Why a Kotatsu Can Save You Money in Japan (Especially in Your First Winter)
When people ask how much money they should save before moving to Japan, heating costs are rarely part of the discussion. Yet for many newcomers, winter electricity bills are one of the first unexpected expenses.
Japanese apartments are often poorly insulated, and heating an entire room can become expensive very quickly. This is why many households rely on a uniquely Japanese solution: the kotatsu.
A kotatsu is not just a cultural item. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay warm in Japan — especially during your first winter.
Why Heating Costs Surprise Newcomers in Japan
Many people moving to Japan assume winter heating will be manageable. In practice, several factors make it harder than expected:
- Thin walls and weak insulation in many apartments
- High ceilings that trap cold air
- Electric heaters and air conditioners consuming significant power
- Long evenings spent at home during winter
This often leads to a choice between being uncomfortable or paying higher electricity bills.
What a Kotatsu Actually Does (And Why It’s Efficient)
A kotatsu works on a simple principle: heat the person, not the room.
It consists of:
- A low table with a small electric heater underneath
- A thick blanket (kotatsu futon) that traps warm air
- People sitting underneath, keeping heat contained
Most kotatsu heaters use around 300–600W, which is far lower than running full room heating for hours.
Because the heat stays under the blanket, warmth builds quickly and stays consistent.
Why a Kotatsu Makes Financial Sense in Japan
From a money-saving perspective, a kotatsu offers several advantages:
- Lower electricity usage than air conditioning or oil heaters
- No need to heat unused space
- Comfortable enough to keep room heating turned off or very low
- A one-time purchase that lasts multiple winters
For many households, this results in noticeably lower winter electricity bills.
This matters even more during your first year, when cash flow can feel tight. If you are planning your move, this article may help: How much money should you save before moving to Japan? .
Why the Blanket Matters More Than the Heater
One common mistake is focusing only on the table or heater.
In reality, the kotatsu futon (blanket) is what makes the system efficient. A good futon:
- Traps warm air effectively
- Prevents heat from escaping
- Makes lower heater settings comfortable
Using a thin or non-specific blanket often forces higher power usage.
An Affordable and Popular Kotatsu Option
If you are looking for a simple, budget-friendly starting point, a ready-made kotatsu comforter set is often the easiest option.
This square kotatsu comforter set is a popular and affordable choice on Amazon Japan and works well for most standard kotatsu tables:
Kotatsu Square Comforter Set (Flannel, Winter Use)
Why sets like this are practical:
- Designed specifically for kotatsu heat retention
- Thicker than regular blankets
- Easy to store after winter
- Good balance between price and warmth
For many newcomers, starting with a solid blanket makes a bigger difference than upgrading the heater itself.
Kotatsu vs Regular Room Heating
In practice, many households use a hybrid approach:
- Minimal room heating to take the edge off
- Kotatsu for long evenings, meals, and relaxation
This keeps electricity usage under control while staying comfortable.
It also explains why kotatsu remain common even in modern apartments.
Is a Kotatsu Worth Buying in Your First Year?
For many people, yes.
Your first year in Japan often involves:
- Tight cash flow due to setup costs
- Learning how utilities and billing work
- Spending more time at home than expected
A kotatsu helps control one variable — heating — while improving daily comfort.
If administrative tasks already feel draining, reducing winter expenses can make a real difference: Admin fatigue in Japan .
Key Takeaways
- Winter heating costs often surprise newcomers in Japan
- A kotatsu heats people, not rooms, making it efficient
- The blanket is critical for heat retention and savings
- Affordable kotatsu sets work well for first-time buyers
- It’s one of the simplest ways to save money in your first winter
A kotatsu may look like a cultural curiosity at first. In reality, it is one of the most practical, money-saving purchases you can make after moving to Japan.
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