The Easiest Way to Find Out If an Akiya Has City Water or a Well

When buying a home in rural Japan—especially an abandoned one or akiya—it’s easy to get caught up in the charm of wooden beams and garden space. But beneath the surface lies a critical detail that can make or break your renovation plans: Does the property have city water or a private well?

Knowing the difference is essential. It affects daily living, renovation costs, resale value, and even mortgage approval in some cases. Here’s the easiest way to figure out what kind of water system your potential akiya has—before you commit.

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🚿 Why It Matters: City Water vs. Private Well

In Japan, especially in rural or mountainous areas, it’s common to find homes connected to either:

• City/Municipal Water Supply (上水道 / jōsuidō)
• Private Well or Spring Water (井戸水 / idomizu)

City water is managed and maintained by the local municipality. It’s regulated, tested regularly, and easily connected to modern plumbing systems.

Wells, while free and often clean, may:

• Require testing and treatment
• Lack stable pressure
• Be incompatible with certain modern fixtures
• Freeze in winter (if not insulated properly)

Knowing which system a home uses helps you prepare for upgrades, filtration systems, or permits—especially if you plan to rent out the home later.

🔍 Step-by-Step: How to Find Out the Water Source

1. Check the Property Listing

Some Japanese real estate sites (like アットホーム, イエウール, or 自治体空き家バンク) will note:

• 上水道あり (city water available)
• 井戸水 (well water)
• 水道引込必要 (water hookup required)

Look for keywords like:

• 上水道 = City/Municipal water
• 井戸 = Well
• 引き込み = Hookup (if not currently connected)

If it’s missing from the listing, proceed to the next step.

2. Call the Local Waterworks Bureau

Once you have the property address, contact the Water and Sewerage Customer Center (水道局 / suidōkyoku) for that municipality. They can:

• Tell you if the property is connected
• Confirm if water is currently active
• Let you know if a meter installation or new connection is needed

Many cities have online inquiry forms or phone support. (Tip: We list these contacts in our internal OHJ database and can reach out on your behalf.)

3. Look at the Exterior of the Property

If you’re visiting the home—or reviewing detailed photos—check for:

• A meter box near the edge of the property (often metal or plastic, labeled 水道メーター)
• PVC pipes leading from the street to the home
• An old well shaft or pump structure

If a water meter is present, it likely indicates a connection to city water. No meter? It might rely on well or spring water.

4. Ask the Seller or Agent

A Japanese real estate agent (fudōsan) should be able to provide this information easily. Ask:

この物件は上水道ですか？それとも井戸水ですか？
"Does this property have city water or well water?"

If you're working with us at Old Houses Japan, we can request this information directly—even if you're buying from overseas or don’t speak Japanese.

🧰 Bonus: What to Do If There’s No Water Hookup

Some akiya homes (especially older ones) may not have an active water line at all. In that case:

• You’ll need to apply for a water connection (費用 varies by region, often ¥300,000–¥800,000)
• You may need to dig or refurbish an old well
• Some areas offer municipal subsidies to help cover the cost of connecting water

We recommend budgeting for this in your renovation plan if it's unclear.

💬 Final Thoughts

Before you fall in love with an akiya, make sure you know what’s coming out of the tap. A private well isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but it requires planning and maintenance—and sometimes filters or backup systems.

If you're buying from overseas, don’t stress—we’ll check for you.

🚰 Need Help Verifying Water Access?

Let Old Houses Japan do the heavy lifting. Whether it’s a question of water access, septic systems, or renovation logistics, we’re here to help you confidently buy your dream akiya.

📬 Contact us for a property check