It’s officially cold enough that we all are wearing our coats, going inside to keep warm, and craving hot delicious foods that will put us to sleep.
This article will be simple. If you are wondering what activities you could do during the wintertime, this is the article for you. Also, if these things are also your favorites, I’d love to know!
First, places to visit.
- Christmas Market
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The Christmas markets in Roppongi or Hibiya are amazing. The chilly weather compels you to walk towards one of the shops and order hot cocoa or hot dishes. Roppongi’s Christmas market recreates a German Christmas market for the past 15 years and each year, people gather to enjoy and celebrate the Christmas spirit.
The Christmas market in Hibiya can be attended with a reservation or you can enjoy the amazing Christmas lights for free.
(Reservations can be made through this link)
I believe it would be a very fun experience even if you don’t celebrate Christmas because you’ll get to enjoy the feeling of visiting a different country even if it’s in its essence.
- Art exhibits
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Art exhibits are kind of the sweet spot in which you don’t really talk, it’s indoors, and you maintain distance with everyone. The perfect COVID-friendly activity. Most major museums even have individual voice guides so you can enjoy the museum at your own pace.
Here are some exhibits that I would recommend!
(Impressionists)
https://historyofmagic.jp/tokyo.html
(A Harry Potter exhibit!!)
https://www.fashion-press.net/news/79449
https://www.fashion-press.net/news/78736
Manga exhibits are also very very interesting and exciting!
The links above are of the mangas BLEACH and ちはやふる。
Go with a friend, family, partner, alone. It’s a refreshing experience.
Next, FOODS.
- FOODS
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みかん(Mikan) & こたつ (Kotatsu)
Kotatsu is a traditional piece of furniture in Japan where there’s a heater under a low table and the table has a blanket-like cloth that allows for people to warm their legs while sitting on cold floors.
In Japan, I reckon that many people can associate eating みかん in a Kotatsu, especially during new years time. I would even recommend adding hot tea to keep the body warm.
Nabe
Nabe is where all foods gather into one gigantic pot and become a delicious healthy meal.
I personally enjoy しゃぶしゃぶ(Shabu-shabu) which is not exactly a traditional nabe, but is a nabe-like dish where you boil meat and then dunk it into raw eggs.
Yes, I’m aware it probably sounds insane to someone who isn’t familiar with the culture but, it’s the best thing since mikan & kotatsu!
Honestly, all foods are much more delicious during the cold seasons. We crave more diverse flavors and textures compared to summer when we just want to cool down.
I know I’m excited about eating crab-shabu for New Year’s Eve!
There are probably so many other things I could list for my favorite things to do in the winter season. Ultimately, I just want to enjoy every day and try to stay safe and healthy.
I think by enjoying the small things in life, the bigger picture becomes that much more vibrant.
So if there’s something you’ve been wanting to do, or there’s some type of food you’ve been craving, treat yourself. We all deserve it.