Guides

Everything a foreign resident needs to decide how to drink their water in Japan — safely and cheaply.

Is Japanese Tap Water Safe?

The rigorously sourced answer (yes), the 51 quality standards, and the one real caveat — storage-tank buildings.

The True Cost of a Water Server

The full monthly anatomy — rental, water, electricity, and the 解約金 (cancellation fee) other comparisons leave out.

The Best Water Setup for a New Apartment

What to sort out on day one, and how it fits with your other move-in and utility setup.

Water for Baby Formula in Japan

What the manufacturers actually say — boiling, soft water, and when a hot-water server genuinely helps.

Water Hardness in Japan

Why Japan's soft water is great for tea and coffee, how it varies by region, and why it's taste, not safety.

What Bottled Water Really Costs

The per-litre reality — 2 L by the case vs 500 mL singles — and the carrying-and-plastic tax.

Compare tap, bottled & server for your household →