Have you ever used a "ゆたんぽ" (Yutanpo)?

Recently, I went back to Japan for お正月 (Shōgatsu: New Year) 🎍✨

I flew from Singapore, and before I knew it, I had arrived in Japan while I was sleeping.

But as soon as I stepped out of the airport, I was shocked by the cold.🥶

I had completely forgotten about Japan's winter.

While I was surprised by the cold, I also thought, “How amazing it is that I can travel to such a different season while sleeping!" and felt grateful for that.🙏

When I arrived at my parents' house, I realized how cold it was—so cold that I couldn’t move without heating.

In the middle of this, my mother prepared a ゆたんぽ (Yutanpo: a hot water bottle) for me when I went to bed.

It had been a long time since I used one, and I was moved by how warm and comforting it was.

A hot water bottle is a container that you fill with hot water to warm your body, and it’s especially useful in the cold season.⛄️

It is commonly placed in bed or at your feet to keep you warm during winter.

In Japan, it has been used for a long time, and you can find them made of metal, ceramic, or plastic.

Recently, electric hot water bottles have also become popular.

Some types can be heated in the microwave, and I used to use one like that when I was a child.

It was inside a cute stuffed animal, so it was very cute, and I looked forward to bedtime.🤭

(This is what I actually used when I was a little!👇)

Simple yet powerful, the warmth from a hot water bottle is incredibly effective at keeping the cold at bay.

It’s such a convenient way to stay warm.

Hot water bottles are not just used in Japan; they’re also common in countries like Germany, Russia, and the UK.

For people living in cold regions, they are an essential heating tool.

In warm places like Singapore 🇸🇬, there’s no need for a hot water bottle, but when you’re in a colder area, you truly appreciate its warmth.❤️

Sayuri