Cuddle me in my Kotatsu

Stay warm in the winter and be cheap about it!

                 

Warmth can be pretty expensive in Japan. Most places will have Air cons that function as both air cooling and heating. Additionally they are fond of other heating appliances like these electric dishes that have directional heat, as well as these oil powered heating appliances that function extremely efficiently. The oil ones are a bit of a hazard as they do let off fumes, the advantage being that they are decently cheap.
But by far the cheapest option is a kotatsu. In the instructions to my kotatsu it tells me that it only costs one yen per hour on the lowest of settings. This pretty much cut my electric bill in half once I got this.
A kotatsu is a wonderful Japanese invention of a heated table with a futon over it. This is not as silly as it sounds. The table top lifts up and you put this large square blanket on top of the table skeleton and legs and then replace the table top. Worked into the table skeleton is a heater that send glorious rays of sunshine and warmth unto the underbelly of the table. So now you have your table with a blanket one it. Now what? You tuck in! You simply sit down on the floor ( on some floor cushions) and stretch your legs out under the blanket into the contained warmth of the kotatsu. The blanket should be one that certainly reaches the ground on all sides and then with some extra length to accommodate you if you want to tuck in further or sleep there. Sleeping is not incredibly common but you will still find a fair few taking a nap inside one of these. Typically kotatsus will have an accompanying mat that is placed on the floor below the futon. This mat is little more than a plush rug and functions as a soft carpet. Personally I already have a carpeted room and will typically sit on the zabuton ( the Japanese term for floor cushions); therefore, I have no floor mat.
Kotatsus are seen as friendly objects and social gathering places in the winter months. They just have this crazy magnetism to them that draws people in. At a good many of guest houses you will find these furnishings and it is a great way to meet people while traveling. As center pieces, placement is key and often in the center of an open area which is inviting for guests. Though on a personal level, I have my kotatsu set up in front of my TV and consequently my PS3. Perfect Placement.

For curious people who are searching for the perfect kotatsu, I found my pride and joy on sale at Konan for 6,000 yen. This one is 80cm by 80cm, but more common sizes tend to be 75cm by 75cm. There are also rectangular sizes that are fit for families and also higher off the ground. Kotatsus have been getting higher and higher off the ground. Mine has legs extensions, which has become a common feature; but others have become somewhere in between coffee table and dining table height. They are accompanied with little half chairs, the lower ones have chairs that are legless and the ones that are slightly higher have stump-legged chairs. More interestingly is a new adaptation which seems to be an entire dining table complete with chairs and a heavy quilt. Cheaper ones can be found at places like Nitori. A more expensive good quality one is found at your local Muji store ( Oh~ I love this place). And Joshin has a few for sale as well. Another good source for your kotatsu could be your local recycle shop. Personally I was pretty picky on the quality, but, back when I was not in want of a kotatsu, I found the perfect one at a recycle shop. Also when considering purchasing a kotatsu, please note that the futon (blanket) and accompanying mat are not a part of the bundle and bought separately.

If you are looking at contructing your own kotatsu, it is not as hard as it looks. There are a few websites with excellent instructions on how to build the frame and where to order a heater. And then if we are saving money throw a Queen sized comforter on top. Cotton works best for comforters but polyester is acceptable too. Kotatsu futons are not really supposed to be down or made of feathers.

Helpful links for building your own:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-American-style-kotatsu/
This next one is broken into parts but I found the most helpful for a person who really likes to craft.
http://osakapop.com/posts/2010/12/16/building-your-own-kotatsu-part-1/
http://osakapop.com/posts/2010/12/20/building-your-own-kotatsu-part-2/
http://osakapop.com/posts/2011/01/16/building-your-own-kotatsu-part-3/
http://osakapop.com/posts/2011/11/23/building-your-own-kotatsu-part-4/




I found this site insanely helpful and informative on ways to heat your home in Japan for anyone who is considering all the pros and cons of the different types of heating.
http://thisjapaneselife.org/2011/02/02/heating-apartment-japan/