If you’re accustomed to tipping in your home country, navigating the etiquette in Japan can be a bit of an adjustment. Unlike many places around the world, tipping is not a common practice in Japan. In fact, attempting to tip can sometimes be seen as impolite.
Understanding Japan’s Tipping Culture
Generally, tipping is not expected in Japan. In most service industries, employees are well-compensated, and good service is considered standard. The idea is that you’re already paying for excellent service when you dine at a restaurant or have a drink at a bar. Attempting to leave a tip will almost certainly be politely refused. This is often an awkward experience for tourists who are accustomed to tipping for service.
Many restaurants require payment at the register instead of at the table. Despite this difference in payment practices, the quality of service is consistently high.
Oliver Strand wrote an article called How Japan Has Perfected Hospitality Culture, saying, “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.”
In Japan, you can usually expect to receive considerate service, whether you’re at a luxurious hotel or a modest ramen shop, without any expectation of a tip.
Getting out of a taxi, or leaving a cafe, restaurant, or bar without leaving a tip can feel strange if you’re used to tipping. Initially, it requires extra effort to consciously refrain from tipping.
When Tipping Might Be Appropriate in Japan
There are a few exceptions to the no-tipping rule where it may be acceptable or even appreciated:
Tipping Private Guides and Drivers in Japan
While private guides and drivers in Japan are typically well-paid and don’t rely on tips, the increasing number of international tourists has made tipping more common in recent years. If you feel that your guide has provided exceptional service, a tip can be a nice gesture.
Deciding how much to tip is subjective since there isn’t a widespread tipping culture. Trust your instincts; if you feel it’s appropriate, go ahead. If you choose to tip, make sure you understand proper tipping etiquette as explained below.
Tipping at Ryokans (Traditional Japanese Inns)
Tipping is appropriate when staying at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese-style inn). For instance, if you have an outstanding stay with attentive, personalized service (as you would expect at high-end ryokans), you may want to tip the nakai-san (room attendant) or the okami (the ryokan’s proprietress) at the end of your visit.
Tipping Etiquette in Japan: The Proper Way to Tip
It’s vital to present a tip properly if you decide to leave one. It is inappropriate to just pull out your wallet and hand over cash.
The best way to tip is to put clean, crisp bills in an envelope and give it to the recipient using both hands. They will accept the envelope with both hands as well. Envelopes are readily available at any convenience store in Japan. Alternatively, you can wrap the bills in a clean piece of paper if getting to a conbini is not convenient.
In Conclusion: Tipping in Japan
Navigating tipping in Japan can be tricky for visitors from countries with strong tipping cultures. In most cases, tipping is not expected and may even be refused. However, there are exceptions, such as with private tour guides or at ryokans, where tipping may be acceptable. If you choose to tip, be sure to do so discreetly and respectfully, using an envelope and presenting it with both hands. Remember, good service is the standard in Japan, and your appreciation is often best expressed through sincere gratitude rather than monetary tips.
