Japanese Water Costs: Tokyo’s Cool Solutions

Japanese water bills eat up a big chunk of households’ living expenses. Because of this, the costs add up even more during the summer heat. But this year (2025), many Tokyo residents will get extra help: the city is waiving basic water utility fees for four months.

We’ll explain why this announcement is a big deal and how Tokyoites and visitors can save every last drop. Here’s why Japanese water costs are being waived in Summer 2025!

How hot does it get in Japan?

Summer in Japan is no picnic. As mentioned in a previous blog, it begins with wet, stormy weather, which turns into days of high heat and humidity. And both have been increasing thanks to climate change and global warming. Tokyo’s average temperatures during July and August are usually between 25 and 30 ℃ (77 to 86 ℉). But in 2024, daily temperatures were over 35 ℃ (95 ℉) for almost two months. And that’s before you add humidity levels of 78-83%! 

While air conditioning is essential in the summer, Japanese households often switch it off to save costs. That means more people are getting hospitalized for heatstroke, especially the elderly. (Signs of heatstroke include a body temperature up to or over 40 ℃ (104 ℉), dry and flushed skin, a rapid heart rate and breathing, dizziness, and nausea.) In July 2024, at least 120 people died of heat-related causes, mostly seniors. Fortunately, the summer weather in 2025 is supposed to be less extreme, but it’s still expected to be intense.

Why is Tokyo waiving water bills this year?

In May 2025, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced they would waive water bills for four months starting in June or July. This initiative will be subsidized by a budget of 36.8 billion JPY ($250 million USD). Electricity costs in Japan rise by several thousand yen during the summer because of increased air conditioning. However, if basic water costs are stayed, more residents will turn on the AC to cool their homes, dramatically decreasing the risk of heatstroke.

The waived fees will save 8.2 million Japanese households 5000 JPY ($34 USD). Usually, water costs are between 860 and 1460 JPY ($6-$10 USD) per month, depending on the water pipe’s diameter (usually 20 millimeters or 0.78 inches).

These changes won’t apply to residents in the Tama area and the Ogasawara Islands, since the Bureau of Waterworks does not service them; however, their municipalities will get grants to offset the fees. And although basic costs are being removed, Tokyoites will still need to pay additional metered charges.  

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How can I save water in Japan?

Not having to spend extra money on basic water usage is good, but how can you be more responsible? We have some tips for you, whether you’re a long-time resident or just staying for the summer. These simple steps make a huge difference!

Turn off the taps. We know what you’re thinking: “It’s just a few seconds.” But every unused drop goes to waste – and onto your bill. Switch the tap off while brushing your teeth and after rinsing the dishes. That’s a little more clean water saved for later.

Reuse bathwater. Planning to drain the tub after your long soak? Not so fast! Use what’s left over to wash your clothes or water the plants. (Another laundry tip: only run full loads of dirty items in the washing machine.)

Fix leaks straight away. Not only are you saving water, but you’re also preventing severe damage to your pipes. And call a professional if you’re unfamiliar with plumbing – you don’t want to make things worse by trying to fix the leak yourself! 

Why is waiving Japanese water bills so important?

Japan’s cost of living has increased with the summer heat and humidity. As a result, some people have been forced to choose between spending money on air conditioning and paying more for water. Eliminating basic water fees allows them to have both utilities without worrying about the costs.

More importantly, by waiving these bills, folks will feel more comfortable using extra water to keep themselves hydrated, clean, and calm. This means elderly and vulnerable residents will be less at risk of heatstroke and similar illnesses. In a world where extreme weather events are becoming more common, these initiatives are more critical than ever.

Japanese water usage is expected to be at an all-time high again in Summer 2025. And to meet demand this year, Tokyo will waive basic water costs for many of its households. With these fees alleviated, it’s hoped that people will use their air conditioning, dramatically decreasing the number of heat-related casualties. However, residents and tourists alike should still use water responsibly. How do you save water? Share your refreshing tips with us in the comments.