Do Japanese Buildings Get Cold in Winter?

When visiting Japan in winter, you might wonder if the buildings, especially older ones, get cold. This is a multifaceted issue that depends on a variety of factors, including the type of building, its construction, and the time period it was built.

Central Heating in Communal Spaces

Communal areas such as schools, office buildings, and other public spaces are typically equipped with central heating. This ensures that these areas remain warm and comfortable for occupants, even during colder months. Central heating systems provide a consistent temperature throughout the space, making them ideal for areas that are frequently occupied.

Traditional Japanese Housing

Get inside a Japanese home or old building, and the story changes. Unlike in communal spaces, private homes, especially those built in an era when traditional materials such as wood and paper were more common, often lack central heating and insulation. Historically, the irori (the irori is a sunken hearth in the center of a house) served as a primary means of heating. This hearth not only provided a surface for cooking but also served as a focal point for warming the main common area.

Challenges with Insulation and Lack of Central Heating

The reason why traditional Japanese buildings often do not have central heating or advanced insulation lies in the climate. Japanese summers are notoriously hot and humid. To combat this, buildings were originally constructed with light materials and open designs to facilitate ventilation. Structures made of stone and other heavily insulated materials were susceptible to mold and rot due to the high levels of humidity and heat. This made them unhealthy and unsuitable for both food storage and habitation.

Traditional Warmth Solutions

Due to these conditions, the Japanese opted for methods of heating that focused on personal and localized warmth rather than collective heating. The kotatsu is a famous example of such a solution. A kotatsu is a table with a heavy duvet cover and a heating element (originally charcoal but now typically electric). People sit around the table to stay warm while they eat or chat. A similar setup is the horigotatsu, a sitting area with a table whose base is lowered, allowing people to stretch their legs and stay warm.

Legacy in Older Buildings

The legacy of this approach can still be seen in many older buildings in Japan. Even buildings from just a few decades ago often lack central heating and are constructed with light materials, leading to buildings that can be drafty and cold. This is particularly noticeable in low-cost apartment buildings and individual homes. As a result, people in these older buildings have traditionally relied on alternative heating methods.

Kerosene Heaters and Safety Concerns

To stay warm, many households in these colder quarters turned to kero-den-kerosene heaters. These heaters, inexpensive and easy to use, became a common solution for staying warm in older homes. However, they come with significant risks, including the risk of fire and the emission of noxious fumes, which can lead to serious health issues. The use of kerosene heaters was eventually phased out in favor of safer alternatives, such as oil radiators and electric space heaters.

Modern Developments

With advancements in technology and building standards, modern buildings in Japan are now typically equipped with insulation and advanced heating and cooling systems. However, change can be slow and gradual in Japan, and you may still encounter buildings without central heating, especially in more rural or older areas. When visiting, it's important to be aware that the conditions can still vary significantly.

In summary, while central heating is common in public and some modern buildings, traditional homes and older structures often lack this feature. This historical and geographical context helps explain why you might find the buildings getting a bit cold in winter, particularly in older and less modernized areas.