Imagine stepping into a cozy restaurant in Japan on a freezing winter day. You take off your coat, sit down, and—before you even open the menu—a glass of water with ice cubes arrives on your table. It’s refreshing, yes, but also puzzling: why ice-cold water, even in the middle of winter? In Japan, this “ice water by default” is a small hospitality system—a standard welcome gesture (often called ohiya) that feels clean, quick, and universally acceptable. This article explains why it became the norm, what it quietly communicates in Japanese dining culture, and how to ask for no ice or ...
