When Not to Tip in Japan
Tipping will not only be refused in most situations, but can be taken as rude. So it’s important to understand when it’s okay, and when it’s not okay to tip, to avoid any awkward moments.
Here are the situations in which you will definitely want to avoid tipping.
Not Tipping Restaurants
The one place you should definitely NOT tip in is restaurants. The majority of waiters and other restaurant staff would see tipping as not only unnecessary, but quite insulting!
We know it may be difficult, especially when thinking about what you would do back home, but tipping is seen as rude in restaurants and should be avoided.
If you want to show your respect, simply say thank you – or arigato gozaimasu!
Not Tipping Taxi Drivers
The same can be said for taxi drivers, it is not expected to tip your chauffeurs in Japan. While in other countries, especially the USA and the UK, tipping is not only appreciated but expected – in Japan the opposite is true.
A polite thank you will do just fine.
Not Tipping Hotels & Spas
Staff in hotels and spas do not expect tips, if you do your tip may or may not be refused. Don’t be offended if your tip is refused, it is simply a part of Japanese culture.
If you absolutely have to tip then put the money in an envelope and leave it behind in your room. You want to 100% avoid personally handing a tip to a member of staff, as this may be considered rude.
When Giving Tips in Japan is Acceptable
While for the most part, tipping is a big no-no in Japan – there are a few exceptions!
Here are the situations in which tipping is not necessarily customary, but in the very least appreciated.
Tipping Japanese Tourist Companies
One of the situations in which tipping isn’t seen as rude is when tipping Japanese tourist companies. They are accustomed to tipping and may be appreciative to see a small gratuity. However, if you do want to tip, follow proper tipping etiquette.
Place the money in an envelope, place the envelope in both hands presented forwards and your head tilted down. There is also no set amount of money you should tip, so just tip whatever feels right to you at the time.
Tipping Private Guides and Interpreters
Tipping private guides and interpreters is much like tipping Japanese tourist companies, while it’s not expected it will most likely be a grateful sight.
The reason why private guides are more accustomed to receiving tips is because they are dealing with tourists, with an influx from countries such as the USA and the UK. The majority of these tourists may not know the Japanese tipping etiquette, so over time tipping private guides has become not just tolerated but in most cases appreciated.
If you’re unsure how much to give, always go with your gut. If it feels right, it most likely is. The other option is to provide them with a small gift from your home country, however, this of course requires forward planning.
Again, if you’re considering tipping, please follow the proper tipping etiquette in Japan. We have gone into more detail on how to do this below.
Tipping at Ryokans
A ryokan is a Japanese style inn, and offers many communal areas in which you can explore the rich culture of Japan. In fact, ryokans are one of the few places in Japan that is acceptable.
If you’ve had an exceptional stay you may feel it’s necessary to leave a tip – which in a ryokan is fine. You can either tip specific members of staff such as the okami (the ryokan’s owner) or your nakai-san (your room attendant) for example.
You can also leave a tip on the bed as you leave, again, following the correct tipping etiquette in Japan.
Tipping Geishas
One of the other most common situations in which to tip is when meeting a geisha. This is an enriching experience in which the geisha acts as a hostess and as a performance artist.
If you are lucky enough to experience a meal for one, a private dinner with a geisha this is what to expect. She will dance, play music and even teach you how to play Japanese games.
When the meal starts she will pour your drink and announce a toast. This is when you will present her with an envelope with a tip inside. You can decide how much you will tip, but the average is about ¥3,000 per person.
