🇯🇵 City — Japan Population: 1,603,043

Can I Drink Tap Water in Fukuoka?

Safe

4.8/5

Quick Answer

Tap water in Fukuoka is safe to drink and regulated under Japan’s national drinking water standards.

Fukuoka’s tap water is generally safe to drink under Japan standards. The supply is mainly surface water (rivers and reservoirs) and is treated with filtration, chlorination, ozonation, coagulation/flocculation. Most visitors can drink from the tap; bottled water is optional for taste.

Rankings & Comparisons

Safety Overview

Global rank #41 out of 152

Safety rating 4.8/5

Dataset average 3.8/5

Rank in Japan #4 out of 6

Japan average 4.8/5

Top Cities in Japan

1 🇯🇵
Tokyo
4.8/5 Safe
2 🇯🇵
Osaka
4.8/5 Safe
3 🇯🇵
Sapporo
4.8/5 Safe
4 🇯🇵
Fukuoka
4.8/5 Safe
5 🇯🇵
Kyoto
4.8/5 Safe
6 🇯🇵
Chiba
4.8/5 Safe

Water Quality Details

Fukuoka’s drinking water is supplied under Japan’s national standards and monitored by local utilities and health authorities. The system draws primarily from surface water (rivers and reservoirs) and uses filtration, chlorination, ozonation, coagulation/flocculation before distribution through the city network. Taste and mineral content can vary by neighborhood and building age, and the water is typically soft with an estimated TDS around 80 mg/L. If you notice a chlorine or mineral taste, chilling the water or using an activated carbon filter can improve flavor without affecting safety.

Water sourceSurface water

TreatmentFiltration, Chlorination, Ozonation, Flocculation

HardnessSoft

TDS80 ppm

Taste rating4/5

Taste notesClean and mild flavor due to soft water composition · Slight chlorine note possible in urban areas, dissipates quickly · Naturally low mineral content gives a light, smooth mouthfeel

Practical Tips

🧊 Ice is safe 🪧 Brushing teeth safe 🍽 Restaurant water safe 🔥 Boiling effective 💧 No filter needed

Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city
In older buildings, let the tap run for 10–20 seconds before drinking
Chill tap water to reduce any chlorine taste
Use an activated carbon pitcher if you prefer a milder taste
Carry a refillable bottle to avoid single-use plastics
Ice is generally safe in reputable restaurants and hotels

Bottled water~$0.85 USD (Everywhere)

Traveler Advice

Risk level: Low Diarrhea risk: Low

Fukuoka tap water is safe for most travelers. You can drink, brush teeth, and use ice in reputable restaurants and hotels. If you have a sensitive stomach or dislike mineral taste, opt for filtered or bottled water.

No acclimation period required. Japan's tap water is immediately safe for all travelers. Some visitors used to hard water may find the soft water tastes lighter or flatter than expected, but this poses no health concern.