Surviving the Winter in Hida
For some individuals, living in the Hida region is their first introduction to life in snow country. While there are many fun activities during the colder months, such as snow sports and enjoying the pristine winter scenery, there are things to keep in mind to stay warm and safe. Before reading the rest of the guide, please read these three key points first:
1. Switch out your summer tires for winter tires
Though the first snowfall varies per year, and typically happens up north in Hida Furukawa or Takayama, switch out your summer tires for winter tires by the end of November. If you are leasing your car and they provide a tire change as part of the lease, contact the car shop to schedule an appointment. If you own your own car and store your tires separately, any car shop or gas station can assist in switching out your tires.
If you live in the more rural parts of Hida-Furukawa or Takayama, consider switching out your summer tires before late November as snow falls earlier in the inner Hida region.
If you live in the more rural parts of Hida-Furukawa or Takayama, consider switching out your summer tires before late November as snow falls earlier in the inner Hida region.
2. Buy non-perishable food
Especially on days where it’s less safe to drive out and you need to stay in, having a stock of food and water is important. Please consider stocking up on pasta, rice, and ready-to-eat foods. If you live in a more rural area of Hida, temporary power outages may occur during the winter, so consider stocking up on food that doesn’t require electricity to heat.
3. Watch your step!
For individuals living in snow country for the first time, learning how to walk on ice and through snowy conditions can be intimidating. Keep the following in mind when walking around town after it snows:
- Be sure to move slowly and try to keep your center of gravity as directly above your feet as possible.
- Do not make sliding or sudden movements.
- Take extra care especially when getting in or out of your vehicle, entering or exiting buildings, and going up or down stairs.
- Instead of looking directly at your path, make sure to look forward so you can see potential icy areas.
- Practice extra caution when walking through a snowpile–the height of a snowpile can be deceiving at times and usually there is ice underneath.
What to Wear
Layering is important to stay warm in the winter. You will want at least a base layer, a mid layer, and an outer layer that is waterproof as well as wind-resistant. A great base layer you can purchase locally are pants and shirts from Uniqlo’s Heat Tech series. When choosing winter clothes, keep in mind that cotton tends to absorb water easily and should be avoided as a base layer.
You will also want to invest in scarves, gloves, hats, and sturdy snow boots. Ear muffs and mufflers are great additions to keep your ears, neck, and/or hands warm. Be careful to not expose your skin to the harsh winter air.
There are also hand warmers called Kairo (カイロ) which come in non-stick and sticker versions. The sticker versions can be used to attach to your base layers so you have extra warmth. You can also put the non-stick versions in your pockets, or in your gloves if your glove has a hand warmer pocket. Locals often advise to stick kairo onto your stomach or the base of your neck for maximum effect.
There are also hand warmers called Kairo (カイロ) which come in non-stick and sticker versions. The sticker versions can be used to attach to your base layers so you have extra warmth. You can also put the non-stick versions in your pockets, or in your gloves if your glove has a hand warmer pocket. Locals often advise to stick kairo onto your stomach or the base of your neck for maximum effect.
Sticker Kairo Non-stick Kairo
The non-stick kairo will say 貼らない (はらない、haranai) and the sticker version will say 貼る (はる、haru). There are also kairos for shoes, which you can stick in your boots to keep your toes toasty.
Staying Warm at Home
Unfortunately, many buildings in Japan have poor insulation and no central heating. Running your air conditioner for heat may also result in a high electricity bill. Consider the following items and strategies in keeping yourself warm and cozy through the winter:
1. Choose One Room
Rather than heating up your whole apartment, designate one room to be a heated one and try to do all your daily activities there. It’s not only easier on you in terms of prepping for winter, but also easier on your wallet.
2. Heaters
There are different kinds of heaters, but the most common ones are kerosene heaters, space heaters, and oil heaters. When purchasing a heater, you want to consider whether it can only heat its immediate vicinity or if it blows warm air out. Heaters can be bought at home centers, Nitori, and thrifted at Second Street.
Space heaters can be very warm but they don’t have much reach whereas an oil heater is similar to a radiator. For more about kerosene heaters and how to use them, please read the section “About Kerosene Heaters" below.
Space heaters can be very warm but they don’t have much reach whereas an oil heater is similar to a radiator. For more about kerosene heaters and how to use them, please read the section “About Kerosene Heaters" below.
Space Heater Oil Heater
3. Electric Blanket & Carpet
For electric blankets, some can be used as an extra blanket and you can put them directly onto your body. Thicker electric blankets should be used on top of a bed mattress, and it’s suggested to add a mattress cover on top before laying down on it.
Electric carpets are similar to electric blankets except they’re placed on the floor. Both an electric blanket and a carpet can be used to kill dani, or Japanese house mites. Keep in mind that depending on the type of electric blanket or carpet, it may not be possible to machine wash them.
Electric carpets are similar to electric blankets except they’re placed on the floor. Both an electric blanket and a carpet can be used to kill dani, or Japanese house mites. Keep in mind that depending on the type of electric blanket or carpet, it may not be possible to machine wash them.
4. Hot Water Bottle
A hot water bottle and a blanket is an effective way to stay warm during the winter. Simply put in hot water and they are ready to be used. They can be bought at any home goods store such as Muji and Nitori.
5. Window Bubble Wrap
This is a specific type of bubble wrap sold at 100 yen stores, Valor, and Genky. You basically cut out the sheet into the size you want, clean your window, and apply the bubble wrap with water. The bubble wrap traps in heat and also prevents condensation from forming on your window.
6. Insulation Tape
This is tape with foam-like material on one side of it. You can apply this type on any cracks in your home, along your windows, and beneath the main door to prevent drafts from entering. Gaping tape can be bought from the 100 yen store, Valor, or Genky.
7. Reflective Foil Mats
You can buy these mats from the 100 yen store, Valor, or Genky. These sheets are coated with aluminum on one side, and are best placed beneath your carpet, particularly in the area that is beneath your kotatsu.
About Kerosene Heaters
The majority of Hida region locals use kerosene heaters to stay warm. For many foreigners who experience Japanese snow country for the first time, the usage of kerosene heaters can be surprising, if not intimidating, given how in some countries and states they are illegal.
If you plan to use a kerosene heater to stay warm, you will want to purchase the following:
1. Kerosene Storage Canister
These storage canisters are available at home centers and are typically blue. Sometimes local businesses will put out kerosene canisters on the side of the road. You are free to take these canisters with permission, but please keep in mind that using old canisters can lead to issues with stored kerosene later.
2. Pump
You can purchase these pumps at either the 100 yen store or at a home center. Home centers will also have automatic pumps that will pump kerosene from a storage canister into a heater with the push of a button, though they will be a bit more pricey.
Automatic pumps on the left and manual pumps on the right.
Other purchases you will want to consider are storage trays for your car so kerosene canisters don’t topple over during transport, and trays with wheels so you can move your kerosene heater with more ease at home. They can be purchased online or at home centers.
In terms of purchasing kerosene itself, you can bring your own storage canister to a local gas station or a home center where you can directly fill up on kerosene. Some local companies even offer home delivery though payment options are limited between credit card and cash payment at the door.
When using a kerosene heater, please keep the following in mind:
In terms of purchasing kerosene itself, you can bring your own storage canister to a local gas station or a home center where you can directly fill up on kerosene. Some local companies even offer home delivery though payment options are limited between credit card and cash payment at the door.
When using a kerosene heater, please keep the following in mind:
1. Ventilate Well
Unfortunately, one side effect of using a kerosene heater is carbon monoxide. Leave doors ajar, and in the room you are using the heater, crack open the window by at least 3 centimeters (1 inch) or more.
Do NOT use a kerosene heater overnight, while sleeping, or in a room with little to no ventilation. If you feel unwell while using a kerosene heater and are experiencing lightheadedness, turn the heater off immediately and ventilate the room as best as you can.
Do NOT use a kerosene heater overnight, while sleeping, or in a room with little to no ventilation. If you feel unwell while using a kerosene heater and are experiencing lightheadedness, turn the heater off immediately and ventilate the room as best as you can.
2. Store Well
When you are no longer using your kerosene heater, make sure to remove any remaining kerosene in the heater. Keeping kerosene in an unused heater over a long period of time can damage the inside components. Store kerosene in a cool, dry, and dark place.
3. Clean Well
If you spill kerosene, absorb as much of it as possible with rags, towels, or paper towels. For the residue kerosene, you will want to use an absorbent such as cat litter, earth, or baking soda. Be aware that the smell will linger for several weeks, but good ventilation will eventually clear it. If you want to be extra careful, wash down the area with mild detergent and water.
Transportation & Driving in the Winter
Snow, slush, and ice will affect both public transportation and driving. If you plan on traveling out of town, make sure to keep in mind that snowy conditions may delay trains as well as buses. In cases of heavy snow, train and bus services may be temporarily suspended. Overnight buses also do not run during the winter. If you find yourself in the situation where weather conditions have affected your train or bus, be sure to get your ticket adjusted at the ticket window of a JR station or the bus center.
For individuals driving in the snow for the first time, please read the following six points:
For individuals driving in the snow for the first time, please read the following six points:
1. Prepare Your Car Accordingly
Besides getting your summer tires switched to winter tires, you will want to get your car checked overall before the snow sets in. Make sure your car battery is healthy and that the engine has enough coolant. If you have them, switch your windshield wipers for winter ones. Also purchase and prepare the following to keep in your car:
- Shovel, snow brush, and ice scraper
- Jumper cables
- Water
- Non-perishable food (e.g. granola bars, Calorie Mates, etc)
- Blanket
- Extra hand warmers (e.g. kairos)
- First aid kit
Left: Snow shovel (スコップ, sukoppu)
Middle: Snow Brush (スノーブラシ, sunouburashi)
Right: Ice scraper (アイススクレーパー, aisu sukureipaa)
Middle: Snow Brush (スノーブラシ, sunouburashi)
Right: Ice scraper (アイススクレーパー, aisu sukureipaa)
2. Plan Ahead
It will take longer than usual to reach your destination in winter, especially with snowy conditions. You will also need time to clear snow from your car, or in your car’s parking lot. Keeping this in mind, make sure to give yourself ample time so you’re not in a rush.
If snow conditions are especially severe, highways and roads heading out of Hida Furukawa, Takayama, or Gero may become temporarily closed. Be sure to check the weather before an out-of-town trip. You may need to adjust your travel plans suddenly depending on whether or not a winter storm is sweeping through the region. In some cases, you may have to also re-consider whether to drive or not.
If you must drive, please download the Yahoo! Japan Car Navi app (Yahoo! カーナビ). Though it is only available in Japanese, this app has the most accurate and up-to-date information on open and closed routes in the event of a winter storm.
If snow conditions are especially severe, highways and roads heading out of Hida Furukawa, Takayama, or Gero may become temporarily closed. Be sure to check the weather before an out-of-town trip. You may need to adjust your travel plans suddenly depending on whether or not a winter storm is sweeping through the region. In some cases, you may have to also re-consider whether to drive or not.
If you must drive, please download the Yahoo! Japan Car Navi app (Yahoo! カーナビ). Though it is only available in Japanese, this app has the most accurate and up-to-date information on open and closed routes in the event of a winter storm.
3. Drive Slow & Exercise Caution
When driving during the winter, it is important to pump your brakes early, keep your distance, and drop your speed. Especially with ice, it will take longer for your car to stop, and braking abruptly may lead to skidding. You should double the amount of distance you usually take from the car in front of you, and in terms of speed, locals typically recommend driving at around 40 km/hr. If you are in a situation where you don’t feel comfortable, drop your speed further and take your time. Be careful to especially go slowly into turns.
Despite how dangerous it is, some drivers in Japan will not clear snow from the roof of their car. Make sure to keep extra distance from these cars as the impact of falling snow can break a windshield.
Last but not least, you will want to be careful of black ice. Contrary to its name, black ice is ice that forms over roads and is transparent. It is hard to spot, and depending on the road, can be unavoidable.
In the situation you are driving and your car slips out on the ice, do the following to secure your safety and to regain grip on the ice:
Despite how dangerous it is, some drivers in Japan will not clear snow from the roof of their car. Make sure to keep extra distance from these cars as the impact of falling snow can break a windshield.
Last but not least, you will want to be careful of black ice. Contrary to its name, black ice is ice that forms over roads and is transparent. It is hard to spot, and depending on the road, can be unavoidable.
In the situation you are driving and your car slips out on the ice, do the following to secure your safety and to regain grip on the ice:
- Take your foot off the accelerator. Sometimes this is enough to stop skidding.
- Gently turn your wheel in the direction you’re sliding in. You want to keep your car as straight as possible.
- Do NOT slam your foot on the brakes. Instead, you will want to pump your brakes very gently if you need to use them.
4. Consider Time & Place
Driving tends to be the most dangerous in the early morning and after sunset. Especially if it’s a sunny winter day, the snow melted by the sun will become ice if temperatures drop to zero or below. You will want to exercise extra caution during those times. You will also want to be more careful in areas where ice has not thawed out yet due to cooler temperatures, such as the entrance and exit of tunnels, over bridges, overpasses, and tree-lined roads.
Given the mountainous geography of the Hida region, some areas will still have snow or colder temperatures that can lead to icy conditions (e.g. Okuhida area) even during the spring, so beware especially if you change your winter tires to summer tires in April.
Given the mountainous geography of the Hida region, some areas will still have snow or colder temperatures that can lead to icy conditions (e.g. Okuhida area) even during the spring, so beware especially if you change your winter tires to summer tires in April.
5. Take Care of Your Car
In the Hida region, many cities and towns salt their roads frequently. While this salt is to keep the road from freezing over, your car will accumulate salt on its underside and the salt can potentially cause your car’s underside to rust. Be sure to frequently take your car to the car wash at least once every week and a half. Rust on the underside of your car can affect its performance and even lead to parts breaking.
Also, when thawing out your windshield, do NOT use hot water as this may cause your windshield to crack.
When you swap your winter tires for summer ones in the spring, please be sure to carefully wash and dry your tires to get rid of residue salt. Leaving salt on your tires may lead the tires to corrode faster.
Also, when thawing out your windshield, do NOT use hot water as this may cause your windshield to crack.
When you swap your winter tires for summer ones in the spring, please be sure to carefully wash and dry your tires to get rid of residue salt. Leaving salt on your tires may lead the tires to corrode faster.
6. If You Get Stuck...
If you are stuck in the snow, do the following to ensure your safety:
- Turn on your hazards and stop your car at the side of the road as much as possible.
- Engage your parking brake and turn off your car lights. If you keep your car on for heat, be sure to roll down the windows a little bit.
- Clear snow from around your car, especially the back. Make sure there is no snow blocking your exhaust as a blocked exhaust can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Sit tight and wait for the weather to die down or for help to come. Keep electronics such as your phone charged. Do NOT leave your vehicle.
- If you are in an emergency, call JAF (Japanese AAA). If you are not a member, please keep in mind there may be an extra fee involved. You can learn more about JAF and their services here.