William Much has been said about Kumamoto being the only major municipality to provide 100% artisanal water. My older sister made me buy bottled water at the combini and, when the manager scolded me, I said, “Yeah, well, she’s from LA, Boston, and Baltimore respectively, so give her a break. (Plus, she’s older than me.)” Words do not do justice. Behold actual artesian water intake pumps whose water flow directly to your taps. Apparently, the prefecture operates 98 such wells across the city. Whether you’re cooking, brushing your teeth, or flushing the toilet, this is the extravagant substance you are blessed with. (Photos from Prefectural Waterworks - love the bottom photo clearly showing the water gushing up to enter the intake pipe).