Is water safe to drink in Japan?

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). The best way to guarantee you'll have water when you need it is to fill up your reusable bottle at your accommodation before you leave for the day.

Intrepid is committed to contributing to the preservation of natural and built environments in the destinations we visit, and to reducing the negative impacts our operations may have on the environment. We do this by minimising the use of resources (energy, water, waste) and reducing our carbon emissions in our offices, on our trips and in the destinations we visit. We encourage travellers to minimise their waste by using a refillable bottle. Read more about our responsible travel policy.

Related Blogs

5 ways to avoid buying bottled water while...

Related Topics

What to drink in Japan

Is tipping customary in Japan?

Best time to visit Japan

What to wear in Japan

Click to return to Japan FAQs

Our tours in Japan

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

13 Days From 3092

Discover Japanese culture on this 13-day tour. Travel with a local from Tokyo to Kyoto...

View Trip

Japan Express

9 Days From 1448

See Japan in nine days on a Lonely Planet Experience powered by Intrepid, visiting...

View Trip

Ages 18 to 29

Essential Japan

10 Days From 1680

Take Tokyo shopping, add Kanazawa samurais, Hiroshima history, Kyoto temples, Osaka...

View Trip

Classic Japan

12 Days From 3428

Journey from Kyoto to Tokyo with Intrepid and explore temples, post towns and lush...

View Trip

Japan Real Food Adventure

12 Days From 3416

Tour Tokyo and travel to Takayama, Kanazawa, Osaka, Koya-san and Kyoto in 12 days on a...

View Trip

Tailor-Made trips

Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Learn More

Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak

12 Days From 3020

Get a cultural workout on a 12-day Japan active adventure. Hike the Nakasendo Way and...

View Trip

Japan Highlights

7 Days From 1764

See the best of Japan on this seven-day adventure from Tokyo via Kamakura to Kyoto....

View Trip

Southern Japan Experience

12 Days From 3328

Get off the tourist track in Japan and discover a beautiful region south-west of Osaka.

View Trip

Ultimate Japan

24 Days From 6252

Make the most of Japan on a 24-day adventure from Tokyo to Osaka via art, culture and...

View Trip

Japan: Land of the Snow Monkeys

13 Days From 4150

Experience the best that this diverse country has to offer from the excitement of...

View Trip

Cycle Japan

11 Days From 3104

Experience the best of this fascinating country on a comprehensive cycling tour of...

View Trip

Japan Family Holiday

12 Days From 2956

Discover Japan on this 12-day family tour. Sample fresh sushi in Tokyo, soak in onsen...

View Trip

Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek

8 Days From 3055

Get a cultural workout on an eight-day small group trek on the Koya-san and Kumano Kodo...

View Trip

Japan Expedition: Hokkaido Winter Adventure

10 Days From 3405

Discover Hokkaido in Japan’s north on a winter adventure. Beginning in Sapporo, travel...

View Trip

Show more trips

×