If you’re traveling to Japan from a country where tipping is common, you may find it pleasantly challenging to get used to the fact that tipping is relatively rare in Japan.
In many if not most countries around the world, service workers expect tips, and often depend on them for their livelihood. However, in Japan it’s quite different. As alluded to in our full article on Japanese etiquette, most workers in service-related roles in Japan don’t depend on tips to survive.
Tipping Culture in Japan
Tipping in Japan is not expected, and attempts to leave a tip will almost certainly be turned down (a potentially awkward moment). In Japan, it’s thought that by dining out or drinking at a bar, you are already paying the establishment for good service.
Incidentally, it’s worth noting that at many restaurants, you make payment at the front register rather than at the table. You might think this would lead to indifferent or mediocre service, but nothing could be further from the truth.
As Oliver Strand writes in How Japan Has Perfected Hospitality Culture, “The service culture of Japan, which always over-delivers, directly contradicts the tipping culture of the United States, which supposedly incentivizes superior service but can have exactly the inverse effect.”
It’s true: almost without fail, wherever you go in Japan (from the most luxurious hotels, to the most humble ramen shops) you can expect to receive thoughtful, considerate service – with no strings attached.
(The country’s remarkable service culture is one of the many things we love about Japan.)
If you’re used to traveling elsewhere, it may feel strange to get out of a taxi without leaving a small tip, but it simply won’t be accepted.
It’s the same at cafes, restaurants, and bars. If you’re accustomed to being in places where baristas, waitstaff, and mixologists expect a tip, it can take extra effort at first to not leave a tip!
Exceptions to the Rule: When to Tip in Japan
There are, however, certain times when tipping may be appropriate, and both scenarios described below are likely to be relevant for many travelers visiting Japan.
Tipping Private Guides and Interpreters
Unlike guides in many other countries, private guides in Japan are paid quite well and generally do not depend on tips for their livelihood. However, even though in the past tipping was rarer, in recent years (thanks to Japan’s emergence as a popular destination, and the accompanying influx of tourists from around the world) it has become more common for travelers to tip guides.
Tipping is not required or necessarily expected, but if you feel inspired to tip your guide it will likely be appreciated and accepted. Because there is not much of a tipping culture in Japan, how much to tip is a matter of some debate. Our recommendation is to tip from the gut: if it feels right to you, it probably is. It’s hard to go wrong, since tips aren’t really expected in the first place!
Should you choose to tip, see The Proper Way to Give a Tip below for essential tipping etiquette.
Tipping at Ryokans
When you stay at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese-style inn), tipping may also be acceptable. For example, if you’ve had an exceptional stay with thoughtful, personalized service (as is likely to be the case at high-end ryokans), you may feel the desire to tip the nakai-san (your room attendant) or the okami (the ryokan’s proprietress) at the end of your stay.
Etiquette: The Proper Way to Give a Tip
When offering a tip in Japan, it would be considered uncouth to simply take out your wallet and hand over cash as-is.
The best way to offer a tip is by slipping clean bills into an envelope, and graciously handing the envelope to your recipient using both hands (they will also receive it with both hands). If you don’t have an envelope, you should be able to easily find one at any convenience store in Japan, but if getting to a conbini is not convenient, another option is to simply wrap the bills in a clean sheet of paper.
We hope this guide to tipping in Japan helps you in your travels! Learn more about money in our article on cash, credit cards, and ATMs, or see our post, Is Japan Expensive?
FAQs
Do you tip in Japan? The short answer: No. In some situations, trying to leave a tip may be even off-putting. As wild as that may seem to American travelers, Japanese culture prioritizes excellent service without any expectation to provide a financial tip as appreciation.
What is the tipping etiquette in Japan? ›
As a general rule you should not leave a tip in Japan, with a few notable exceptions. Remember, if you are in one of the rare situations where you believe a tip is apppropriate, be sure to present the gratuity in an envelope (preferably a stylish one) and offer it with a small bow.
Should you tip Uber drivers in Japan? ›
Be it a taxi, or other means of transportation, tipping your driver is a no go in Japan. In fact, you should even avoid rounding up the fare, as you'll likely get the change back down to the cent anyway. If you feel like expressing your gratitude, just say “thank you” politely as you get off.
Do you tip tour bus drivers in Japan? ›
Tour guides or drivers are also accustomed to receiving tips, but it isn't mandatory or even considered rude.
What to do instead of tipping in Japan? ›
As a traveler visiting Japan, you can take this opportunity to “Do as the Romans”, or in this case Japanese, and instead of tipping with money, instead tip with small gifts! As stated before, most in Japan will politely and sternly refuse any monitary tip you extend to them.
Do you tip massage in Japan? ›
Time for a massage to soothe those weary muscles? Although in many places around the world it is appropriate to leave a small tip to your therapist, in Japan there will be no such expectation. Instead, be polite and respectful to the staff, and thank them at the end of the session.
Do I tip my taxi driver in Japan? ›
Tipping practices in Japan differ significantly from those in many other countries. In Japan, it's not common to tip for services such as those provided in bars, cafes, restaurants, taxis, and hotels.
Should you tip housekeeping in Japan? ›
When you stay in a Western-style hotel, it isn't necessary to tip anyone. That includes maids, bellhops, and servers in the on-site restaurants. If you stay in a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan), there are some occasions where tipping may be appropriate.
Do you tip bartenders in Japan? ›
Tipping in Japan is not expected, and attempts to leave a tip will almost certainly be turned down (a potentially awkward moment). In Japan, it's thought that by dining out or drinking at a bar, you are already paying the establishment for good service.
How do you ask for the bill in Japanese? ›
お 会計(かいけい) をお願い(おねがい) します (Sumimasen. O kaikei o onegai shimasu) – Excuse me, could we get the bill/check, please.
Cash is still the most popular payment method in Japan. If you travel to the countryside, it will most likely be your only option. Although cards and other cashless ways of paying are widely accepted in urban areas, you should still keep some old-fashioned cash on you.
Can you drink tap water in Japan? ›
Yes, drinking water from taps in Japan is safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water whilst travelling in Japan. Metro train stations have public water fountains, but otherwise these can be hard to find (this is the land of vending machines after all).
What is the most polite way to say thank you in Japanese? ›
Arigatou on its own is a simple, somewhat casual “thank you.” That said, most people prefer doumo arigatou or arigatou gozaimasu as their standard way of saying thanks, because both of those phrases are more polite than arigatou on its own.
How much should I tip my tour guide in Japan? ›
Tour Guides: Is a tip required? It is not mandatory or expected to tip a tour guide; you can tip between 2,500 - 5000 yen which is around $22 - $45.
Do Americans tip in Japan? ›
Tipping isn't customary in Japan and is not expected – in fact, it will sometimes be considered impolite. As a general rule you should not leave a tip in Japan, with a few notable exceptions.
What is the most common gift in Japan? ›
Besides Ochugen and Oseibo, there are also Okaeshi gifts in Japan. Basically, you send this present in return for one you've received. Typical Okaeshi gifts include spirits, sweets, or chocolate in Japan and usually constitute about half the value of the original gift.
Is it rude to not finish food in Japan? ›
Not finishing one's meal is not considered impolite in Japan, but rather is taken as a signal to the host that one wishes to be served another helping. Conversely, finishing one's meal completely, especially the rice, indicates that one is satisfied and therefore does not wish to be served any more.
Do you tip taxis in Japan? ›
In the U.S., it's usually rude not to tip servers, bartenders and taxi drivers. The opposite is true in Japan. Even attempts of tipping in Japan can seem off-putting, as it can be interpreted as a sign that you feel the service worker isn't fairly compensated for the price charged.
Are credit cards widely used in Japan? ›
Most major credit cards are accepted for purchases in larger stores and restaurants. However, be aware that shrines and other locations in rural areas might only take cash.
What is the cash etiquette in Japan? ›
Money Etiquette and Things to Know
Handling cash: Most restaurants, shops, and even taxis, will provide a small tray for you to put money on, instead of giving it directly to the cashier. This is also often used when receiving small change.
The reason why tipping can be seen as rude in Japan is because they value dignity and respect much more than tipping. The Japanese believe you are already paying for a good service, so there is no need to pay extra by tipping.
