“Bring a water bottle, too – the air is dry and with the heating inside, you'll shrivel up and need to keep hydrated,” he adds. If you forget anything or get caught short, Japan's conbini (convenience stores) sell the winter basics.
Yes, drinking water from taps in Japan is safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water in Japan. Metro train stations have public water fountains, but otherwise these can be hard to find (this is the land of vending machines after all).
Japan has plenty of water resources, and you can have pure water just twisting the tap. The majority of Japanese people drink tap water straight from the faucet or use it for cooking.
In addition to MUJI GINZA and MUJI Grand Front Osaka, water refill stations have been installed at 113 stores in Japan, mainly large-scale stores and new stores that serve as the bases of each region. Anyone can use these stations freely with their own bottles.
Japan recycles and reuses its ubiquitous plastic container more than almost any other country — but some say it's still not enough.
Clear bottles containing pristine water will vary in price by volume, but generally cost 100-150 yen. Please note that the bottled water in Japan is, in general, soft, and not hard.
Convenience stores are everywhere and they almost always have a restroom, including a sink with tap water to wash hands. On the other hand, vending machines with chilled bottled water are even more commonly found. Price will probably range from 100-120 yen or so.
If containers are larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml), they won't be allowed through security, and the security officer will discard them. However, you can bring an empty reusable water bottle of any size through security and fill it up after you've gone through the checkpoint.
A; You can pay your bill at convenience stores (open 24 hours) as well as Bureau of Waterworks Service Stations and financial institutions. Alternatively, payment of your charges can also be made by automatic account transfer from your bank account, or by credit card.
If you eat in a restaurant, most places offer tap water for no extra charge. Just ask the staff. In fact, tap water is a source of pride for many of Japan's mountainous regions as cool, clean water is a product of the surrounding peaks. Make sure to try some if you find yourself in these areas.
Tipping in Japan is not expected, and attempts to leave a tip will almost certainly be turned down (a potentially awkward moment). In Japan, it's thought that by dining out or drinking at a bar, you are already paying the establishment for good service.
About domestic water filters
A; The Bureau of Waterworks maintains an appropriate level of quality in the water we supply in accordance with the water quality criteria of the Waterworks Law. So you can safely drink tap water as it is without needing to worry about anything.
Even if you do not drink, accept it and at the toast make a gesture of drinking it. A clear refusal of anything, especially at a time of enjoyment, is a bit jarring to Japanese sensibilities. However, going through the motions is perfectly acceptable.
Utility expence in Japan
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications “Household Survey 2021”, the average monthly electricity bill for living alone in Japan is 5,452 yen, gas bill is 2,929 yen, and water bill is 2,245 the others (kerosene, etc.) are 724 yen.
It is considered bad manners to eat or drink inside trains, the exception being on the Shinkansen or other long-distance express trains. The smell of the food offends those around you and there is always the possibility of spilling drinks or food, so please avoid bringing food and drinks into the train.
In Japan, there are still many places where cash is required, however, in recent years, cashless shopping has become increasingly common. Cards and electronic money that can be used are indicated at the entrance of establishments and payment counters.
If you want a refill of water, say: ・Omizu, onegai shimasu.
Free-to-use toilets are common in Japan, but there are more pay-to-use toilets overseas. There are also places where you are expected to tip after using the bathroom, even though the bathroom itself may be free-to-use. One of the reasons why there are so many pay-to-use toilets overseas, is to maintain public services.
According to the TSA, limiting containers to what can fit inside a quart-size bag prevents what former TSA administrator Kip Hawley once called a “critical diameter” to blow anything up. The size of the container precludes enough of a potentially explosive liquid from being carried on board.
Tip #2: Reduce waste and save some money by bringing a reusable water bottle. So you can't bring H20 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.
Yes you can! Just make sure that the bottle is empty and then you can fill it up on the plane. Plastic or metal (we prefer metal), you can take your water bottles through TSA security at the airport – they just need to be empty.
In Japan, free refills are referred to as "drink bar" (ドリンクバー) and often a separate purchase is required to access them.
Yes, drinking water from taps in Japan is safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water whilst travelling in Japan. Metro train stations have public water fountains, but otherwise these can be hard to find (this is the land of vending machines after all).
Visitors to Tokyo can quench their thirst via #Tokyowater Drinking Stations. There are approx. 900 Drinking Stations and at some locations, you can refill your water bottle.