Water and electricity in Japan 水と電気

When traveling to Japan, it's important to be aware of certain local specifics, especially regarding drinking water and electricity.

Tap water in Japan: is it safe to drink ?

High-Quality, Safe Drinking Water

Yes, tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Japan. The country follows strict health standards, ensuring clean and safe water. Whether you're in Tokyo, Kyoto, or smaller cities, you can drink tap water without worry—just as you would in the U.S.

You'll also find plenty of public water fountains in parks, train stations, and public restrooms, where you can refill a reusable bottle for free.

Exceptions to keep in mind

Even though tap water is safe in most places, there are a few exceptions:

• Temple and Shrine Fountains
  At the entrance of many temples, you'll see basins called temizuya (手水舎), which are used for purification rituals. While the water is technically potable, it is meant for ritual handwashing and mouth-rinsing, not for drinking.
• Remote Areas and Nature
  If you're hiking in the mountains or visiting isolated locations, avoid drinking directly from rivers or natural springs unless you filter or purify the water first. Even if it looks clear, it may contain bacteria or parasites.

In the rare cases where tap water is not drinkable, clear signs will be posted. You might see the phrase 「この水は飲めません」 (Kono mizu wa nomemasen), which means "This water is not drinkable."

Bottled Water in Japan

Buying bottled water is very common in Japan, and you can find it everywhere:

• In konbini (コンビニ, 24/7 convenience stores).
• In vending machines, which are everywhere in cities and tourist areas.
• In supermarkets and gas stations.

Since tap water is high quality, consider using a reusable bottle instead of buying plastic bottles. Some train stations and shopping centers have also started installing free water refill stations.

Electricity in Japan: what you should know before traveling

Voltage and frequency: are your devices compatible ?

Electricity in Japan differs from that in the U.S.

What This Means for Travelers:

• Low-power devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and electric razors work fine, as most chargers are compatible with a wide voltage range (100V–240V).
• High-power devices like hair dryers, straighteners, and kettles may not function properly or may heat up very slowly.

Check your charger label before traveling. If it says "Input: 100V-240V", you can use it in Japan without issues.

Electrical outlets: do you need an adapter ?

Most American devices will fit Japanese outlets, but it's still good to check:

• Japan uses Type A and B plugs, which have two flat parallel prongs : just like in the U.S.
• No voltage converter is needed for most electronics, but check your device’s power specifications to be sure.

Buying an Adapter

If you have a device that uses a different plug type, bring:

• A universal adapter or a Japan-specific adapter (easily found online or in stores).
• Prices range from $5 to $15.

If you forget to bring one, you can find adapters in electronics stores like Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera, which have locations in all major cities.

Buying electronics in Japan: worth it ?

Japan is known for cutting-edge technology and sometimes attractive prices, thanks to a lower consumption tax (10%) and tax-free shopping for tourists. But purchasing electronics there isn’t always a good idea.

Compatibility Issues

• Voltage and Power
  Electronics bought in Japan run on 100V. Back in the U.S., they may not work properly with 120V unless you use a voltage converter.
• Phones and SIM Cards
  Some Japanese smartphones are locked to local networks or come with non-removable SIM cards. Be sure to check compatibility before purchasing.
• Laptop Keyboards
  Laptops sold in Japan have Japanese QWERTY keyboards, with additional keys for Japanese characters.

Customs and Taxes

If your purchase exceeds $800, you may need to declare it at U.S. customs and pay additional taxes. Be sure to factor this into your decision before buying electronics abroad.

Charging devices on a flight to Japan

On long-haul flights to Japan, most planes have USB 2.0 charging ports located next to individual screens. You can use them to charge your phone or tablet.

Newer devices use USB-C, so bring a USB 2.0 to USB-C adapter to avoid any issues!