Tipping is common in Japan. This is not normal but I do this a lot and it’s exactly as OP said it. Pretty much just “keep the change”. The general rule of thumb I think is: If they have a cash register, don’t tip.
One place I differ with you is the ryokans. For directly tipping in japan for a service (eg: ski instructor) it’s a lot easier if you don’t have cash. They’ll refuse the first two times you ask them to sign one, and after that will usually accept it without a quibble.
Bars, clubs, tea houses: again … envelopes. Its much easier to tip if you carry a stash of envelopes with you.
I think the larger question will be: why should you tip? It’s usually for 縁. Great way to build and cultivate relationships – especially multigenerational ones. There’s my favourite restaurants, ryokans and bars and cafes and people I go to when I need something. If I have any particular needs, I know that they will go beyond what their normal level of service is.” It’s going to get me introductions to places I wouldn’t be able to get into by myself.” It’s not required and it’s not expected, but strategically tipping is a lot of unique opportunities.
Why is Tipping in Japan Rude?
Tipping is viewed as rude in Japan because their culture highly emphasizes dignity and respect above tipping. In Japan, expecting a tip under these circumstances is simply undeserved — they already think you are paying for a quality of service and tipping is simply unnecessary.
Japan is one of the few countries in the world where you can find such an amazing service at no charge. Japan is not a tipping country, which it is in Western countries, where tipping is still very much expected.
There are some notable exceptions to this which we will get into shortly.
Is It Rude to Tip in Japan? Tipping culture in Japan
Japan have a culture and custom of tipping, but it’s nothing like the North American version. They have a habit of getting change and refusing it back in most situations, like in Europe.
Many establishments, like chain stores and restaurants, do not allow tipping because the money (bills and coins) received from customers and given to employees is registered in their system and needs to be accounted at the end of the day. So they don’t want tips, ever. For example, at convenience stores or at McDonald’s, you never leave a tip. If you have no use for small coins, put them in a donation box. There’s always a donation box at major convenience store chains, and usually it’s for victims of natural disasters.
However, there can be exceptions and when tipping is expected for some designated situation or places type, e.g., expensive and expensive restaurants, ryokans, bars, small family-owned restaurants, etc. Here are some examples:
It is the same as when you goto an expensive sushi restaurant and your omakase set and drinks comes to 58,000 JPY and you hand over 60,000 JPY and kindly refuse the change. If you pay three 10,000 JPY for 1,000 JPY, they may refuse your response. This goes for expensive bars as well.
But when you stay in a nice ryokan, and meals are brought to your room by staff dressed in traditional clothes, you can leave a tip on the table at check-out. It is suggested cash be placed into a small, nice paper envelope.
The going fare when you take a cab is roughly 1,900 JPY (or whatever the bill is); pay them 2,000 JPY and say ”keep the change.” Independent taxi drivers must carry small coins for change (and pay fees), so it can be nice to not accept change here.)
Also, there is no rudeness or offense involved in tipping. It’s just inconvenient if you try to tip in a chain store, but for us Japanese, we don’t think it’s rude at all. We do have tips in Japanese as well (心付けkokorozuke,おひねりohineri orお花代ohanadai), so we can certainly tip. Well some tourists want to visit high-end spots in Japan so it’s good to know these first.
(And to be clear, you’re NEVER forced or required to tip, even in these scenarios above. I just want to say that tipping isn’t rude. Japan have tipping cultures as well, but they are not the American kinds.
How to Tip: The Etiquette on Giving a Tip
Although tipping in Japan is quite uncommon, there are certainly an acceptable way to tip in certain circumstances. In Western countries, you might draw a sum of money out of your wallet, but in Japan, you’d get wide eyes.
Unless, as mentioned above, the best way to tip is to slip the money into an envelope. This can then be left in hotel rooms, for example, in order to not have to give the tip to a person.
Or if there is a particular person you have in mind, then you can hold out the tip with both hands and the tip will subsequently be taken with both hands.
If you don’t have an envelope, and don’t have time to nip to the nearest convenience store – wrapping the tip in a clean piece of paper will do.
More Japan Travel Tips
→ Bring cash and add money to your Suica card using your phone. You can also add it to your Apple Wallet and use it to pay for transit, and — at a few restaurants and shops.
→Get a JR Rail Pass for cheap travel. However, if you will take two or more medium- to long-distance Shinkansen trips, the JR Pass is usually a worthwhile investment and will be cheaper than buying individual tickets.
→ Use a website like booking. My suggestion – use the above sites – expedia. Not all Japanese hotel websites are in English and you might face difficulties in terms of payment.
→ Pack slip on shoes. When traveling in Asia, I like to wear slip-on, slip-off shoes, like the Crescent Quilt slides by Roam, because you’ll frequently have to take them off quickly, when entering ryokans, certain restaurants and people’s houses (of course). These are all of my favorite travel shoes.
Our guide to when you should tip in Japan and when you shouldn’t is here to help. Questions about tipping in Japan — who, how much, when? Get in touch with us!
Hi, I’m Linda Milone, a travel enthusiast and safety advocate. I created Safe Travel Quest to share my passion for exploring new destinations while staying safe and informed. When I’m not planning my next adventure, you can find me researching the latest travel trends and tips. Follow safetravelquest along for practical advice and inspiring stories to help you travel with confidence.