Hokkaido Winter vs Kyoto Summer: What Japan's Four Seasons Really Cost a Student

January 2019. I stepped off the train at Sapporo Station and the first thing I noticed was that the inside of my nose was burning. It was so cold that every breath felt sharp. In my bag was a thin jacket I'd bought for Dhaka winters. By day three, I'd spent about 4,000 yen on gloves, a scarf and a thermal inner — and learned that Japan's four seasons aren't just pretty photos. They're a line item in your budget.

That's why I want to write this down properly. Most Bangladeshi students prepare for tuition fees and visa paperwork. Fewer plan for the fact that a Hokkaido winter and a Kyoto August are both going to cost you money — in heating, cooling, and clothing.

So let's walk through the seasons, honestly.

Hokkaido Winter: What -10°C Actually Feels Like

At Hokkaido University, I learned what the word layer really means. In January, nighttime temperatures drop to -10 or even -15°C. In Dhaka, we call 12°C "freezing." Here, that's practically spring.

But don't panic. Japanese insulation and heating are world-class. Your apartment, classroom and train will all be warm. The real challenge is walking outside.

Winter Clothing Budget

I quickly realised that hauling heavy winter gear from Dhaka just adds baggage weight. Second-hand chains (Book Off, Treasure Factory) and UNIQLO sales are far cheaper here.

• Down jacket: 5,000–12,000 yen (November sales can bring it down to 4,000)
• Thermal inner set (2 pieces): 2,000–3,500 yen
• Boots and thick socks: 3,000–6,000 yen
• Gloves, scarf, beanie: 2,000–4,000 yen

Total for your first winter: expect 15,000–25,000 yen. After that, it drops to near zero because you already own the gear.

I always tell students: hit Book Off in mid-November. By December, prices nearly double.

One more thing — heating bills. In Hokkaido, winter gas or electricity can climb to 5,000–9,000 yen a month if you're running a gas heater. In a share house, it's split; living alone, you'll feel it.

Kyoto Summer: 38°C and 80% Humidity

Now the opposite picture. In August, Kyoto hits 35–38°C with 70–80% humidity. You're used to Dhaka heat, so physically you'll cope. But there's one difference — air conditioning is everywhere, and the electricity bill is yours.

A student I know in a small apartment near Kyoto University told me his July–August electricity bill crossed 8,000 yen because the AC ran all night.

Smart Ways to Handle the Heat

• Avoid outdoor work between 10am and 4pm
• Wear UNIQLO AIRism or GU cooling inners — around 990–1,500 yen each
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) sell cold water and salt candy for 100–150 yen
• Parks and libraries — Kyoto has plenty of free AC spaces
• Walk along the Kamo River in the evening; temperatures drop 5–6 degrees

One caution: heatstroke is real in Japan. In July 2023, over 200 people in Kyoto were hospitalised. Drink water constantly.

The upside? Gion Matsuri, portable fans, kakigori (shaved ice). Kyoto's summer is culturally the most alive time of year.

Spring and Autumn: The Cheapest, Most Beautiful Months

Cherry blossoms in April, red maple leaves in November. These two months make Japan so beautiful you'll be tempted to skip class for photos.

Budget-wise, this is the easiest time. Not cold, not hot — no heating or AC needed. In April–May and October–November, my electricity bill dropped to around 2,500–3,500 yen.

But spring has a trap — hay fever. About 40% of Japanese people have pollen allergies. If you're allergic, keep a mask and glasses handy.

Seasonal Cost Summary on a Student Budget

Say you're living in a share house outside Tokyo or Osaka. Here's a rough monthly picture (approximate, depends on city and lifestyle):

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Heating + clothing = extra 8,000–15,000 yen/month (first year)
• Summer (Jul–Aug): AC + cooling items = extra 5,000–9,000 yen/month
• Spring & Autumn: Almost no extra cost, though travel spending rises

On average, that's an extra 2,000–4,000 yen per month across the year. Compared to your part-time income, it's manageable.

With a part-time job in Japan, you can earn 1,000–1,300 yen per hour (varies by area). At 28 hours a week, that's over 100,000 yen a month. So a winter jacket or an AC bill shouldn't keep you up at night — if you work steadily.

Preparing for Your First Seasonal Shift

I always say: read the living in Japan guide before you come. And get the cost breakdown into your head.

Remember one thing — Japan's four seasons enrich your study experience so much that the money becomes secondary. Hokkaido's Snow Festival in winter, Kyoto's Gion Matsuri in summer, cherry blossoms in spring — you can't buy those memories.

But yes, you do need to know the numbers. Because study abroad with part-time job isn't just a degree — it's a whole new life to budget for.

If you haven't chosen a country yet, think about Japan. Safety, discipline, work ethic, quality of life — Japan genuinely stands apart. And when you're choosing a city, don't just look at the university; look at the weather too. Our city guide can help.

I counsel students at our Inochi Global Education Institute office in Narayanganj (Chashara, College Road). If you're deciding on Japan, or still unsure, come have a cup of tea with us at our Narayanganj branch. And once you arrive in Japan, our post-arrival support team will be right beside you from day one.