I am so impressed with the choice in merino socks, merino woolly hats, and merino thermals. Wonderful quality! I am also impressed with the enormous choice in very warm snowboots and the 'heated' underjackets and the vast choice in other jackets. The prices were amazing! If you like winters and are in need of being kitted out for it in preparation. Japan is where you should do your shopping. You are a brilliant ambassador for Japan!! Thank you for informing us! Keep well and keep warm.
Thank you so much! I think it's good to come to Japan being more conservative and not over packing. Someone else mentioned in the comments that sizing is something to take into consideration. If a person is taller or larger than average, it might be best to do some research before relying on Japan sizing
Workman is my favorite store in Japan and please more diy shop content! Thank you for the current and applicable info- headed back for a snow vacation in Feb!
Decathlon sells affordable winter clothing for sports/hunting and the sizing is better for Europeans. I can't find shoes in my size in Japan and the arm and leg length on clothing is too short. Japanese clothing is great if you are on the shorter side, not too fat and have smaller feet. Ultimately the market dictates the size, Japan does not need to stock a lot of larger/longer items.
For traction on ice you can get spikes that strap-on to your existing shoes, the ones I went with are from Polar Cleats but there are many other brands now.
I'd love to try the gloves. I use a mobility scooter and just like a bicycle or motorbike (both of which I've ridden in the past) your hands get incredibly cold in the winter. I used to wear 3 pairs of layered gloves on my motorcycle and my hands still froze (45 years ago).The only gloves I've found here in the UK that work are thick ski gloves. I'd love a thinner pair that kept my hands warm and didn't make me feel so clumsy. I'm always dropping mykeys. Generally if I go out on my scooter I look like the michelin man with all the thermal layers especially my knee length coat but they do keep me nice and warm, it's just my hands that suffer because I have to keep taking the gloves off. Edit: I just found them on amazon so I'm going to get a pair. Thanks so much for the information.❤
I hope you are considered skinny (not thin, but skinny...like Los Angeles skinny) because Japanese clothing is *much* smaller than American (Aussie/UK/Euro) sizing. The shoes are smaller, the pants legs are shorter (5'4" or shorter), the long sleeve shirts/coats/sweaters are shorter. Think of shopping in the women's petites department and how everything is smaller in size and length. The ladies there also tend to have rather flat buttocks, so if you are curvy or muscled, you can mostly forget a comfortable fit in the waist/crotch/buttocks area of pants. It wasn't a problem for me, but I can easily see how it could a problem for anyone with an average body size. I'll give you an example. I was 5'6" and wore a size 2 or 4. The pants were still too short for me, but because I was so skinny, I could often wear everything else. Also, shoes and socks are made for much smaller feet. Just trying to remind you to keep your expectations in line with what you are going to find. Matt appears to be smaller in stature, and extremely fit, so he may forget that many men and women will be considerably taller/larger than he is. I'm only saying this because if you are planning on going on a ski trip, and not bringing your own gear, you might have to shop in the men's section to find clothing/socks that fit you well, depending on how tall you are, or how long your feet are. I do agree, these products look amazing.
Great point! On the other side of this, I'm 5'7 and being a gymnast in my past life, I have a broader build. My chest is quite large and shoulders wider for my height. Saying this, I go up a size in Japan for tops (from US medium to Japan large) and its the perfect fit. I prefer it over US sizes because its not too long for my height. Same goes for pants- they're just much too long in US sizing but in Japan they couldn't fit any better. There is certain height and width needed to fit comfortably in Japanese clothes but same goes for US sizing. My size lines up more with Japan
I love Workman, and have gotten many good things there.That said, my feet are American size 13, and I was unable to find footwear that fit me there. Maybe selection varies with the store branch.
I only have USA 11 feet and struggle to find any footware in Japan . The only off the self footwear I can find are 3xl rubber boots from hardware stores .Normal day to day shoes I have to buy back in Australia or off Amazon and obviously pay the higher prices than Japan.
@@brendon408 I feel your pain. I wear US size 12 - absolutely zero chance of finding shoes. On a few rare occasions, I found large size winter boots at Timberland premium outlets.
Hey Mat, love your content, another cool place for gear are the second syreet stores, especially the second street outdoor stores. We checked out heaps of them and got some really awesome used gear..
That short heat mantle looks like a good match with a kotatsu! What are the options for buying (and perhaps hten selling) ski clothes second hand in Japan? I wouldn't want to buy a basically plastic outfit for just one season just because it's cheaper...
Second hand is also a good option. The only reason I would suggest the cheaper new ski gear is for those who are new to winter sports or only want to mess around in the snow for a week or two. The challenge/issue with second hand is how much time it takes to go out and find something that works. If someone only stayed a week in Japan for skiing it could take a whole day or two just searching through second hand stores. Time is powder snow hahaha
Wow I can't tell you how valuable this video has been for me, thanks Matt! I was struggling wondering what to pack for carry on only into Japan in February but your video is so helpful so I won't bother splashing out on expensive merino thermals, gloves, hats etc. ahead of time here in Australia. Much appreciated! Another question tho... lace up versus side zipper versus elastic lace footwear in winter. I know shoes will be coming on and off a bit with temples and castles etc. but is it worth trying to avoid laces and what else would you suggest? We'll be there in mid Feb spending time in Tokyo, 2 days and 1 night in Matsumoto, then on south to Hiroshima/Kurashiki and Kyoto so not sure which way to go. It's more than short time in Matsumoto that has me scratching my head. So far I have a pair of waterproof sneakers with decent grip as my travel shoes and fortunately my feet are small enough to fit sizes available in Japan. Also :) apart from WorkGirl in Ginza, what are other good places for the winter shoes, hats and gloves wear without spending a bomb, we're staying in Kabukicho area of Shinjuku. Cheers.
Great video. Thanks for sharing. We’ll be heading to Tokyo end of this month before going to Tomamu with the kids for snow. Any suggestions where I can buy local brand ski clothes for 4 and 6yo? Thanks!
Interestingly, Japan appears to be better prepared for winter than Finland.Here is greater emphasis on winter sports rather than on everyday winter living. However, the prices of woolen goods are quite high. Furthermore, the rubber boots sold here seem dangerously inadequate for icy conditions -- it's a suicide to step with them on frozen ground.Are the soles of Japanese winter rubber boots made of some special, non-slip material?
Thanks Matt, what sizes did they go up to? For the socks you showed up to 27cm, do they have a size up? the same with the boots do they go larger than 30cm?
Watching this from my kotatsu I can definitely recommend them. I will also check out the workman plus store! wool socks are fantastic not only for winter but year round and my exhusband got all ours in the divorce lol
Hi from Australia Matt, I really enjoyed your video.. If by chance I went overboard 😁 in purchasing winter clothing. How easy is it to post parcels back from Japan?
I still use my to go footwear. My teva sandals. With 2 pairs of wool socks, one thinner, and one thicker, i keep my feet's warm to down to -25 degrees Celsius.
Is it possible to do a video on snowboards, boots, etc. ??? Or perhaps the pricing is the same as in the US. I have yet to try a kotatsu, but they look so cozy! I have been warned to be careful so I don't burn my feet and/or legs. NOTE TO WESTERNERS: If you have never shopped for clothing in Japan, please *remember the sizing differences*, especially pants' leg length, and shirt/coat arm length. If you are female and 5'4" or shorter, or male and 5'8" or shorter, you should have no problem finding pants or long sleeved items that fit you well.The same if you have average or smaller sized feet. Also, if you are skinny to slender, the clothing is more likely to fit you well, without being too tight. If you are heavily muscled, thick, or overweight, especially if you are female, the women's clothing may be too small for you, even in a larger women's size. You may have to look at men's clothing. (I was considered skinny by L.A. standards when I was clothes shopping in Japan and the clothing fit me just fine. I was a US ladies size 2 or 4, which is extra small or small). At 5'6" tall, most of the pants were too short for me. Skirts, dresses, and shorts were fine because I lived in LA where short skirts and short dresses are the norm.
I found pricing in Japan same as Australian pricing, which would actually be more expensive for you coming from the US. However the big stores we checked out had a huge range compared to what we're used to here in Oz
Hi Matt, please correct me if I’m wrong. I thought one is not allowed to bring in medicine - whether prescribed or not - into Japan. The last I read was one is not allowed. Keep up the good work by the way. Cheers.
I leave in Bangladesh and it's winter here too ..but our winter products are very cheap compared to there..... for 1 pairs of good socks.. it's between 50 to 80 taka... that's like maybe 0.30$ ...😅
I've used and still have some of the expensive socks like Smart Wool, Ice Breaker, and Darn Tough. I am a bit of a gear junkie and socks are actually really important to my hiking and snowboarding comfort. These socks at Workman are just as good and while Darn Tough socks ($20) leads the pack for me in terms of quality and comfort, when it comes to the price point its hard to beat Workman
Important point about bringing cold meds from overseas: please do not bring stuff containing pseudoephedrine (I think that’s the spelling?). It’s illegal here (controlled drug) and can get you in a world of trouble if you’re caught with it. Last thing anyone wants when coming on holiday! Spot checking of luggage on the way into the country is very hit and miss, but some customs officers are extremely thorough in checking people’s bags. There are a few other no-nos on the meds side of things, but your local embassy should be able to help provide details of what is and isn’t allowed, and what may need a doctor’s note. HTH
Thermal shirts about 5 x more expensive in France ...but they are a must when your heating is so old and you have no money for new radiators . Oh well 😊 you buy one shirt a year for 4 years and you’re good .
Headsup, things like codine and pseudophedrine (amphetamines) are prohibited in Japan. If you do bring meds in, just do your research. Even if you bring a valid prescription, you can't bring them in.
Stress more in the medicines. The ones they sell here are pretty useless. and sometimes you dont get to buy fever, cold and cough medicines together in fear of misuse, especially when they contain Ephedrine, Codeine, Dihydrocodeine, Pseudoephedrine, Methylephedrine, Bromvalerylurea. Keep yourself healthy as getting medical attention is also another challenge when you don’t speak their language.
Electric blankets? Wouldn't it be better to get a central heating for the house? It's baffling that one of the most advanced first world countries has all these instead of decent heating system. 21 century? They have robots cleaning airports, but still no heating for the population. WHY? Some say the electricity is insanely expensive in Japan. I want to understand, why. They have a decent amount of nuclear plants and an insane amount of hydro dams. Don't they produce hydro energy at all? There're dams on each and every river. My intent is not to bitch, I'm really trying to understand here. Anyone?
Great video. I visited workman shops in the past. Very affordable clothing. Unfortunately most of the shops are far from main tourist sites. Except for workman girls (they do sell men clothes as well) and workman colors. These are more centrally located in main cities
informative for those visiting or skiing in jpn. you speak clearly so it's easy to understand. thanks
I am so impressed with the choice in merino socks, merino woolly hats, and merino thermals. Wonderful quality! I am also impressed with the enormous choice in very warm snowboots and the 'heated' underjackets and the vast choice in other jackets. The prices were amazing! If you like winters and are in need of being kitted out for it in preparation. Japan is where you should do your shopping. You are a brilliant ambassador for Japan!! Thank you for informing us! Keep well and keep warm.
Thank you so much! I think it's good to come to Japan being more conservative and not over packing. Someone else mentioned in the comments that sizing is something to take into consideration. If a person is taller or larger than average, it might be best to do some research before relying on Japan sizing
@@im.mattguy This is a video in itself. Japanese sizing translated and also stores that sell some western apparel.
Workman is my favorite store in Japan and please more diy shop content! Thank you for the current and applicable info- headed back for a snow vacation in Feb!
Decathlon sells affordable winter clothing for sports/hunting and the sizing is better for Europeans. I can't find shoes in my size in Japan and the arm and leg length on clothing is too short. Japanese clothing is great if you are on the shorter side, not too fat and have smaller feet. Ultimately the market dictates the size, Japan does not need to stock a lot of larger/longer items.
Thank you for all the information... will be traveling there in March....
This Year Uniqlo Improved their Heat Tech Technology with C Cashmere for the ultimate warmth and comfort.
Great topic and video Matt 🤙🏼
So cheap compaired to Iceland, if I bought one of everything, plus the trip to and from Japan, would come to about the same.
Thank you, Matt, for such a fun vid, I Love your shows !
Thank you for the kind comment! It’s always nice to show options to stay comfortable and save money :)
For traction on ice you can get spikes that strap-on to your existing shoes, the ones I went with are from Polar Cleats but there are many other brands now.
I'd love to try the gloves. I use a mobility scooter and just like a bicycle or motorbike (both of which I've ridden in the past) your hands get incredibly cold in the winter. I used to wear 3 pairs of layered gloves on my motorcycle and my hands still froze (45 years ago).The only gloves I've found here in the UK that work are thick ski gloves. I'd love a thinner pair that kept my hands warm and didn't make me feel so clumsy. I'm always dropping mykeys. Generally if I go out on my scooter I look like the michelin man with all the thermal layers especially my knee length coat but they do keep me nice and warm, it's just my hands that suffer because I have to keep taking the gloves off. Edit: I just found them on amazon so I'm going to get a pair. Thanks so much for the information.❤
Awesome vid and thanks! Ill be in tokyo next week, will definitely buy my dad some of those heated gloves and jacket since he works outside.
Going to Kyoto mid-December. Just got a battery powered heating vest. Feel safe now to go enjoy winter in Japan!
⛄ 🌬 ❄❄ Just looking at all the winter clothing makes me cold!
Temperature dropped today!!
I wish these products were available in Chicago for these prices. They are amazing.
I hope you are considered skinny (not thin, but skinny...like Los Angeles skinny) because Japanese clothing is *much* smaller than American (Aussie/UK/Euro) sizing. The shoes are smaller, the pants legs are shorter (5'4" or shorter), the long sleeve shirts/coats/sweaters are shorter. Think of shopping in the women's petites department and how everything is smaller in size and length. The ladies there also tend to have rather flat buttocks, so if you are curvy or muscled, you can mostly forget a comfortable fit in the waist/crotch/buttocks area of pants. It wasn't a problem for me, but I can easily see how it could a problem for anyone with an average body size.
I'll give you an example. I was 5'6" and wore a size 2 or 4. The pants were still too short for me, but because I was so skinny, I could often wear everything else. Also, shoes and socks are made for much smaller feet. Just trying to remind you to keep your expectations in line with what you are going to find. Matt appears to be smaller in stature, and extremely fit, so he may forget that many men and women will be considerably taller/larger than he is.
I'm only saying this because if you are planning on going on a ski trip, and not bringing your own gear, you might have to shop in the men's section to find clothing/socks that fit you well, depending on how tall you are, or how long your feet are.
I do agree, these products look amazing.
Great point! On the other side of this, I'm 5'7 and being a gymnast in my past life, I have a broader build. My chest is quite large and shoulders wider for my height. Saying this, I go up a size in Japan for tops (from US medium to Japan large) and its the perfect fit. I prefer it over US sizes because its not too long for my height. Same goes for pants- they're just much too long in US sizing but in Japan they couldn't fit any better.
There is certain height and width needed to fit comfortably in Japanese clothes but same goes for US sizing. My size lines up more with Japan
I would love to see Workman expand internationally! There is a lot of potential with the products
Love Komeri.... the prices are so reasonable.
DIY stores are a wonderful time consuming place 😂
Very good recommendation!!! Please introduce the good deals for snowboard boots and snowboard equipment as well.
Really enjoyed. When I visit next year definitely will be purchasing I will need an extra suitcase
I love Workman, and have gotten many good things there.That said, my feet are American size 13, and I was unable to find footwear that fit me there. Maybe selection varies with the store branch.
I only have USA 11 feet and struggle to find any footware in Japan . The only off the self footwear I can find are 3xl rubber boots from hardware stores .Normal day to day shoes I have to buy back in Australia or off Amazon and obviously pay the higher prices than Japan.
@@brendon408 I feel your pain. I wear US size 12 - absolutely zero chance of finding shoes. On a few rare occasions, I found large size winter boots at Timberland premium outlets.
My feet are size 11 and it's hard to find already 😅
Hey Mat, love your content, another cool place for gear are the second syreet stores, especially the second street outdoor stores. We checked out heaps of them and got some really awesome used gear..
That short heat mantle looks like a good match with a kotatsu! What are the options for buying (and perhaps hten selling) ski clothes second hand in Japan? I wouldn't want to buy a basically plastic outfit for just one season just because it's cheaper...
Second hand is also a good option. The only reason I would suggest the cheaper new ski gear is for those who are new to winter sports or only want to mess around in the snow for a week or two.
The challenge/issue with second hand is how much time it takes to go out and find something that works. If someone only stayed a week in Japan for skiing it could take a whole day or two just searching through second hand stores. Time is powder snow hahaha
Wow I can't tell you how valuable this video has been for me, thanks Matt!
I was struggling wondering what to pack for carry on only into Japan in February but your video is so helpful so I won't bother splashing out on expensive merino thermals, gloves, hats etc. ahead of time here in Australia. Much appreciated!
Another question tho... lace up versus side zipper versus elastic lace footwear in winter. I know shoes will be coming on and off a bit with temples and castles etc. but is it worth trying to avoid laces and what else would you suggest? We'll be there in mid Feb spending time in Tokyo, 2 days and 1 night in Matsumoto, then on south to Hiroshima/Kurashiki and Kyoto so not sure which way to go. It's more than short time in Matsumoto that has me scratching my head. So far I have a pair of waterproof sneakers with decent grip as my travel shoes and fortunately my feet are small enough to fit sizes available in Japan.
Also :) apart from WorkGirl in Ginza, what are other good places for the winter shoes, hats and gloves wear without spending a bomb, we're staying in Kabukicho area of Shinjuku. Cheers.
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
We’ll be heading to Tokyo end of this month before going to Tomamu with the kids for snow. Any suggestions where I can buy local brand ski clothes for 4 and 6yo? Thanks!
Great video! Are you able to comment on sizing? For example, a Medium thermo base layer in the US is equivalent to a Large in Japan sizing?
Hi, do you have a video on Uniqlo winter wear shopping?
I don’t! I thought I’d share some things that are less known about but maybe I should talk about Uniqlo too :)
Thanks - this is so helpful. I will be shopping at those recommended stores with planned trips in Jan 2025.
You got it! Good luck with your trip!
Interestingly, Japan appears to be better prepared for winter than Finland.Here is greater emphasis on winter sports rather than on everyday winter living. However, the prices of woolen goods are quite high. Furthermore, the rubber boots sold here seem dangerously inadequate for icy conditions -- it's a suicide to step with them on frozen ground.Are the soles of Japanese winter rubber boots made of some special, non-slip material?
Thanks Matt, what sizes did they go up to? For the socks you showed up to 27cm, do they have a size up? the same with the boots do they go larger than 30cm?
I’m a motorcyclist who heartily agrees with the practicality of these products for winter activities! #HokkaidoInFeb #HD4Ever
Hii. Great video.
Can you tell me if it’s possible to get a clothes if I’m 6,6 ft ?
Thank you
i'd try some warm japanese saki to stay warm.. or brandy.
Watching this from my kotatsu I can definitely recommend them. I will also check out the workman plus store! wool socks are fantastic not only for winter but year round and my exhusband got all ours in the divorce lol
In the house rebuild episodes, I saw that you were wearing "Darn Tough" socks; are these socks available in Japan?
Hi from Australia Matt, I really enjoyed your video.. If by chance I went overboard 😁 in purchasing winter clothing. How easy is it to post parcels back from Japan?
Thanks for your video! I'm wondering if these shops sell sizes for children below 6.
They do! There’s a kids section :)
@im.mattguy Thanks!
I still use my to go footwear. My teva sandals. With 2 pairs of wool socks, one thinner, and one thicker, i keep my feet's warm to down to -25 degrees Celsius.
It’s nice when we find that thing that works for us!!
Is it possible to do a video on snowboards, boots, etc. ??? Or perhaps the pricing is the same as in the US.
I have yet to try a kotatsu, but they look so cozy! I have been warned to be careful so I don't burn my feet and/or legs.
NOTE TO WESTERNERS: If you have never shopped for clothing in Japan, please *remember the sizing differences*, especially pants' leg length, and shirt/coat arm length. If you are female and 5'4" or shorter, or male and 5'8" or shorter, you should have no problem finding pants or long sleeved items that fit you well.The same if you have average or smaller sized feet. Also, if you are skinny to slender, the clothing is more likely to fit you well, without being too tight. If you are heavily muscled, thick, or overweight, especially if you are female, the women's clothing may be too small for you, even in a larger women's size. You may have to look at men's clothing. (I was considered skinny by L.A. standards when I was clothes shopping in Japan and the clothing fit me just fine. I was a US ladies size 2 or 4, which is extra small or small). At 5'6" tall, most of the pants were too short for me. Skirts, dresses, and shorts were fine because I lived in LA where short skirts and short dresses are the norm.
I found pricing in Japan same as Australian pricing, which would actually be more expensive for you coming from the US. However the big stores we checked out had a huge range compared to what we're used to here in Oz
I need to go to Japan just to buy good/affordable winter wear…
Hi Matt, please correct me if I’m wrong. I thought one is not allowed to bring in medicine - whether prescribed or not - into Japan. The last I read was one is not allowed. Keep up the good work by the way. Cheers.
I leave in Bangladesh and it's winter here too ..but our winter products are very cheap compared to there..... for 1 pairs of good socks.. it's between 50 to 80 taka... that's like maybe 0.30$ ...😅
I can imagine the prices would be much different! I would love to visit Bangladesh some day
I can't believe how expensive merino socks are in the US!
I've used and still have some of the expensive socks like Smart Wool, Ice Breaker, and Darn Tough. I am a bit of a gear junkie and socks are actually really important to my hiking and snowboarding comfort.
These socks at Workman are just as good and while Darn Tough socks ($20) leads the pack for me in terms of quality and comfort, when it comes to the price point its hard to beat Workman
Important point about bringing cold meds from overseas: please do not bring stuff containing pseudoephedrine (I think that’s the spelling?). It’s illegal here (controlled drug) and can get you in a world of trouble if you’re caught with it. Last thing anyone wants when coming on holiday! Spot checking of luggage on the way into the country is very hit and miss, but some customs officers are extremely thorough in checking people’s bags. There are a few other no-nos on the meds side of things, but your local embassy should be able to help provide details of what is and isn’t allowed, and what may need a doctor’s note. HTH
I'm 6-foot-4-inches Around 235 pounds. Will I be able to find larger sizes in Japan?
Bought 2 heated vests with batteries from Amazon and paid $75 each.
Sweet deal!
Thermo shirt 6 euro in the Netherlands
Thermal shirts about 5 x more expensive in France ...but they are a must when your heating is so old and you have no money for new radiators . Oh well 😊 you buy one shirt a year for 4 years and you’re good .
Thats great! Sounds very reasonable compared to some places. Is that merino as well?
Headsup, things like codine and pseudophedrine (amphetamines) are prohibited in Japan. If you do bring meds in, just do your research. Even if you bring a valid prescription, you can't bring them in.
👊👍
Thanks!
Stress more in the medicines. The ones they sell here are pretty useless. and sometimes you dont get to buy fever, cold and cough medicines together in fear of misuse, especially when they contain Ephedrine, Codeine, Dihydrocodeine, Pseudoephedrine, Methylephedrine, Bromvalerylurea. Keep yourself healthy as getting medical attention is also another challenge when you don’t speak their language.
🇺🇸
Electric blankets? Wouldn't it be better to get a central heating for the house? It's baffling that one of the most advanced first world countries has all these instead of decent heating system. 21 century? They have robots cleaning airports, but still no heating for the population. WHY?
Some say the electricity is insanely expensive in Japan. I want to understand, why. They have a decent amount of nuclear plants and an insane amount of hydro dams. Don't they produce hydro energy at all? There're dams on each and every river.
My intent is not to bitch, I'm really trying to understand here. Anyone?
holey cow! and renting ski jackets for a day costs around 4500 yen... lol much better to buy
Yeah! And some of that rental stuff doesn’t smell that good 😅
great video
Thank you so much!
Great video. I visited workman shops in the past. Very affordable clothing. Unfortunately most of the shops are far from main tourist sites. Except for workman girls (they do sell men clothes as well) and workman colors. These are more centrally located in main cities