Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hexagonsun]

I would like to go to Tokyo and Kyoto for my trip in late December/early January.

How is the weather that time of year in each of these locations? Is it going to be bitter cold and make site seeing a pain or is the weather doable that time of year? I'm used to midwestern winters in the States, so I have the thicker blood to cope.

Do you suggest going that time of year? Or should I trek somewhere else?

Thanks.

[little mixed girl]

it'll be warmer here than in the midwest.
i think 30F is about as low as it gets.
if you're staying in a hotel, you should be set because hotels are warmer than the apartments and houses.

basically, compared to back home, the winters here are a lot more mild, with a lot less snow....except hokkaido.

[Donghae]

As little mixed girl said, I don't think you've much to worry about. Japanese people always go on and on about Kyoto being unbearably cold in winter and the opposite in summer. But neither Kyoto nor Tokyo are as cold as Korea in winter, and a lot less cold than where you're from.

Well, that's how it is outside, but inside is a different story! Heating and insulation is abysmal in many Japanese buildings, rather odd considering what a wealthy, developed country it is. A Japanese friend of mine here actually lived in Chicago for 4 years, returning last year. He said he finds winters back in Japan harder, because although it's much, much less cold, he misses the central heating his house in the US had.

Still, as was mentioned above, if you're staying in hotels, you'll be fine.

[visitorq]

Tokyo is definitely chilly in the winter, but not unbearably. It rarely snows, but you should still have some basic winter clothes (just like a warm coat and/or sweater, some gloves, a hat, and maybe two pairs of socks) if you want to stay outside for several hours sightseeing. If it's a sunny day it's also warmer, but night is quite cold... It's also not so bad in the sense you can always just head into a convenience store and buy a hot tea if you get too cold from walking around.

Basically in Tokyo you can spend most of your time indoors anyway if you want. But if you want to check out some temples or stroll around outside, it's no problem, just dress appropriately.