Taiwanese star Gin Oy offers tips to stay warm in Japanese winter
It’s getting into the peak period for the winter tourism season in snowy Japan and many people are preparing to go there. However, Gin Oy, a Taiwanese actress who has lived in Japan for several years, warns that the Taiwanese habit of bundling up against the cold with layers and layers of clothing is not suitable in Japan as indoor spaces are heated. She even says if you do this, you might get heatstroke if you go indoors. Instead, wear less layers with a few well-chosen pieces. Let’s find out more.
With the peak period in Japan’s winter tourism season approaching, many people are preparing to travel, often packing piles of heavy clothing to bundle themselves up with layers. However, Taiwanese actress Gin Oy, who has lived in Japan for seven years, advises that if visiting Tokyo, unless your itinerary involves being entirely outdoors, avoid wearing layered clothing or thermal underwear, as this can easily lead to heatstroke indoors.
Lin Yung-chi
FTV reporter
If you want to stay warm, look at this: a thermal top, a thick sweater, a thick coat, and a scarf. This is the layering that Taiwanese people are very used to. But in Japan during winter, it is not recommended at all. You only need a thick coat and some simple warm clothes.
Two layers are enough as indoor spaces and trains in Japan are heated. Wearing too many layers will only make you sweat everywhere. Many people recommend wearing a regular long-sleeved top or thin thermal top, plus a long warm coat. If you are afraid of getting cold, you can also wear a vest. Compared with Taiwan’s style of bundling on layers, this can keep you just as warm without having to keep putting on and taking off layers of clothing.
Member of the public
The biggest difference between Japan and Taiwan is that Japan has indoor heating, so you don’t need to wear too many layers. Basic warmth is still necessary, such as a beanie, earmuff, a mask, and a scarf.
In addition, because Japan is dry and cold, it’s best to wear a mask as much as possible, as it increases humidity around the mouth and helps protect against viruses. As for playing in the snow, don’t ever wear jeans. Instead, wear thick fleece-lined pants, or tights with a cotton skirt, and be sure to wear gloves, a scarf and a beanie.
Lin Tsung-yu
Professional in clothing industry
Actually, when you go to a dry and cold place like Japan, you can be quite comfortable as long as you wear a thermal undershirt underneath and a down jacket or overcoat on top.
By following this advice, you don’t need to dress like a zongzi when travelling to Japan. And you won’t only stay warm, you’ll also be able to take flattering selfies too.
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2026-01-05
