Is tap water in Japan safe to drink? A traveller's guide

This is intended to serve as a general guide. Always check with official sources for the latest government and health advice.

Opting for tap water is often the most eco-friendly and cost-effective way to stay hydrated while traveling. But when you're in a new country, knowing if the tap water is safe is crucial to avoid any unexpected health risks. If you're headed to Japan, you're likely wondering: is its tap water safe to drink?

The quick answer is yes. This guide will clearly explain why Japan’s tap water is safe, and detail its quality to help you prepare for your trip. We’ll also introduce the Wise card, a useful travel companion to help you save on spending during your time there.

Is tap water safe to drink in Japan?

Yes, tap water in Japan is generally safe to drink according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation¹. It is regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and its quality follows the country's Drinking Water Quality Standards², and also adheres to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.

Restaurants often serve it to customers, and residents in mountainous regions are proud of their clean, cool water. While some locals may still choose bottled water or filters, this is typically for personal taste rather than a concern about safety. As a practical tip, always check if your specific tap is safe for drinking. Although the public water supply is reliable, older building plumbing or other disruptions could affect the water quality.

Understanding Japan's water quality

The primary official government authorities responsible for tap water quality and regulation include the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)². The MHLW establishes Drinking Water Quality Standards and Technical Standards for Water Supply Facilities based on the Waterworks Act. These standards encompass 51 distinct parameters and the water utilities are required to monitor the tap water quality regularly in order to make sure that water meets the standards. Local entities, such as municipal public waterworks bureaus, are responsible for daily operations, management, monitoring, and enforcement of water supply projects.

Sources of Japan's tap water

Japan's tap water supply predominantly comes from primarily surface water from rivers and dams, making up approximately 73% of the supply, with groundwater accounting for the remainder³. These sources undergo comprehensive treatment, typically including coagulation-sedimentation, rapid and slow sand filtration, and disinfection methods like chlorination.

Mineral content and taste of Japan's tap water

Japan's tap water is generally characterised by its softness, particularly from mountainous surface water sources, typically measuring 50-100 mg/L as CaCO3 in hardness⁴. Its general taste profile is often described as mild and neutral, though a slight chlorine taste may be noticeable, especially in larger cities. This taste is influenced by regional variations in hardness and the presence of chlorine. Despite its safety, some locals might still prefer filtered or bottled water for taste reasons.

Heading to Japan? Maximise your JPY spending with the Wise Card

Staying hydrated is key to a great trip, and so is managing your travel budget wisely in Japan. The Wise card is a simple way to save when you're spending internationally, be it on bottled water, food or shopping. You can spend in 150+ countries, including Japan, at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're in Japan. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to JPY. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

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FAQs

Do I need to boil tap water in Japan to make it safe?

Boiling tap water in Japan is not necessary, as it is generally safe and drinkable without boiling as it follows strict Drinking Water Quality Standards. However, always check with the local authority guidelines and if your specific tap is safe for drinking.

How does the taste and quality of tap water differ between Japanese cities?

The taste and quality of tap water can vary between regions and cities due to factors like the specific water source, purification methods, and local plumbing conditions. For instance, mountainous regions are known for their cool, clean water, and Tokyo's tap water is classified as moderately hard.

Is the ice served in restaurants and bars in Japan safe to consume?

Yes, the ice served in restaurants and bars in Japan is generally safe to consume. Restaurants commonly also provide tap water free of charge.

Where can I find bottled water in Japan?

Bottled water is widely and easily accessible throughout Japan, available in supermarkets, vending machines, and convenience stores.

Why do some people in Japan use water filters if the tap water is safe?

Some people in Japan use water filters primarily due to personal preference for taste, as a faint chlorine taste may be noticeable in some areas. Filters can help remove these residual impurities. Concerns about the taste impact from older building pipes can also lead to filter use.