Do I Need to Tip in Japan

Generally speaking, you don’t need to tip in Japan, for the country has pursued a no-tipping culture. There might be a few exceptions, but you’d better not if you are not sure whether you should tip.

It’s Considered Rude to Tip in Japan.

Tipping is usually not accepted around Japan, for their salary could guarantee their life completely and it’s their duty to service for the customers as they are paid. Also, some restaurants and hotels would include a charge of service fee on your bill, so it’s unnecessary to tip in Japan indeed.

The waiters, doormen, barbers, taxi drivers, etc. would refuse tipping politely if you give them a tip. In some cities, the service staffs might get angry if you stick to tip; they might think that it’s a kind of disrespect to them.

When Can Tipping be Acceptable in Japan – the Exceptions

When you travelling to Japan, there are some rare cases that tipping would not be refused possibly.

In Westernized or Private Hotels

In a private hotel or ryokan in Japan, you don’t need to tip at most times likewise. However, if you ask for an extra service, your tipping may wouldn’t be refused by the private servicer or the host. You could leave a tip in a neat envelope beside the bed, otherwise send a little gift to the host to show your appreciation. If you stay in a very-westernized hotel, you may also could tip.

Tipping a Geisha

Apart from watching a performance by geishas, you may have dinner with a geisha if there is such a service. She would teach the guests some Japanese games, traditional dance, or traditional musical instruments. In such a case, you may tip the geisha. In the same way, you could put the tip in an envelope and hand it to her gently.

Tipping Tour Guides & Interpreters

If you have a private tour guide or interpreter when travelling in Japan, tipping may be acceptable as the tour is about to end. Sometimes, the guides and interpreters in Japan would rather receive a little gift such as tiny souvenirs with a small tip. Or, you may also treat him/her with a cup of coffee or send the distinctive snack of your hometown.

How to Tip in Japan

If you would like to tip in Japan, in the cases mentioned above, you can place the cash or coins in a clean envelope, may be decorated, and then leave it at the bedside or pass the envelope with your two hands to the servicer. Japan is a country of etiquettes, you should behave politely to show your respect to the staff anyway.

Warm Tips

If you can’t make sure whether to tip or not in some cases, don’t give any tip. Anyway, Japan is not a country prevalent with tipping.

In the a few cases that tipping might be acceptable, you may leave a tip of 10-15% of the fare, or you could pay with a round number and tell the servicers that you don't need change.