Why is Onsen-Sui 99 so easy to drink? The reason why ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7 is chosen

It's easy to think "all water is the same," but there's actually a big difference in how easy it is to drink.
Even among mineral waters, some feel "easy to drink," while others have "a slight taste." One major factor creating this difference is "hardness."
Onsensui99 is natural alkaline mineral water sourced from 750m underground in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture. With a hardness of just 1.7mg/L, it's ultra-soft water characterized by a mellow mouthfeel.
In this article, we'll delve into the characteristics of easy-to-drink water and why Onsensui99 is considered easy to drink.
What are the characteristics of easy-to-drink water?
Easy-to-drink water shares several common characteristics.
Low Hardness
Water hardness is a measure of the amount of calcium and magnesium contained in water.
Generally, the lower the hardness, the less distinctive the taste and the softer the flavor.
Mellow Mouthfeel
Easy-to-drink water is characterized by a gentle mouthfeel and goes down smoothly.
Easy to Drink Even at Room Temperature
Water that is not only easy to drink when chilled but also delicious at room temperature is suitable for daily hydration.
Why is Onsensui99 said to be easy to drink?
Because it's ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L
Onsensui99 has a hardness of just 1.7mg/L.
This is very low compared to typical mineral waters and classifies it as rare ultra-soft water in Japan.
Its low hardness means less of the distinctive mineral taste, making it easy to drink daily.
To learn more about the difference between soft and hard water, please refer to this article.
Because of its mellow mouthfeel
Those who drink Onsensui99 often give feedback such as:
- The water is soft
- Mellow
- Pleasant to drink
- Goes down smoothly
The gentle taste, unique to ultra-soft water, contributes to its drinkability.
Because it's easy to drink even at room temperature
At room temperature, the subtle differences in water's natural taste become more apparent.
Onsensui99 is often said to be easy to drink even at room temperature, making it suitable for daily hydration at the office or at home.
To learn more about morning hydration, please refer to this article.
Difference from conventional mineral water
| Item | Onsensui99 | Typical Mineral Water |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 1.7mg/L | 30-300mg/L or more |
| Mouthfeel | Very mellow | Varies by product |
| Drinkability | ◎ | △〜〇 |
| Drinkability at room temperature | ◎ | Varies by product |
| Compatibility with tea/coffee | ◎ | Varies by product |

Unique characteristics of Onsensui99
In addition to being easy to drink, Onsensui99 has the following characteristics:
- Sourced from 750m underground in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Natural alkaline mineral water with a pH of 9.9
- Ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L
- Heat-sterilized
- Made in Japan
It is characterized by its gentle taste, which harnesses the blessings of nature.
To learn more about alkaline mineral water, please refer to this article.
Why Japanese people prefer soft water
Most natural water in Japan is soft water.
Therefore, Japanese people have been accustomed to soft water since ancient times.
Soft water is said to be compatible with:
- Japanese cuisine
- Dashi (broth)
- Tea
- Coffee
- Cooking rice
One of the reasons soft water is favored is its ability to bring out the original flavors of ingredients.
The relationship between coffee and water is explained in detail in this article.
Situations where Onsensui99 is chosen
Morning drink
For hydration after waking up.
Coffee or tea
For those who want to enjoy the original flavor of the ingredients.
Cooking and rice preparation
For Japanese cuisine and dishes using dashi.
→ [Reasons why professional chefs choose it]
Making baby formula
Soft water is sometimes used for making formula, and Onsensui99 is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L.
When using, please check the instructions for the powdered milk or each product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Onsensui99 easy to drink?
Because it's ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L and has less of the distinctive mineral taste.
Is Onsensui99 hard water?
No. It's ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L.
Is it easy to drink even at room temperature?
Yes. It's characterized by a mellow mouthfeel and is highly rated as easy to drink even at room temperature.
Can it be used for coffee and tea?
Yes. Because it's ultra-soft water, it's said to bring out the original flavors of the ingredients.
Is Onsensui99 suitable for daily hydration?
Onsensui99 is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L, characterized by a mellow mouthfeel. It is used as water for daily hydration.
Summary
Easy-to-drink water has the following characteristics:
- Low hardness
- Mellow mouthfeel
- Easy to drink even at room temperature
Onsensui99 is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L, and it has the following characteristics:
- Mellow mouthfeel
- Easy to drink even at room temperature
- Good compatibility with tea and coffee
- Easy to use for Japanese cuisine and cooking rice
If you care about how easy your daily water is to drink, please try Onsensui99.

