Why do Japanese restaurants serve ice-cold water even in winter? In Japan, receiving a glass of cold water immediately after sitting down is considered a normal part of the dining experience — even during freezing weather. Rather than being based purely on temperature or personal comfort, this custom reflects broader ideas about consistency, hospitality, and smooth service. Many Japanese restaurants prioritize creating a reliable and unobtrusive experience in which customers are looked after automatically, without needing to ask. The simple act of serving cold water before ordering reveals how Japanese hospitality often works quietly — through shared defaults and anticipatory ...
