Although we DO love Japan, the winters can be tough. When it comes to indoors, central heating isn’t common, and space heaters and kotatsus are the best way to go. But how does one battle the outdoors?

Answer: Kairo (カイロ、ホッカイロ). Basically, hand warmers. They’re at most convenience stores, Donkihote, and Tokyu Hands for cheap prices.

Best part: they don’t just sell them for hands. They sell versions you can strap onto your back, wrists, ankles, and shoes. Some even come shaped as your favorite cartoon and anime characters.

Check out some examples below!

If you still aren’t warm enough, we recommend you hop on a train or go to a mall instead. Those places are heated so well that you might start to sweat!