Tipping in Japan: Insights, Tips, and More for Foreigners

One of the biggest reverse culture shocks every time I visit the US is the tipping culture. Tipping in America seems to be everywhere: at the restaurant, at the cash register, to your taxi drivers, the luggage handlers, etc. 

Why so shocking? Because tipping in Japan is not the norm.

If you are curious about the tipping culture, or the lack of it, in Japan, continue to read on. Plus you’ll get to see when tipping in Japan is appropriate.

Overall rule: tipping is not expected in Japan

In Japan, tipping isn't customary.

No need to tip in Japan.

At restaurants, bars, and cafes in Japan, you pay for your meal at the register. You can try to tip by leaving it at the table or paying at the register. But in these situations, the staff will give you your money back or politely decline it.

Another common place where you can try to tip is in taxis. But taxi drivers in Japan will turn down any extra money you are giving them.

While tipping is common in other countries, why is tipping not accepted in Japan?

Why is there no tipping in Japan? 

An economical insight

In the United States, people will tip waiters, bartenders, and similar jobs because tips make up a large portion of these workers’ wages. Thus, workers heavily rely on these tips to have an income. 

Japan’s average wage for restaurant employees is about 1,100 yen, according to Statista. While lower than the service wages in America, Japanese service workers do not rely on their customers to make income.

A cultural insight

There is a Japanese term called omotenashi, which describes the concepts of hospitality and mindfulness. While it is mostly associated with Japanese tea ceremonies, omotenashi has spread into the service industry.

It is thanks to omotenashi that taking pride in your work is part of Japanese culture. Thus, employees will give their highest standards of serving their customers as it is part of their work. Offering good service in Japan is not for a reward, so tipping can be seen as rude as it can undermine their service.

Service fees instead of tipping in Japan

While tipping in Japan is uncommon, it is common to see a service or seating charge.

You will see a 15%–20% service charge on the bill at upscale restaurants, trendy nightclubs, and moderate to expensive hotels.

Additionally, izakayas or other drinking establishments will have a snack change. These snacks are called otsumami or otoshi, and are automatically given to you to snack on while drinking.

Japanese rice crackers as otsumami

Whether or not you eat them, you will still have to pay for the fee. Depending on the establishment, it can cost between ¥300–¥700 (US$3–US$6) per person or about 10% of the bill.

Japanese tipping etiquette: When to tip in Japan

There are a couple of occasions when tipping in Japan is appropriate and will be received. However, tipping in Japan is never expected.

Tipping private guides and interpreters

Tour guide explaining a building's cultural significance.

As Japan is becoming a popular travel destination, it is more common to have private tour guides and interpreters while tourists travel around.

Tipping your guide and interrupter is not required or expected in Japan. But if tipping feels right at the moment, then go ahead and do it.

Tipping at ryokans

Tipping is also acceptable at a traditional Japanese-style inn or ryokan.

High-end traditional ryokan in Japan.

Especially at high-end ryokans in Japan, the service they provide is very personalized. More often than not, you will have a nakai-san (a room attendant) or an okami (the ryokan’s proprietress) during your time there. They will explain each facility, serve your meals, do small room cleaning, lay out the futons for you, and provide you with information about the local area and attractions.

The best way to tip your nakai-san or okami is with a nicely decorated envelope with about 1,000 yen at the end of an in-room check-in.

Traditional Japanese gift envelopes with money in it

Tipping when having dinner with a geisha

A geisha is a female performing artist who is trained in traditional Japanese performing arts such as singing, dancing, instrument playing, flower arranging, tea ceremony, and calligraphy, as well as being a great conversationalist and host.

Japanese geisha greeting you

Having dinner with a geisha and learning about traditional Japanese performances is one of the most authentic Japanese experiences to have. 

While not expected, tipping will be accepted to show your appreciation. The tip should be around 3,000 yen in a gift envelope. Typically, you will give this envelope with two hands with a bow to show respect.

What can I do instead of tip in Japan?

Most workers in Japan will politely decline any monetary tip.

However, presenting a small gift is always welcomed. This gift doesn't have to be big or expensive as it usually consists of sweets or cracker snacks.

Western style gifting

If you can give a box of your local hometown snacks or local flavors that would add a great touch of sharing your culture.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if you leave a tip in Japan?

If you try to leave a tip in Japan, the staff will try to return it to you as a polite refusal. Tipping in Japan is not part of Japanese culture, so it is not expected.

How do I leave tips in Japan?

On the rare occasions when it is acceptable to tip in Japan, have the money in a nice envelope, present it with both hands, and offer it with a small bow.

In closing

While tipping might be common in your respective country, it is definitely not the norm in Japan and is never expected. There might be rare occasions where you might want to tip, such as in ryokans, your tour guides, or geishas, but never feel pressure to tip in Japan.