Job Discussion Forums

Ashtonmd · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 2:50 am Post subject: Weather in Osaka, Japan - winter

Hello Everyone!

I am going to be working for ECC starting in November and was just wondering if I should bring/will need winter boots?

I will be in Osaka, and from my research online it only drops down to 5 - 10 C in the winter. Is that accurate? Do I actually need to bring winter boots, or will shoes suffice? I should add that I am from Ontario Canada, and am used to snow, but from what I can tell they really don't get much if any there.

Furthermore, are there any things that you brought that you really didn't need? I know I will need to bring deodorant, toothpaste, and all clothing since I am 5'6 and wear a 9 shoe.

Any weather/packing related advice would be most appreciated!

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

5'6" isn't super tall here so you will probably be able to buy clothes- I am 5'9" and buy clothes from Zara, Benetton, Gap and Japanese chains like Uniqlo and Muji. There are also British stores like Next in some areas. Shoes you will definitely want to bring with you.

The toothpaste myth lingers on- you can actually buy Colgate and Aquafresh here easily and cheaply so no need to bring any unless you have another brand you particularly like. I find the Japanese deodorants fine but apparently most don't so possibly worth bringing.

The most snow you might get in Osaka is a couple of inches on the ground which melts quickly- I just wear normal shoes and boots.

humancartography · Joined: 14 May 2006 Posts: 16

Hi Ashtonmd,

I agree with Apsara's comments: you should have no problem finding clothes that fit you. I am also 5"6 and wear a size 9 shoe. It's a good idea to bring shoes with you, but if you look hard, you can find shoes that will fit you in Japan (especially if you're based in Osaka and so close to the shoe capital of Kobe!).

As for toiletries, I think it boils down to the individual. Depending on your preference, you might want to bring a bit and compare it with the Japanese equivalents. I had no problem with the toothpastes in Japan, but I never used the deodorant.

Zzonkmiles · Joined: 05 Apr 2003 Posts: 309

During the daytime, winter temperatures are indeed between 6 and 10C. But at night, temperatures are usually from -2 to 2C. It's a very dry cold. Snow does fall occasionally, but it rarely accumulates. You won't need snowboots. But you WILL need sweaters.

Apartments in Japan are generally very cold during the winter and very hot during the summer.

Bring your favorite toothpastes, bodywashes, shampoos, etc. Mail them in bulk.

Firestarter2 · Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 14 Location: Osaka

You're the same shoe size as me and while you'll be on the big side, you can definitely buy shoes here. I've never seen snow on the ground in Osaka and while it can get pretty chilly, it is nothing compared to what your used to. So winter boots or heavy winter clothing won't be necessary. I agree with the above poster though, your apartment will be FREEZING at times, so wearing sweaters and stuff around the house will be commonplace (something I never did in Canada).

Khyron · Joined: 10 Mar 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Tokyo Metro City

Ashtonmd · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:49 am Post subject:

Khyron · Joined: 10 Mar 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Tokyo Metro City

wintersweet · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 1:17 am Post subject:

As for the shoes, one of my clients is a Japanese woman who wears a US size 9. She *can* buy shoes in Japan, but it's annoying and she finds the selection (and comfort level!) much better in North America. So YMMV there.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

That is also my experience as most shops here stop at 24.5-25 (7.5- Cool

. Looking forward to a trip to Australia at the end of this year in part so I can buy shoes!