Overall, tipping in Japan is not customary. The Japanese culture is one that is firmly rooted in dignity, respect, and hard work. As such, good service is considered the standard and tips are viewed as unnecessary. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. The following are some “tips” for tipping in Japan.
Japanese Tourist Companies
The staff that work for Japanese tourist companies are accustomed to receiving tips and may be grateful to receive a small gratuity. There is no set amount so offer what you feel comfortable offering. If you ever do decide to tip in Japan, do not give cash directly from your pocket or purse. Always place the money in an envelope and present the envelope with both hands on it and your head inclined.
Tour Guides
Tour guides prove to be somewhat of an exception to the rule. Many guides are accustomed to receiving tips because tourists that are visiting from areas such as America who are used to tipping. It isn’t mandatory, or even considered rude, not to leave a tip for your tour guide, but if you feel obligated a few dollars is perfectly acceptable. Or consider bringing a small token from your own country as a special gift.
Restaurants
If you live in the States, you probably cannot imagine going out to eat and not leaving a tip. But, in Japan, if you attempt to leave a tip it may well be refused. The Japanese believe that you are already paying for good service so there is no need to pay extra. Some may even view a tip as a crass gesture so do abide by this good rule of thumb: in Japan, no matter how odd it may seem to you, do not tip. Just be polite and thank your waiter or waitress for their service. Ultimately, Japanese culture prizes respect and dignity far more than tipping.
Taxi Drivers
Public transportation in Japan is excellent, but sometimes a taxi ride is necessary. Do not tip your driver, and if you’re unsure where you’re going or don’t speak Japanese, simply point to your destination on a map and politely thank your driver upon exiting.
Hotels & Spas
Hotel staff in Japan do not expect a tip, especially in high-end Ryokans (traditional Japanese Inns) or even a “floating Ryokan” like Swain Destinations Team Member Cory experienced. If you should decide to leave a tip, it may, or may not, be refused. Do not be offended if it is rejected. If you are leaving a tip, place the money in an envelope and leave it behind in your room. Do not give the tip to any one in-person as that is considered rude.
When in a spa or at the hotel spa, do not leave a tip. Just be respectful and grateful for the masseuse’s service and that should be plenty. Remember to incline your head when greeting the masseuse, take off your shoes and always be polite.
Most importantly, respect and politeness is expected at all times, and if your tip is refused, do not to be offended. If you insist on leaving a tip in your hotel and are unsure what the appropriate method is, check with your concierge or hotel receptionist.
I come here because I am currently at the Conrad Hotel in Tokyo 3 to 4 times a year tipping in this society now is not only excepted but expected . Sadly many of those food traditions have given away to the modern standards in an international like Tokyo . Smaller places of the countryside I agree shipping is not required
Tip is still not expected now, even in Tokyo. No matter how many people tip, you don’t have to. You may notice all people who tip are tourists.
Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures. I think Tokyo is very Popular place in Japan
I live in Tokyo, not native but working here for couple of years,
and tipping here is not a great idea.
It might be considered rude, for them dignity is more important than few bucks.
so just a slight bow with a “arigatou gozaimasu” or “otsukaresamadis” would work just fine.
Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures. I think Tokyo is very Popular place in Japan
It’s nice to know that it’s ok to point to your destination on a map to the taxi driver if you don’t know much Japanese. My husband wants to go to Japan for our next vacation. From my research, we’ll probably have to take a cab to get to some of the destinations we want to go to.
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Very informative and helpful post, thanks for sharing and keep up the amazing work.
Really helpful artical regarding the japan, I am just about to visit japan after these crises goes end. This will help me out at there.
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Thank you very much for the information. I was actually planning to visit Japan for some professional reasons. I hope it would be a great experience.
Japan is my dream destination. Thank you so much for all that information. I’ll soon be travelling to japan and I’m sure the etiquettes mentioned would be very helpful.
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Really appreciate these tips. I wish I knew them when I started traveling years ago. It looks like you have done a lot of research on this. Keep it up!
Japan is one of my best country for traveling . I’ve got a best travel experience on it.
Hi there,
As Japan is my dream country and you give a lot of valuable information, for this reason, thank you so much. Keep sharing and do more amazing work.
Thank you,
Masuma
I often tip taxi drivers when: a) it was a short ride, low fare, b) when I know they took a special short cut, c) we have a friendly chat, or d) I have been drinking. They usually refuse but when I explain, they seem very happy to accept it, more as a compliment to their service. But, if you do not speak Japanese they are likely to think you do not understand the custom and their refusal may cause both of you some discomfort.
Japan is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen. This guide is the best for travelling the with the proper etiquettes.
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