Winter in Japan is a magical time, filled with snowy landscapes, warm gatherings, and unique cultural festivals. Alongside the scenic beauty, winter also comes with specific etiquettes that reflect Japanese customs and seasonal practices. To clarify, these are not major taboos nor unlawful actions but things that can help you understand and harmonize with your local communities.
Here’s a beginner’s guide to understanding and embracing these traditions during your winter visit.
1. Removing Shoes at Irori or Kotatsu Areas
When gathering around a traditional heated table (kotatsu) or an irori (sunken hearth), removing your shoes is essential. These warmer areas are lifesavers in traditional houses should you experience winter in japan. These spaces are intimate and considered clean zones where families and friends come together to stay warm. Make sure to leave your shoes neatly at the entrance or in a designated area before joining the gathering.
Additionally, wearing clean socks or indoor slippers is appreciated, as bare feet may be seen as inappropriate or unhygienic in some settings. Understanding this simple act of courtesy will ensure you’re respecting the host’s space and contributing to the cozy atmosphere.
2. Etiquette Around Jackets and Winter Coats
In Japan, bulky winter coats and jackets are removed upon entering homes, restaurants, or even public spaces like libraries. This practice keeps indoor spaces clean and comfortable for everyone. Many establishments provide coat racks or lockers for storing your outerwear.
On public transportation, it’s polite to hold your coat or place it in the overhead storage to avoid taking up extra space. These small acts of consideration help maintain the orderly and respectful environment that Japanese society values.
3. Hot Spring Behaviour
Hot springs (onsen/温泉) are especially popular during winter, offering a relaxing escape from the cold. Proper onsen etiquette is crucial to ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
Before entering the bath, thoroughly wash and rinse your body at the provided shower areas. These are usually low showers where you will sit on a stool and fully wash your body with the (hopefully) provided soaps and shampoos. Some people prefer to wash their hair post-onsen but it’s up to you.
After you rinse off any remaining soap, the area you used, and the stool you sat on, you’re free to enter the baths.
Note: Towels should never touch the water and are typically placed on your head or left outside the bath. Some places will even include a shelf for towels or shampoos you brought inside.
You’ll find that most people will go from the hottest bath (as shown by wall thermometers) to colder baths, potentially going into a sauna if available, before finishing. Try not to go between large heat differences too much as that could negatively affect your blood flow and cause dizziness, nausea, or headaches.
When using outdoor baths (rotenburo), be mindful of the peaceful atmosphere. Speak quietly, avoid splashing, and dry off before returning to indoor areas to keep them clean and dry.
That’s a quick summary of how to enjoy public baths when you’re traversing winter in Japan.
4. Gift Giving (Oseibo)
Winter in Japan is also the season for oseibo, or year-end gift-giving. This tradition is a way to express gratitude to those who have supported you throughout the year. Typical oseibo gifts include high-quality food items, sake, or speciality goods.
Bonus tip: Don’t know what to buy? Search “OOOお土産おすすめ” replacing the “OOO” with your home prefecture or region.
Presentation matters in Japanese gift-giving. Ensure your gift is beautifully wrapped, and if possible, have it delivered with a note of thanks. If you’re giving to a family or a group of people, check that there are enough individual servings so that everyone can partake in the gift you’ve brought (or at least in larger offices, the team you work with). The act of giving and the thoughtfulness behind it are more important than the gift’s monetary value. By following this practice, you’ll experience a meaningful aspect of Japanese culture.
Don’t have the budget for gifts?
You could opt to send New Year’s Greeting Cards (nengajo/年賀状) to your friends, family, and coworkers. While some may choose to send it to every single contact they have, select those who you wish to express gratitude to or use it to reconnect with those you’ve fallen out of touch with.
