An island alive with abundant water. Recharge your energy on Kozushima, a hidden gem in Tokyo!

• Table of Contents
• Japan is the only country in Asia where you can safely drink tap water!
• Kozushima's spring water is selected as one of the 57 best spring waters in Tokyo
• Kozushima where myths related to water remain
• If the water tastes good, your food and coffee will taste better too!
• Recharge your energy with delicious water! Don't forget to bring your own bottle!

Japan is the only country in Asia where you can safely drink tap water!

As of 2024, it is said that there are only 12 countries in the world where tap water is safe to drink, with Japan being the only Asian country to be selected. In these countries, safe tap water is supplied through strict water quality management and advanced water purification technology. On the other hand, the main reasons why tap water is not safe to drink are said to be threefold: deterioration of water quality due to industrial wastewater, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a lack of water sources. Even if a country is not a developing country, it does not qualify as a country where tap water is safe to drink due to a lack of water sources.

Countries where you can drink tap water

Japan , New Zealand, Austria, Montenegro, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Serbia (some areas)

*Reference material: https://mt-fuji-nmw.com/column/1815/

Although Japan is an island nation with a small land area, it is rich in nature and water resources.
Another small, remote island off the coast of Tokyo, Kozushima, is also one of the areas that lives with abundant nature and water.
This time I would like to introduce you to the water on Kozushima where we live.

Please see this article for information on how to access Kozushima.

Kozushima's spring water is selected as one of the 57 best spring waters in Tokyo

Did you know that there are places where spring water flows even in the big city of Tokyo?
As modernization progressed, the soil became covered with asphalt, which caused the springs to dry up. Therefore, with the aim of preserving and restoring the springs, 57 famous springs in Tokyo were selected based on criteria such as water quality, water volume, origins of the springs, beautiful scenery, and accessibility to walks.

Two of them are located on Kozushima.
One is the "Tako Spring" in Tako Bay, and the other is the "Tsuzuki Spring" that flows between the mountains.

Tako Spring

1000601 Kozushima Village, Tokyo

This abundant spring water has been selected as one of the 57 best springs in Tokyo. It is very cold and smooth, even in summer. Coffee and shochu (distilled spirits) taste exceptional when made with this water!

It is often difficult for remote islands to secure a water source, and in fact, among the Izu Islands, islans such as Aogashima, Toshima, Shikinejima, use rainwater or distribute water from neighboring islands.
The abundance of spring water thanks to Mount Tenjo on Kozushima is a rare environment among islands.

Kozushima where myths related to water remain

There are many myths surrounding water on Kozushima.
The story known as the "Water Distribution Myth" is a famous one that anyone on the island, from adults to children, can tell.

The story begins as...
 "Long ago, the gods of the Izu Islands gathered at Mount Tenjo on Kozushima to hold a conference to discuss how to distribute water, the source of life..."

It is said that the island was named "Ko-ju-shima" (the island where gods gathered for a meeting), and that this was later changed to "Ko-zu-shima."
The location of the conference was Mount Tenjo, which stands tall in the center of the island. The location is still considered sacred, and entry is prohibited in certain area.

Why did spring water begin to bubble up on Kozushima? The answer is also found in mythology.
If you're interested in finding out more, head to Kozushima!
But before that, don't forget to download the Kozushima tourism app "Marutto! Kozushima"!

The GPS audio guide includes a radio drama-style guide that plays the legends and stories of the island at the places where they originated. The Sugoroku game function is a fun and educational game that lets you learn more about Kozushima just by playing the game.

For more information about the app, please refer to this article.

Download here!

If the water tastes good, your food and coffee will taste better too!

At Vacation House FamiliA , we also offer dishes that use the delicious water from Kozushima.

"Happinessfull Dutch Coffee" (cold brew coffee)  is a special coffee made by boiling spring water from Tako Bay, cooling it, and then slowly extracting it over a period of eight hours.
The mellow, brandy-like flavor will overturn your concept of coffee! The ice is also made with cold-brewed coffee so that the flavor doesn't get diluted even if you drink it slowly.

The cafe situated with FamiliA is open to walk in guests, but please note that there is a limit of three drinks per day!
If you are staying guests, please place an order in advance saying, "I'd like to drink it tomorrow," so we can ensure that it is prepared for you.

In addition, the breakfast, which is included in the room rate, offers homemade bread made with water from Kozushima.
The freshly baked bread is fluffy and sweet, and so popular that customers often ask for seconds.

Other popular products include "Moriwaka", a barley shochu made with spring water from Kozushima and a famous sake loved throughout the Izu Islands, as well as craft beer.
As the people of Kozushima say, "The best way to drink Moriwaka, made with island water, is to dilute it with the same water!", so perhaps the best way is to try it on site!

To make a reservation for Vacation House FamiliA, click here

Vacation House Familia

1005 Kozushima Village, Tokyo 100-0601

“Socializing B&B” "Vacation House Familia" From Tokyo ✈︎Minimum 45 minutes Vacation house FamiliA is located at one of the Tokyo Island [Kozushima] The sea, the stars, and coffee. You're sure to have a lively conversation with someone different than usual. Guests and staff can see each other's faces during their travels, so you can feel at ease. We value a sense of comfort that is not found in large hotels or inns.

Recharge your energy with delicious water! Don't forget to bring your own bottle!

All of Kozushima's tap water comes from groundwater or springs, so you can get delicious water just by turning on the tap.
At FamiliA, we also have a server in the lounge space that guests can use freely.

In fact, on Kozushima, we cannot recycle PET bottles, so the used cans and PET bottles are transported by ship to the mainland to recycle. We are concerned that this may put a greater burden on the environment than normal disposal.

Instead of buying bottled water, you can have an environmentally friendly trip by bringing your own bottle and filling it up at your accommodation before you go out.

In the past, We have met many people who have visited Kozushima to collect spring water from Tako Bay.
It is written as  spring water that bubble up with much happiness in Japanese, so you will definitely be able to recharge your energy!

*The spring water is tested for quality on a regular basis every year, but it is still raw water so please take care, such as boiling it, before drinking it.

Speaking of water, Kozushima also has hot springs that bubble up from the sea!
Please refer to this article for more information about the spectacular hot springs on Kozushima.

See you on Kozushima!