heater I have used them for years . They have a low oxygen sensor and a thermostat a20 lb bottle will last a week .

[@mitchellwilley7208]

i think they use kerosine because its cheaper and more fuel efficient.

[@jhonsiders6077]

@@mitchellwilley7208 could be i remember 30 years ago being there and they had those small round ones about half the size of the ones you see here in the US number 1 kerosene here is about 5 bucks a gallon now .

[@TheZorch]

I saw a video about Tokyo micro apartments, and many of them have these pop-out air vents in various places on the wall. My guess is, these are for people using kerosene heaters.

[@JasonIsLost]

There’s all sorts of mysterious drafts, perhaps some of them are on purpose… Thanks for watching!

[@starrynight1329]

I have a battery operated body warmer and leg warmers ❤❤

[@PettieBettie]

Is there no central heating?

[@JasonIsLost]

Not at all, I’m missing the UK! Making do with bubble wrap and heaters. I hope you’ll enjoy my newer videos!

[@crazywisdom2]

Love Japan. I sub'd !!~

[@JasonIsLost]

Thank you for tuning in! I hope you’ll enjoy my newer videos!

[@dominikfranczak5282]

It's not weird, it's sick. How is it possible in XXI century, to not have the insulation???

[@knol1969]

You burn kerosine inside your house without a exhaust pipe!? So CO2, water vapor and soot stay in the house? And with using it in a small not ventilated room you get CO. 😱

[@JasonIsLost]

There’s many precautions, primarily ventilation! Thanks for watching!

[@Enemtee]

Woken up in Japan many times with 5-6 degrees celsius. Sleeping in the cold japanese houses is almost impossable. Prefer going to some mall or just walking outside. I don't get why japanese people hate the summer so much. I'd rather have 40 degrees and sweaty, instead of freezing cold and sleepless. Hate the kerosene-heaters,can't stand the smell. AC for short periods, and focus on warm clothing, a beanie, thick & soft socks, and a thick vest on top of all other clothing.

[@djaskfjkasd]

why not build properly insulated buildings

[@JasonIsLost]

Very hot summers, very cold winters... solving neither of them =(

[@rick1368]

Fukushima, now where have I heard of that before ☢️

[@JasonIsLost]

I’d certainly recommend exploring Fukushima’s history!

[@Pikaxsu]

Triple glazed windows by law, and central heating (water based).

[@JasonIsLost]

I certainly miss the UK! Thanks for watching!

[@trendingwwwandw]

Love your "Winter in Japan" video. Very interesting to watch! 🤩🤩 ✅ 🙋‍♂ ✅ NEW SUBSCRIBER from Arizona, USA 👍👏 let’s be KZbin friends and stay connected🙋‍♂ L36

[@JasonIsLost]

Thanks for watching!

[@qwertyuuytrewq825]

OMG! That is hilarious how countries with GDP per capita few times smaller are able to have well insulated housing and central heating while Japanese doing all this and still freezing in toilets ) Thank you for sharing

[@JasonIsLost]

The weather is just so variable! Thanks for watching!

[@Nerdy_Things24]

Been from Australia , in winter you need a pair of pants (Jeans) and socks ( don't wear them with thongs) !

[@Ater_Draco]

Thongs mean a very different thing to a Brit like him 😂

[@MrSmriley]

Sounds awful; I think I would live under a kotatsu.

[@JasonIsLost]

If I wasn't 6'2 I would be under there as we speak!

[@monikamichaelis-iw3to]

Glad I dont live there. Whole house 23 C is for me.

[@JasonIsLost]

The food does make up for it. Thanks for watching!

[@saltandlight2717]

I just want to share you that there is always love, hope, forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Jesus. If you come to Him with a sincere and humble repented heart, He can save you and forgive you and give you abundance of joy, love and peace and eternal life. Believe in Jesus: He is The Son of God, He died for our sins and He rose from the dead, Believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” -John 3:16 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” -Romans 10:9 Repent and Believe in Jesus.

[@blukatzen]

Hint:Dont live in Japan. Start packing, MOVE.

[@JasonIsLost]

To where?!

[@sandraroberts8442]

Carbon monoxide is a big concern. I hope you have a carbon monoxide detector

[@JasonIsLost]

Absolutely! Yes, all precautions are neccessary. Thanks for watching!