http://www.city-cost.comWed, 17 Jun 2026 09:34:41 +0900Freelance tour guide and editor. Currently living in Tokyo and completely in love with the city of Onomichi (Hiroshima). I love long walks, old buildings, cats, tea and crafts.enCopyright © 2015 - 2026 City-Cost All Rights Reserved.webmaster@city-cost.com (CC Team)http://img.city-cost.com/static/blog_campaign_icon.pnghttp://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/RindoRingo/w5ZK9-livingAre you particular about your drinking water? I sure am and, even though it is generally safe to drink tap water in Japan, I feel the taste isn't that great. It is fine for cooking or making tea, but I found myself unconsciously drinking more green tea and less water just to mask the taste. Luckily, my local supermarket had a very good alternative: free drinking water! Well, almost free. Let's see how that works.At my supermarket, there is a place near the cashier with these big plastic bottles for 500 yen. They can hold 3,8 litres and are reusable. Not too heavy, they are perfect for carrying just the right amount of water. Once you buy the bottle, you can head to the drinking water machine, usually located near the entrance, which looks something like this:With this machine, you can only use the reusable bottle sold at the supermarket (other sizes won't fit). You also need the supermarket's point card (depending on the shop, it will be free, or will have a small one-time fee around 50-200 yen). Before inserting the bottle, you have to tap the card and press the button on the screen. Some water will run inside the machine in order to clean it. Then, the door will automatically unlock and you can insert the bottle (unscrewed) and close the door. The machine will wash the bottle and fill if with delicious, fresh water.Above the part with the glass door, there is a small compartment to store the bottle cap while you are waiting for the bottle to be filled. And that's it! Once it's done, the machine will make a sound and you can pick up the bottle, close it and bring it home.This system isn't exactly 100% free, but in the long run it helps you to save a lot of money and hundreds of plastic bottles. The trick is to purchase the bottle at a supermarket that is really close and convenient for you, so it isn't a bother to go there every time you run out of water. Also, each shop probably has a slightly different system, so it is good idea to ask the staff how it works.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/RindoRingo/w5ZK9-livingSun, 24 Jan 2021 16:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/RindoRingo/w5ZK9-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/RindoRingo/MYmn9-living_tokyoSome months ago, I was chatting with an acquaintance about the much beloved Japanese hot springs. The conversation was going as usual until he said, "By the way, did you know that you can turn your bathtub into an onsen?". What? I didn't know, my curiosity was sparked, and I had to find out what kind of magic that was. Now, let me introduce you to nyûyokuzai (入浴剤), the Japanese bathwater additive.On that same evening, I went to the local supermarket looking for the magical powder. Turns out there was a whole section of them, I just didn't notice it before. Water is scarce in the country I used to live in, there is no bath culture and many houses don't even have a bathtub, just a shower. Although I had seen pictures of bath bombs on Instagram, it was my first experience with this kind of product. I found there was a great variety of scents: floral, relaxing, herbal...... and the ones inspired by famous onsen! Bingo! As you can see in the price tags, they aren't expensive, and you can get 12 sachets for less than 400 yen, or 18 for less than 500. But can you really have a soak in Kurokawa Onsen without taking the plane to Kumamoto, or relax in Kusatsu Onsen without moving from home? The answer is... not really. Great as it might be, nyûyokuzai doesn't turn the water in your bathtub into hot spring water. It is a fun experience nonetheless. Since I discovered it, I've tried different types and liked all of them. This is the most recent one: a forest themed nyûyokuzai, because I felt like forgetting about modern day problems and escaping to a green and quiet place. Looking at the pictures and reading the description on the package, I try to imagine just that.It says that it helps with fatigue, tight shoulders, back pain and bad circulation. Some brands claim to be effective against other conditions and, even though I can't guarantee that, a warm bath is usually good for health. It is especially nice during the cold months.The bathwater additive can come in the shape of a tablet or as powder. It is very easy to use: just fill your bathtub with hot water, add the product, wait until it dissolves and enjoy! It isn't steaky or soapy, so it doesn't take a long time to clean the bath afterwards. Going back to the topic of the onsen, what does the nyûyokuzai do if it doesn't turn tap water into hot spring water? It colours it, and some varieties make it opaque, too. And it also adds a nice, relaxing fragrance. It isn't a miracle product, but it is affordable and does turn bathing into a more exciting experience. I will definitely keep on using it and recommend trying it at least once. And, if you already knew about these bathing powders, which are your favourites?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/RindoRingo/MYmn9-living_tokyoThu, 30 Apr 2020 15:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/RindoRingo/MYmn9-living_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/RindoRingo/MqR14-living_tokyoSince the state of emergency was declared in Tokyo and it is recommended to go out as little as possible, why not pick up some good habit and try to exercise at home? There are tons of great fitness websites, routines and courses online, but there is one in particular that is very much Japanese, has a long history and can be done by almost anyone, regardless of strenght or hability.Radio Taisô (ラジオ体操) are morning gymnastics that are performed to a radio broadcast. The tradition started in 1928 and there have been several variations of the program. The current version focuses on exercises that can be performed by anyone, even elderly people or wheelchair users. It is aired every morning on NHK Radio 1 at 6:30 and lasts 10 minutes. And if you aren't an early riser, there are three more options on NHK Radio 2 at 8:40, 12:00 and 15:00."Taeko, you're so great! You diligently do the gymnastics every morning." Radio Taiso is featured in Ghibli's film "Only Yesterday".For many Japanese, Radio Taiso brings back nostalgic memories, since they had to practise it during their childhood. On weekdays, it was customary to go to a park along with other neighbours, complete the routine and get an assistance stamp. Nowadays, it is not as common as before, but there are still many associations that organize gatherings to do the Radio Taiso with some neighbours.Of course, the broadcast is completely in Japanese and it might be difficult to understand the instructions without seeing an example first. But no worries: there is also a video version! It is called TV Taisô (テレビ体操) and can be found at the NHK website for free. Some great options are available on YouTube as well:Oldie but goodie. This video includes Radio Taisô part 1, neck exercises and part 2. Radio Taisô in Shibuya. Do your morning routine with style!Radio Taisô with Hello Kitty. Super kawaii!Radio Taisô with the band Yuzu. Start the day with a smile.Radio Taisô with older people from Katsushika. If these grannies can do it, you can too! Includes parts 1 and 2.Ehime prefecture Radio Taisô. Featuring the governor, some mascots and popular travel spots.So why not give it a go? Enjoy and stay healthy!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/RindoRingo/MqR14-living_tokyoTue, 28 Apr 2020 13:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/RindoRingo/MqR14-living_tokyo