When it gets cold...

Autumn has comfortably settled in Japan. As you might recall from my last post, the summer heat and humidity were quite taxing. But with that challenging season behind us, how does autumn compare? Let me tell you, it's simply beautiful. Most days are sunny with little rain, at least in my experience this year. The trees are turning gold and red, creating breathtaking landscapes. The term "golden autumn" fits perfectly here. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Japan during this season not only for the stunning scenery but also for the pleasant temperatures.

Predictably, given the hot summer, autumn in Japan is also warmer. Even now, at the end of November, daytime temperatures can still reach eighteen degrees! The humidity drops significantly, too, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, I would advise visitors to bring warmer clothes. After sunset, temperatures drop quickly. Wearing layers is highly suggested. You might wonder: since nights get chilly (by Polish standards, calling it "cold" would be an overstatement), is home heating necessary? That's the focus of today's post.

Technically, this topic leans more towards winter, but it's relevant now too—better to prepare in advance than wait for the real cold. Without delay, let's dive in!

Most striking are the yellow ginko (ginkgo biloba) trees. Thousands of leaves form carpets covering the sidewalks.

The familiar heating systems from Poland - radiators and heaters - aren't common here, though they'd be useful. Surprisingly, many residential buildings lack insulation! Only newer structures consider building insulation. Even with earthquake-resistant designs, insulation often isn't prioritized. This results in homes becoming uncomfortably cold at night. Thankfully, there are several ways to stay warm.

A popular method is air conditioning, which doubles as a heater. Interestingly, when I discussed this with my Japanese colleagues, they felt air conditioning isn't ideal due to its drying effect on the air, a concern for those accustomed to high humidity. For me, it's quite comfortable. Of course, using air conditioning for heat has its downside: higher electricity bills.

Another warming method is using special window films. These films, which can look like bubble wrap or be transparent, operate by allowing radiation in while blocking its escape. They're often paired with sealing tape. You might wonder if better windows, double or triple-glazed, would be better. In newer buildings, you might find these, but they're not standard. Hence people use the platic film, due to the low cost and ease of installation/removal. However, downsides can include reduced light, a "blurry" view, or compromised aesthetics. Important note: not every film suits every window type. On some windows, applying film can cause cracking from temperature differences.

Another warming solution is the traditional Japanese kotatsu (炬燵, こたつ). This is essentially a table covered with a blanket, under which there's a heat source, like a heating lamp. The concept is old, originally involving a floor alcove with a hearth for cooking and warmth. Nowadays, in most apartments, such alcoves aren't feasible, leading to table versions. You can buy ready-made kotatsu or create one if you have the right furniture. Naturally, one might worry about fire hazards from a heat source under a blanket. While fires were possible in the past, modern kotatsu are designed to prevent this. The main risk is accidental burns from touching the heater, but this can be mitigated with a protective "cage."

Another heating option is a kerosene heater. Yes, if idea of burning kerosene indoors sounds bad to you - you are right. It is. To avoid poisoning if such heater is used, ventilation is crucial... which makes the heating inefficient. While modern kerosene heaters reduce poisoning risks, using this method seems unwise. An electric heater is a much better alternative.

There's another way to stay comfortable on chilly days. I hesitated to mention it, not wanting to seem like I'm advertising, but it's worth noting. If you find yourself in Japan during autumn or winter, stop by the clothing store Uniqlo. It's my favorite brand in Japan, and 90% of my clothes from here are from this chain. They make functional clothing tailored for the season. During the fall-winter months, they offer clothing labeled "heat tech," which includes underwear, shirts, pants, sweatshirts, and jackets. These garments have fibers that absorb moisture and retain heat. Initially skeptical of the glowing ads, after trying them, I must admit - they genuinely make a difference.

And with that straightforward tip, we’ve reached the final point. Instead of focusing on heating the home, you can simply dress warmly. For slight temperature drops, many Japanese, especially students, prefer this approach. Why pay for costly heating when dressing warmly is cheaper and just as effective? This logic holds for autumn. But what about winter? I’ll find out soon enough!

Until then, I plan to peacefully enjoy the golden Japanese autumn.