Keeping yourself warm is perhaps the most important thing during the winter season, especially in Japan. Of course, different regions and places have their own ways on how to survive the extreme cold – Japan does it sometimes in unique ways.
Surviving Winter in Japan
So how do we survive the bitter cold during winter in Japan? Of course, wearing winter clothes is top one priority. Also, keeping warm through getting warm baths is a must. But if you’re still feeling extra cold, what do you do?
So – here it is. We will introduce you to the top 4 Japanese Winter Survival Tips.
Survival Tip # 1: Ginger
Nothing adds more umph to your cooking or drink like ginger. Rich in vitamins and minerals and also known as a cure to many human maladies, ginger is key to surviving the cold, cold climate during the winter season.
Personally, I like cubed, diced, and even minced ginger added to any dish. It adds more heat to the dish – especially stewed and/or soups. No time? Use the flat side of any blade, crush that ginger and throw it inside a pot of boiling water. Wait for 10-30 minutes, drink while it’s hot! Just imagine, it’s hot and when you drink it, it adds more to that.
Survival Tip # 2: Root Vegetables
You’ll need as much heat to survive this ever constant freezing cold – so, what else? Root vegetables. I’m not sure why, I’m guessing it’s probably just the Creator’s cosmic jest or divine love – “nothing can grow on land so you eat roots for now.”
So, yes, root vegetables. Here’s a few ones I listed:
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Japanese Radish (daikon)
- Lotus Root (renkon)
- Burdock Root (gobo)
- Taro Potato (sato imo)
You will want to skin these vegetables off their either thick or thin outer layer before it’s basically ready to be used in any dishes. Sometimes, the skin is so thin, you might as well consider just scraping the thing. These will cook faster if you slice these into thin pieces. You’re welcome.
Survival Tip # 3: Nabe – The Japanese Warming Soup
Like any cousine, it has versions everywhere in Japan. That might be true but here’s one thing that brings them together – it’s one hell of a Japanese way to stay warm in this freezing temperature.
How to make one? Easy.
- Buy a soup pack
- Suggested ingredients are available at the back of the pack, get those too.
- Boil the soup pack before adding the other ingredients to it – usually vegetables and/or fish.
- It’s ready when every ingredient is well-done.
Survival Tip # 4: Kairo – The Japanese Emergency Heat In A Pouch
A source of heat in a pouch? Kairo is a pouch that is filled with activated charcoal, iron and some other stuff that provides heat when you shake it. It can generate heat for up to 10 hours, and did I say it’s disposable? Yes, it is disposable. No need to gather woods, rub woods together, and hope the wind does kill the fire. Take one kairo out, shake it, and you’re set!
There are different sizes too, not just the pouch. It can go as big as someone’s back. So, folks can stay heated even when it’s freezing cold. This is made possible by the chemical reaction that happens when you shake the things inside the pouch. You will be tempted to sleep with this pouch on you, but it’s a no go and is strongly advised against.
Conclusion
Winter really bites! At least, the cold it brings. But with these survival tips with you and doing the basic things to keep warm during this cold season then you’ll just be loving and enjoying winter cozily with friends and family. Take care!
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