Can I Drink Tap Water in Tokyo?

Tokyo provides some of the world's safest tap water, managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks. The system tests for over 291 parameters and achieves 100% compliance with national standards. Advanced treatment including ozonation, activated carbon filtration, and chlorination ensures water safety 24/7. The soft water quality (50.5 mg/L average hardness) is ideal for consumption. Over 90% of residents trust tap water safety, and travelers face minimal risk.

Tokyo's water supply is managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks, which maintains the highest standards in the world. The city conducts over 1,000 water quality tests annually across 131 monitoring locations. Water must pass 51 mandatory quality standards set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare before reaching consumers. These standards are stricter than WHO guidelines in many parameters. The treatment process includes sedimentation, sand filtration, ozonation, biologically activated carbon filtration, and chlorine disinfection. Tokyo was the first water utility in Japan to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 certification. With a 99.9% compliance rate and 100% success on all tested items, Tokyo tap water is suitable for direct consumption without additional filtration.

Tokyo is extremely safe for travelers regarding tap water consumption. You can drink directly from any public tap without concern. The water is clean, well-tested, and suitable for all visitors. There is no need to purchase bottled water for safety reasons, though bottled water is widely available if preferred for convenience or taste. Temporary residents and visitors have reported no digestive issues from tap water consumption.