[2026 Edition] What's the Difference in Water You Feel Living in Thailand? Easy-to-Drink Options Recommended for Japanese People
The "Difference in Water" – The First Source of Confusion in Thai Life
Starting a new life in Thailand.
The reasons people begin living in Thailand vary, from job assignments, career changes, and studying abroad to immigration and long-term stays.
While new environments offer excitement, once you actually start living there,
"It's more different from Japan than I expected."
You might find yourself thinking this.
Among these differences, one of the first things many Japanese people notice is the difference in water.
In Japan, you might not have had many opportunities to be particularly conscious of water in your daily life.
However, when living in Thailand, you start to consider "which water to choose" in various daily situations, such as:
- Drinking water
- Water for cooking
- Coffee and tea
- Cooking rice
- Hydration when out and about
- Water stocked at home
In Thai life, water is not just a beverage; it's an important factor that affects the comfort of your daily life.
In Thailand, "buying water" is a normal part of life.
In Japan, it's common to drink tap water directly or use it for cooking.
In contrast, most people living in Thailand purchase their drinking water.
There are many ways to buy water: convenience stores, supermarkets, e-commerce sites, delivery services, and subscription services.
When you go to a convenience store or supermarket in Thailand, you'll see a variety of mineral waters.
Affordable options.
Large-capacity options for households.
500ml sizes for easy portability.
Natural water specifically chosen for Japanese consumers due to its easy drinkability.
With so many choices, it's not uncommon for people to initially wonder:
"Which water is easy to drink in Thailand?"
"Are there any recommended waters in Thailand?"
"Which water suits Japanese tastes?"
Why Japanese People Notice a Difference in Water Taste in Thailand
After starting life in Thailand,
"The water tastes different."
Many Japanese people feel this way.
The differences are particularly noticeable in the following situations:
- When drinking water at room temperature
- When brewing coffee
- When making tea
- When cooking rice
- When making miso soup or other soups
- When ice melts
Water is often thought to be nearly tasteless, but in reality, its texture and aftertaste change depending on its hardness and mineral content.
Japanese water is often soft water, and Japanese people are accustomed to its smooth taste.
Therefore, when experiencing the hardness or aftertaste of water in a foreign country, they might feel:
"It's a bit difficult to drink."
"It's different from Japanese water."
"It feels heavy at room temperature."
If you're looking for easy-to-drink water in Thailand, it's important to choose water that is similar to the soft or ultra-soft water that Japanese people are familiar with.
Tips for Choosing Easy-to-Drink Water in Thailand
When choosing water in Thailand, it's important to consider not just price and brand, but also how easy it is to drink consistently every day.
1. Choose soft or ultra-soft water
If you want to choose water that is easy for Japanese people to drink, the first thing to look at is hardness.
Water with low hardness tends to have a smooth mouthfeel and is easy to drink every day.
Especially if you're looking for recommended water for Japanese people in Thailand, soft or ultra-soft water is a key point.
2. Choose water that is easy to drink even at room temperature
Thailand is a hot country.
Even if you buy cold water, it will quickly approach room temperature as you walk around outside.
Therefore, it's important that the water is easy to drink not only when it's cold but also at room temperature.
Water that can be drunk smoothly even at room temperature is very well-suited for life in Thailand.
3. Choose water that is also suitable for cooking and beverages
The water you drink every day isn't just for drinking as is.
You use it for coffee, tea, rice, miso soup, and other dishes and beverages.
Choosing water with minimalクセ (unpleasant taste or smell) will make it less likely to interfere with the taste of ingredients, making it easy to use in everyday meals.
4. Consider ease of portability and delivery
In Thailand, staying hydrated when out and about is also important.
The 500ml size is convenient for carrying, while case delivery or subscription services are convenient for home use.
Reducing the burden of carrying heavy water every time is also key to a comfortable life in Thailand.
In hot Thailand, hydration becomes a daily habit.
Thailand has many hot days throughout the year, and you might even sweat just by walking a short distance outside.
Hydration becomes necessary in all aspects of daily life, including commuting, shopping, cafe hopping, traveling, sports, and picking up children.
Therefore, in Thailand, the habit of "drinking water frequently" naturally increases more than it did in Japan.
Here, the important thing is to choose water that you can drink continuously without effort.
If the water you drink every day suits you, it will be easier to stay hydrated.
Conversely, if the water is difficult to drink, you might unknowingly reduce your water intake.
That's why choosing easy-to-drink water in Thailand can be considered a fundamental aspect of life there.
"Your usual water" brings peace of mind in life abroad.
When living abroad, small comforts can become important.
Unfamiliar language.
Unfamiliar food.
Unfamiliar climate.
Unfamiliar daily rhythm.
Amidst such a daily life, drinking water that suits you becomes a surprisingly comforting habit.
For example, drinking a glass of water upon waking up in the morning.
Putting water in your bag before going out.
Sipping water at room temperature little by little while working.
Drinking with your meal at night.
These may seem like trivial things, but precisely because they are repeated daily, they contribute to a sense of security in life.
For those looking for water that suits Japanese tastes in Thailand, choosing easy-to-drink water is the first step toward settling into life.
What is ONSENSUI99?
For those looking for easy-to-drink water in Thailand, we recommend **ONSENSUI99**.
ONSENSUI99 is a natural alkaline mineral water sourced from approximately 750m underground in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
It is water purified by natural geological layers over many years, characterized by a soft and smooth taste.
ONSENSUI99, popular with many people in Japan, is also a natural water that can be easily incorporated into the daily hydration routines of Japanese people living in Thailand.
Reasons why ONSENSUI99 is recommended for life in Thailand
Ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7 mg/L
A major feature of ONSENSUI99 is its ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7 mg/L.
It has a very smooth mouthfeel, making it easy to drink even for Japanese people who are perplexed by the differences in water in Thailand.
Natural alkaline mineral water with a pH of 9.5 to 9.9
ONSENSUI99 is water with natural alkalinity.
Its pH is 9.5 to 9.9.
Despite being alkaline, it has littleクセ (unpleasant taste or smell) and is characterized by a refreshing and easy-to-drink taste.
Easy to drink even at room temperature
In Thai life, there are many situations where you drink water at room temperature, not just cold water.
ONSENSUI99 can be drunk smoothly even at room temperature, making it a water that is easy to continue drinking when out or during work.
Easy to use for cooking
Because it is ultra-soft water with minimalクセ (unpleasant taste or smell), it is easy to use for coffee, tea, rice, miso soup, and other daily dishes and beverages.
It's appealing not only for drinking every day but also for integrating into your entire diet.
Comparison Table
| Item | General Mineral Water | ONSENSUI99 |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Varies by product | Natural alkaline |
| Origin | Varies by product | Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Hardness | Varies by product | Ultra-soft water at 1.7mg/L |
| pH | Many products are around neutral | pH 9.5 to 9.9 |
| Mouthfeel | Varies by product | Smooth and gentle |
| Ease of drinking at room temperature | Varies by product | Easy to drink even at room temperature |
| Compatibility with Japanese tastes | Varies by product | Likely to suit Japanese people accustomed to soft water |
| Ease of use for cooking | Varies by product | Easy to use for coffee, rice, miso soup |
| Ease of use in Thai life | Depends on purchase method | Easy to use for home and on-the-go |
If you notice a difference in water in Thailand, choose based on drinkability.
It's not at all uncommon to notice differences in water while living in Thailand.
In fact, precisely because it's something you drink every day, the differences are easier to spot.
The important thing is not just
"Which water is the cheapest?"
but rather to choose from the perspective of
"Is it easy for me to drink?"
"Can I continue drinking it every day?"
"Does it suit my life in Thailand?"
For those looking for easy-to-drink water in Thailand.
For those looking for water recommended for Japanese people in Thailand.
For those seeking a soft mouthfeel similar to Japanese water.
If this describes you, please give **ONSENSUI99** a try.
That daily glass of water is sure to make your life in Thailand a little more comfortable.
FAQ
Q. What kind of water is easy to drink in Thailand?
For Japanese people, soft or ultra-soft water with minimalクセ (unpleasant taste or smell) and a smooth mouthfeel is generally considered easy to drink. Choosing water that is easy to drink even at room temperature will make it easier to continue drinking during your life in Thailand.
Q. Do you recommend any water for Japanese people in Thailand?
For those accustomed to Japanese soft water, water with low hardness is recommended. ONSENSUI99 is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7 mg/L, making it a natural water that Japanese people living in Thailand can easily incorporate into their lives.
Q. Why do I notice a difference in water in Thailand?
The mouthfeel and aftertaste of water change depending on its hardness and mineral content. Many people in Japan are accustomed to soft water, so they may notice differences in the taste and texture of water when living abroad.
Q. Is ONSENSUI99 easy to drink at room temperature?
Yes. ONSENSUI99 is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7 mg/L, making it smooth and easy to drink even at room temperature. A characteristic of this water is that it remains palatable even if it warms up while you're out and about in Thailand.
Q. Can ONSENSUI99 be used for cooking?
Yes. As ultra-soft water with minimalクセ (unpleasant taste or smell), it is easy to use for everyday cooking and beverages such as coffee, tea, rice, and miso soup.
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