15 Japanese Winter Essentials To Buy Now

by Teni Wada | Updated Jan 25, 2019 | LIFESTYLE

The season most notable for plunging temperatures and unpredictable storms has making its presence felt, leaving us to hunt for comfort. As we bundle up in our winter war gear, heavy coats and fur-lined boots, we must not forget the products that aid the nostalgia of our coziest time of year. From warming loungewear and oversized scarves, lux face creams, clay hot pots, to all you need to create your very own Japanese hot spring bath, we’ve selected some perfect winter must-haves for you to buy now. Read on to see why these 15 Japanese essentials provide all the style and comfort we’ve been seeking this winter.

Our editors independently researched and recommend the best products. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links at no additional cost to you.

1. Samue Loungewear by Watanosato

Want something comfy enough for lounging around at home and fuss-free for running errands outside without committing a fashion faux pas? Opt for the samue, a traditional Japanese two-piece garment consisting of pants and a kimono-like wrap top. Made from hand-dyed cotton in the southern city of Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, this samue has elastic in the waist, ankles, and wrists to ensure a proper fit.

Samue Loungewear – Check Price Here

2. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Treat yourself to an winter gift with one of Japan’s top rated facial creams from SK-II. Rich in Pitera, a concentrated yeast found in fermented rice water, SK-II Treatment Essence is a hydrating toner that moisturizes skin and leaves it feeling dewy.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence – Check Price Here

3. Donabe Clay Pot by Kotobuki

Warm up with one of Japan’s classic home-cooked meals: nabe. It’s a hot pot of stewed veggies, seafood, or meats shared with a group of people. You’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to this dish. Miso, soy sauce, kimchi, and even soy milk are just a few of the nabe broths that you can use as the base to create a flavorful meal that will warm you to the core. Once you’re done, add rice or ramen noodles to properly end your meal.

Donabe Clay Pot – Check Price Here

4. Hot Spring Bath Salts by Tabino Yado

Enjoy the benefits of a soak in a Japanese hot spring (onsen) from the comfort of your own home! What makes onsen so soothing are the high temperatures and the presence of minerals in the water. This collection of bath salts lets you recreate the experience of touring Japan and bathing in four of its most famous onsen: Towada, in Aomori Prefecture, Okuhida in Gifu Prefecture, Shirahone in Nagano Prefecture, and Kirishima, in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Hot Spring Bath Salts – Check Price Here

5. Women’s Tabi Socks by Kurochiku

Add a bit of pop kawaii charm to any drab winter’s day with these whimsical tabi socks inspired by kimono prints. Designed in Kyoto, Japan’s old capital, these 5-inch cuff socks will keep the icy winds off your ankles and are an effortless way to bring comfort, style and functionality to any wardrobe.

Women’s Tabi Socks – Check Price Here

6. Shiseido Tsubaki Hair Mask

Winter dryness will suck the moisture out of your skin and hair. Protect your silky soft hair and create a barrier for your hair cuticles with Shiseido Tsubaki Premium Hair Mask. Unlike traditional hair masks, this is more like an condensed conditioner that can be rinsed immediately after applying.

Shiseido Tsubaki Hair Mask – Check Price Here

7. Cast Iron Teapot by Towa

From tea to hot cocktails, there’s nothing like a warm drink in your hands to keep the cold at bay. Upgrade your current kettle to a testubin, a traditional Japanese cast iron teapot, to transform your kitchen decor and improve the quality of your boiling water. The iron ions from the pot transfer to the water, absorbing the chloride and creating iron-rich water that is sweeter and softer than you would get using a standard kettle.

Cast Iron Teapot – Check Price Here

8. Instant Dashi Stock Infusion by Umami Ninja

Dashi is a broth that is essentially the heart and soul of Japanese cuisine. Dashi is made from one or several of the following ingredients: dried kombu seaweed, dried shiitake mushrooms, dried baby sardines, or dried bonito shavings (katsuobushi). Use dashi to make ramen broth, miso soup, or any savory dish that calls for a liquid stock. This particular infusion works like a teabag, flavoring the broth with a rich savory goodness, without any of the powdery bitterness of stock cubes.

Instant Dashi Stock Infusion – Check Price Here

9. Women’s Crane Pattern Scarf

Add a touch of Japanese winter style to any ensemble with this scarf adorned with cranes, a symbol of longevity and good luck. Available in three colors that compliment any wardrobe, this oversized scarf is large enough to double as a shawl.

Women’s Crane Pattern Scarf – Check Price Here

10. Shiseido Anessa Sunscreen

Just because you can’t feel the sun’s rays doesn't mean that your skin is safe from them. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with one of Japan’s best selling sunscreen brands, Anessa from Shiseido. The milky formula glides onto skin and leaves it silky smooth. Free of alcohol, fragrances, and parabens, Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen is SPF 50+ and is gentle enough for both babies and adults with sensitive skin.

Shiseido Anessa Sunscreen – Check Price Here

11. Haramaki Body Warmer

You might have grown up hearing that body heat escapes from your head. But, in Japan, it’s considered to be your core (mainly your tummy) that you want to keep under wraps. Wear a haramaki (a garment resembling a tube top) to keep your core warm. Wear under your regular clothes, or even over the top for a fashion statement.

Haramaki Body Warmer – Check Price Here

12. Camellia Hair Oil by Oshima Tsubaki

Tokyo may be a sprawling urban jungle, but the metroplitan area actually contains a number of sub-tropical islands off the coast. The largest, Izu Oshima, is home to Japan’s largest camellia grove (tsubaki in Japanese). True to its name, Oshima Tsubaki Hair Oil is locally grown and produced and is known throughout Japan thanks to its quality. Apply to the ends of hair after towel drying to nourish dull and dry hair and to combat split ends.

Camellia Hair Oil – Check Price Here

13. Yu-Be Moisturizing Cream

If you’re wondering what to do about dry, cracked skin this winter, pick up a canister of Yu-Be Moisturizing Cream. This miracle cream with a slightly medicated scent contains Vitamin E and is a fixture in the medicine cabinets of households across Japan. Use on your hands, body, or face to relieve irritation and discomfort caused by the changes in the seasons.

Yu-Be Moisturizing Cream – Check Price Here

14. Facial Steamer by Panasonic

Take your skin care regime to the next level with an at-home spa facial treatment, courtesy of this space-saving facial steamer by Panasonic. In just 6 minutes, warm waves of nano-sized steam particle thousands of times smaller than regular steam penetrate the skin and replenish the skin’s natural moisture. Use in the morning to boost makeup application or use at night to deep cleanse and refresh your skin from damage caused by airborne particles like dust and soot.

Facial Steamer by Panasonic – Check Price Here

15. Face Masks by Lululun

Once Asia’s best kept beauty secret, sheet masks are now all the rage worldwide. But, with an astonishing amount on the market these days you may not know where to start. This winter, grab a package of Lululun’s blue sheet masks. It has properties that will restore to moisturize your face after being exposed to wind and dry air.

Lululun Face Masks – Check Price Here

JO SELECTS offers helpful suggestions, and genuine recommendations for high-quality, authentic Japanese art & design. We know how difficult it is to search for Japanese artists, artisans and designers on the vast internet, so we came up with this lifestyle guide to highlight the most inspiring Japanese artworks, designs and products for your everyday needs.

All product suggestions are independently selected and individually reviewed. We try our best to update information, but all prices and availability are subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, Japan Objects earns from qualifying purchases.