Experience the world-class hospitality! Cold water filled with kindness
It's so obvious that it's easy to overlook, but if you pay attention to the cold water served at restaurants and cafes, you can really feel the "spirit of hospitality."
Nice to meet you. My name is Tsuruta Tachikako, and I'm a water cooler researcher who has been taking photos of water coolers served at coffee shops and restaurants and sharing information about water coolers on Instagram for about 10 years. When I started my research, "Instagrammable" was the hot topic, and no one was even paying attention to water coolers. I was posting photos, and at first I thought it was funny and Instagram-obsessed lol, but as I continued, I realized how wonderful and fascinating water coolers are, and before I knew it, 10 years have passed.
This service is only possible in Japan, where tap water is safe to drink, but perhaps because of this, many people leave without paying...! It's sad. Even though cold water is a free service, many shops make special glasses, are particular about the water, and incur additional costs. While I'm incredibly grateful for the efforts of these shops, there are many shops that put in a lot of effort to please their customers, such as Kazuma Coffee Shop, which serves cold water in original glasses made in a domestic glass workshop, and Matryoshka in Ueno, which serves cold water infused with rosemary.
It's just cold water, but it's still cold water. Don't take it for granted that it's free at any store, but if you try it and appreciate the thought that each store puts into it, you'll probably find yourself unable to leave any cold water behind.
Juichibou Coffee Shop
This coffee shop is located a 5-minute walk from Yurakucho Station, a little tucked away along Sotobori-dori Street. As you enter the shop, passing the roasting machine, you'll be captivated by the jazzy atmosphere. While waiting for your flannel drip coffee at the counter, you can enjoy a cup of cold water, which will help you forget the hustle and bustle of the city and the stress of everyday life. Address: 2-2-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku | Map
Matryoshka Ueno Store
This Russian restaurant is located on the 9th floor of Ueno Marui, a 2-minute walk from Ueno Station. The restaurant is perfect for relaxing and enjoying conversation, and the bottled o-hiya (cold water) with rosemary will make you feel a little elegant. Also note the sign at the entrance of the restaurant that explains the restaurant's commitment to o-hiya. Address: 6-15-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Ueno Marui, 9th floor | Map
Soup curry Pony Pirika
This soup curry restaurant is located near Honda Theater and The Suzunari in Shimokitazawa. At the top of the steep stairs, a delightful space filled with the aroma of curry awaits. It's truly blissful to sip the ice-cold o-yame served in an aluminum cup with a delicate pattern while pondering which curry to order. Address: 2-8-8 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, 2nd floor | Map
Ichishin Coffee Shop Harumi Street Branch
This coffee shop has three locations in Jimbocho, Namiki-dori and Harumi-dori in Ginza. Original water glasses are available for purchase at the Harumi-dori store, located close to the Ginza 4-chome intersection, and two other stores. Recommended for those who want to entertain guests at home or as a gift for coffee lovers. Address: 4F, 5-7-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo | Map
Cafe Lounge "Pandora"
Just a three-minute walk down Gyoninzaka from Meguro Station, you'll find the lounge of Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which will be temporarily closed from October 2025. The spacious space overlooking the garden with its waterfall will make you feel like you've climbed several steps up the ladder to adulthood. Enjoy the cold water served on a coaster reminiscent of the night sky for an even more elegant experience. Address: 1-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku | Map
Rest area only
Only is a long-established coffee shop in Kappabashi, a thriving tool town. Established over 70 years ago, it now operates as a multi-purpose rest area. While the cold water service has shifted from full-service to self-service, the coffee's magical flavor and cold water glasses remain as beloved as they were when the shop first opened. Address: 2-22-8 Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku | map
