When I go to a restaurant I like to sit down and enjoy a glass of water while I peruse the menu. Since it is still so warm out (today is 34°C/93°F!), by the time I get to the restaurant I want a big glass of water. Unfortunately, the standard size water glass in Japan is tiny. I have kid's cups that are bigger than what is normal for water glasses here. After ice, there is barely any room for water!
Some restaurants provide water pitchers on the table. Even though the water glass is small, I can refill to my heart's delight. I know I am always going to have the pitcher at ramen shops and most Chinese restaurants.
Conveyor belt sushi restaurants always have hot water spouts at the table so patrons can make as much matcha tea as they want. My husband loves this and will drink 4 or 5 cups of tea during dinner. They also typically have self-service water, but it requires getting up and getting it from a water machine. When this is the case, I usually have two glasses for myself and refill them both at the same time.
Whenever I am at a restaurant that uses small glasses and I have to ask for refills (they RARELY refill glasses without being asked to do so), I feel like such a pest. My husband kindly gives me his glass and I drink both, but I still have to call someone over again and again.
Recently, I was at a restaurant where you have to ring the bell to ask for someone to come over. I was feeling embarrassed at how much water I was wanting, so I just refilled my cup with water from my water bottle.
I kept debating which was more rude - calling them incessantly or pouring my own drink from my own stash. I still don't have an answer to that question, but at least my thirst was quenched.
I've heard in Europe that they don't even give you tap water at most restaurants. So, maybe I should just consider myself lucky that they give me anything at all in Japan!
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