Travel Japan on Guided Tours: Nara, Kyoto, Himeji & Osaka | Explore Japan with Tanuki Stories

On December 22 , Japan marks more than an astronomical event. It is Tōji (冬至) , the winter solstice , the shortest day of the year. Yet, as is often the case in Japanese culture, a natural phenomenon becomes an occasion filled with symbolic meaning, everyday rituals, and seasonal wisdom that connect body, mind, and nature. This day is also known as Yuzu no Hi (柚子の日) — Yuzu Day . It is centered on one of Japan’s most iconic winter citrus fruits and accompanied by traditions

If you are planning a trip to Japan during winter, one thing often surprises first-time visitors: it can feel colder than expected. While the temperatures are not always extreme, many buildings, temples, and traditional houses are only lightly heated. That’s why one essential Japan winter travel tip shared by locals is surprisingly simple— kairo (カイロ) . Small, affordable, and incredibly practical, kairo are disposable heat packs that help Japanese people stay warm throughout