Water hardness in Kamakura
64 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Kamakura is moderately hard: 64 mg/L (3.8 gpg · 3.6 °dH · 6.4 °fH).
Source: Kanagawa Prefectural Waterworks, tap-water quality results FY2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 62–67 mg/L.
Kamakura is supplied by Kanagawa Prefectural Waterworks, which takes water from the Sagami River system (Lakes Sagami, Tsukui and Miyagase, linked by tunnels) and the Sakawa River system (Miho Dam). The utility's 2025 data give 64.2 mg/L CaCO₃ within a range of 62.0 to 67.0 mg/L. Moderately soft water leaves visible deposits on kettles and taps over time, which regular descaling keeps in check.
Japanese waterworks report hardness (硬度) in mg/L CaCO₃; the standard is 300 mg/L and the target 10–100 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 64 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Kanagawa Prefectural Waterworks |
How Kamakura compares
- Tap water in Kamakura is 28 % harder than the median of the 228 cities we track in Japan (50 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 52 of 228 in Japan (1 = hardest); 78 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Kanagawa it is number 2 of 12 cities; the regional median is 62 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Isehara, 24 km away (50 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Musashino, 44 km away (82 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Japan →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Kamakura
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Kamakura water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 64 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.8 gpg, 3.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kamakura safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Japanese waterworks report hardness (硬度) in mg/L CaCO₃; the standard is 300 mg/L and the target 10–100 mg/L.
How many grains per gallon is Kamakura water?
3.8 gpg, equal to 3.6 °dH, 6.4 °fH or 64 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kamakura?
For 64 mg/L (3.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Kamakura?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Kanagawa Prefectural Waterworks, tap-water quality results FY2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Kanagawa Prefectural Waterworks, tap-water quality results FY2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us