Story “KOTATSU”, a Heart-Warming Japan’s Winter Essential! by JNTO on 19 December 2019

 

For those who are going to visit Japan in this snowy time, would you be certain that your preparation including cold protection is indeed ready?To experience the Japanese way of getting through the cold winter, you need to try“kotatsu”, the traditional heating equipment that keeps people warm and comfortable!Your railway trip or hot pot dining would become even more cozy when you try kotatsu. Today, we are going to look at how kotatsu warm you up during winter in Japan in three different ways!

 

The Winter Essential in Japan- “Kotatsu”

 

Kotatsu is a traditional heating equipment, and has been around for over 500 years since the Muromachi period (1336-1573). The name “Kotatsu” generally refers to a low, wooden table frame with a built-in heat source underneath it.

 

 

The heat source is surely electric in modern time, while in the old Muromachi period it began with the traditional sunken hearth called irori- essentially a square, stone-lined pit in the floor used for cooking. Kotatsu was subsequently made by putting a futon (Japanese bedding) on top of the hearth.

 

Experiences only Available in Winter- Warm and Cozy Kotatsu in Trains, River Rides, and Cafes!

For you, kotatsu table has been installed to keep you warm and comfortable while you enjoy many of the winter-exclusive activities including your scenic train ride, boat cruise ride, and cafes! As such, from December to the end of February, you can experience living like a local during the winter of Japan while warming your chilled body in snowy spots and ski resorts!

 

Kotatsu Train- Sanriku Railway Running through Iwate Prefecture

 

Sanriku Railway offers a popular “kotatsu train” running through the visiting spots along the Sanriku coast in Iwate in winter. It is a balmy, pleasant train to warm up your body and spirit while passing through spots with striking views. The “Kotatsu train” links up the Kuji and Miyako stations and the “Western kotatsu train” links up Kamaishi and Sakari stations as the Rias line.

 

 

In the kotatsu trains,passengers can meet up with “Namomi” (a demon-like being in New Year folklore of northern Iwate) who looks like the “Namahage” in Akita’s folklore when the train passes through long tunnels for fun photo shooting. Luxury bento (lunch boxes) made with Sanriku seafood delicacies such as abalone and uni (sea urchin) are also available by advanced booking! Especially for seafood lovers, you do not want to miss them!

 

 

The “Western Kotatsu train” has started running since 2018; all seats are reserved seats. Choices of lunches or desserts are available at additional costs and also by reservations. The journey is further delighted by entertainment and information from the attendants in “high collars” (westernized intellectuals or riches in old Japan) in traditional kimono. It is a wonderful journey with striking views, great tastes, and unlike any other train ride.

 

 

※“Kotatsu train” service has stopped in 2019. Please check the homepage of Sanriku railway for the newest schedule from 2020
※The service of the “Western kotatsu train” mainly runs on weekends and holidays in winter (with the last train scheduled on 26th January 2020). There is one round-trip train per day only by reservation, so it is recommended that you make your reservation from 2 months to 3 days before your journey.

 

Kotatsu Boat- Appreciating Outdoor Snowy Sceneries while Being Warm

 

River cruise on a “kotatsu boat” is another must try.
Famous spots for the river rides in Japan include Nagatoro in Saitama, Mogami River Basyo Line Descent in Yamagata, Abukuma Line in Miyagi, Yanagawa Kawakudari (Yanagawa River Descent Cruise) in Fukuoka, but enjoyable river rides with striking sceneries of snowy mountains are available in a huge number of places in Japan.

 

 

During some courses, you will also be served delicious hot pot dishes, whereas some allow participants to bring along their food and alcoholic drinks too. While you take in beautifully winterscape, you may also be delighted by the “boat songs” sung by the captain. Travel along the river will lead to new discoveries which are very different from what you can experience while travelling on land.

 

 

Winter-exclusive Enjoyment in Luxury Restaurants & Cafes! Kotastu Hot Pot Dining!

shabushabu.

 

Or, you might savor an array of Kurobuta (black pork) and farm-fresh chicken from Kagoshima at “Honke Kanoya Kagoshima”. Enjoy these delicious dishes with kotatsu in winter!