Water in Japan
Japan, with its majestic mountains and countless rivers and water sources, benefits from naturally pure water. But what about the drinkability of this water and the drinking habits of the Japanese? Here’s a comprehensive guide for travelers seeking information about water in Japan.
Is the Water Potable in Japan?
Yes, water is potable everywhere in Japan, whether in public or private places, such as hotels, restaurants, restrooms, bars, and even in the numerous public water fountains you’ll find in cities. Like in the United States, Japan is a developed country where the quality of drinking water is strictly regulated.
This also includes the fountains at the entrance of temples, known as temizuya (手水舎). These fountains play an important role in the purification ritual before entering temples. Visitors are expected to wash their hands and take a small sip of water to rinse their mouth before spitting it out. While this water is technically drinkable, it is primarily intended for spiritual purposes, not consumption.
However, there can be exceptions. In certain areas, particularly in nature or remote locations, the water might not be potable. In such cases, information signs are posted with instructions in both Japanese and English, clearly indicating that the water is not safe to drink. For example, you may see the phrase 「この水は飲めません」, which is pronounced “Kono mizu wa nomemasen,” meaning “This water is not drinkable.”
In general, the price of a bottle of water from these vending machines is similar to that in supermarkets, making it unnecessary to stock up in advance. However, it’s worth noting that in some remote tourist spots or higher altitudes, prices may be slightly higher.
Electricity in Japan
Traveling with your electronic devices requires some preparation, especially when visiting a country like Japan, where electrical standards differ from those in Europe
Voltage and Frequency Differences
Electricity in Japan operates at 100 volts with a frequency of 50 to 60 hertz, depending on the region.
In comparison, the voltage in Europe is 230 volts with a frequency of 50 hertz. This difference means that some high-powered appliances, like hair dryers or toasters, may not work properly in Japan without a transformer. However, a transformer can be bulky and expensive.
On the other hand, small electronic devices like cell phones, laptops, or battery chargers usually won’t have any issues. Most manufacturers design these devices to be compatible with voltages ranging from 100 to 230 volts. It’s still advisable to check the specifications of each device before your trip to ensure compatibility.
Electrical Outlets: An Adapter Is Essential
Electrical outlets in Japan are different from those used in Europe. Japanese outlets are Type A or B, with two parallel flat pins. Therefore, you’ll need an adapter to plug in your devices in Japan. These adapters are readily available at electronics stores, large retail outlets, and airports. Prices range between 15 € and 30 €.
If you forget to purchase one before your trip, you can easily find them at specialty stores like Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera, which are present in most major Japanese cities. When choosing an adapter, opt for a flat and lightweight model, as Japanese outlets are not always well-secured, and heavy adapters tend to disconnect easily.
Buying Electrical Appliances in Japan
Japan is often seen as a paradise for tech enthusiasts due to the attractive prices of electronic devices, thanks to a VAT of only 10% or the Tax-Free option. However, buying electrical or electronic devices in Japan isn’t always a good idea.
First, high-powered devices like toasters or hair dryers won’t work properly once you return to Europe unless you use a suitable transformer.
Next, for cell phones, there are compatibility risks since many devices are specifically designed to work with Japanese carriers. Additionally, some SIM cards may be soldered into the devices, making them unusable outside Japan. Finally, in case of issues, getting technical support outside of Japan could be challenging.
Another important point to consider is Europe customs regulations. If the value of your product exceeds 430 €, you may need to declare it upon returning to Europe and pay customs duties. So, it’s crucial to calculate the total cost before deciding to purchase an appliance in Japan.
Electricity on Airplanes
For long international flights, airplanes are generally equipped with USB 2.0 ports next to individual screens, allowing you to charge your phone or other small electronic devices during the flight.
However, if you’re using newer devices with USB-C or an iPhone, it’s recommended to bring a compatible adapter to avoid any inconvenience.
