Top 5 Aspects of Japanese Water Culture That Surprise Foreign Visitors

Introduction

Water is essential when traveling or dining out. It exists everywhere in the world, yet the way it is offered and treated differs greatly from country to country. In Japan, however, the culture surrounding water is full of surprises for foreign visitors.

“Why is water served for free at restaurants in Japan?”
“Why are there so many different ways to refer to water, such as ohiya or chaser?”
“Is it really true that you can drink water for free at parks and schools?”

By exploring these simple yet intriguing questions, we can gain a clearer picture of Japanese daily life and the spirit of omotenashi hospitality. In this article, we will introduce the aspects of Japanese water culture that surprise foreign visitors the most, presented in a ranking format, and explain them in detail with cultural background and comparisons to other countries.

5th Place: The Many Ways to Say “Water” in Japan

Nuances Behind the Words

In Japanese, one could simply say mizu (“water”), but the word changes depending on the context—whether at a restaurant, in a drinking setting, or in relation to health. This reflects the politeness of the Japanese language and the cultural tendency to adjust expressions according to the occasion.

Main Terms Used

• Mizu (水): The most basic and everyday way to say “water.”
• Ohiya (お冷): A polite term referring to the cold water served at restaurants.
• Chaser (チェイサー): Water served alongside alcohol, especially when drinking strong spirits.
• Sayu (白湯): Warm water made by boiling and then cooling it to near room temperature, often preferred for taking medicine or for health purposes.
• Jouon no mizu (常温の水): Water served without chilling, often for the sake of the stomach or when taking medicine.

Differences Between Izakaya and Bars

Using the word “chaser” feels natural at a bar, but saying “chaser, please” at an izakaya can sometimes come across as pretentious. In casual settings, it is more common to simply ask for mizu (water) or ohiya (cold water). This subtle nuance is another fascinating aspect of Japanese culture.

📊 List of Japanese Terms for Water (with English Translations)

4th Place: Self-Service Water

Self-Service Water at Ramen Shops and Teishoku Restaurants

At Japanese ramen shops and teishoku (set meal) restaurants, it is common for water to be provided as self-service, with dispensers or pitchers placed in a corner of the shop. Japanese customers naturally understand that if water is not brought to the table, it means it is self-service, but for foreign visitors, this can easily be confusing.

Why Foreign Visitors Get Confused

• Overseas, it is generally the staff who serve water to customers.
• If the sign indicating self-service is only in Japanese, foreign visitors may not notice it and assume they have simply been forgotten.
• In small shops with only counter seating, visitors may hesitate, unsure if it is acceptable to get up and fetch the water themselves.

Solutions

• Display signs in English such as “Self-service water” or “Please help yourself.”
• Have the staff mention it briefly when customers enter.
• In tourist areas, use signs with English text or illustrations to guide customers.

3rd Place: Free Drinking Water at Public Facilities and Schools

Japan’s Public Water Culture

• Public park drinking fountains → Freely available for everyone, from children to adults.
• Schools → Students can drink directly from the taps. In recent years, water coolers and dispensers have also been introduced.
• Government facilities and public offices → Water dispensers are often installed in the lobby areas.

For Japanese people, this feels “normal,” but from a global perspective it is quite a unique cultural practice.

The Situation Overseas

• United States: Public parks and schools often have water fountains, but their use has declined due to hygiene concerns, and they are increasingly being replaced by refill stations.
• Europe: The situation varies by country, with signs indicating whether water is drinkable or not. Tourists need to pay attention.
• Southeast Asia and Latin America: Tap water is not safe to drink, so the water in parks and schools is non-potable. Safe drinking water is generally available only in paid bottles.

What Makes Japan Unique

A country where children can safely drink water directly in parks and schools is a major surprise for foreign visitors and symbolizes Japan’s cleanliness and safety.

2nd Place: Tap Water Safe to Drink as It Is

Japan’s Tap Water: Rare on a Global Scale

In many countries around the world, tap water is not safe to drink. Japan, however, provides safe and great-tasting water thanks to its advanced water infrastructure and strict quality control. Tourists are often impressed when they realize they don’t need to buy bottled water at hotels.

The Difference Between Hard Water and Soft Water

One point that often surprises foreign visitors is that Japan’s water is soft water.

• Hard water: Contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Common in Europe and North America. It has a heavier taste, and soap does not lather well.
• Soft water: Contains fewer minerals and has a smoother taste. Common in Japan and parts of Northern Europe. Well-suited for cooking and tea.

Impact on Food Culture

1. Rice Cooks Fluffy
   With hard water, rice tends to become dry and crumbly, while soft water makes the grains tender and brings out their natural sweetness.
2. Supports Dashi Culture
   The umami components of kombu and katsuobushi are effectively extracted with soft water. Washoku (Japanese cuisine) owes much of its flavor to the presence of soft water.
3. Flavor of Tea and Coffee
   When brewed with soft water, the aroma is enhanced and bitterness is mellowed, resulting in a smoother, more refined taste.

Many foreign visitors describe Japanese water as “light” or “gentle on the stomach” — a reflection of the country’s soft water culture.

No.1: Free Water Served at Restaurants

Common Sense in Japan, a Surprise to the World

In Japan, when you enter a restaurant and sit down, a glass of cold water (“ohiya”) is served for free without needing to ask. In many other countries, water is something you have to order—and often pay for—so this custom surprises visitors in two ways.

Served with Ice or Lemon – A Touch of Thoughtfulness

• In summer, ice is added to create a refreshing sensation.
• At high-end restaurants and hotels, water is sometimes served with a slice of lemon, enhancing the overall impression of the service.

📊 Comparison of Water Service in Restaurants: Japan vs. Abroad

Essence of Japan’s Water Culture

What surprises foreigners about Japan’s water culture is…

• Water is provided free of charge at restaurants.
• Tap water is safe to drink directly.
• There are various names and temperatures depending on the context.
• Self-service and public water dispensers are common and widely accepted.

These practices are all rooted in Japan’s spirit of omotenashi (hospitality), a sense of safety, and trust in its public infrastructure. While they may seem ordinary to Japanese people, they often appear unique and appealing from an international perspective.

Ultimately, the essence of Japan’s water culture lies in the idea that “anyone can enjoy it freely and safely.”
Much like the oshibori (refreshing towel) tradition, it becomes a memorable experience for many visitors to Japan.

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