Tipping in Japan

[tango223]

I would like to know what the norm for tipping in Japan.  Tour Guides, Taxi drivers, Private car services, Private guides, restaurants/bars.

Thank you in advance for the help

[BruceMuzz]

There is no tipping in Japan.

The Japanese are actually insulted when you try to bribe them with money to do a job they are already being paid to do.

However, there is a custom in Japan. called Q-Miyagi Suru that is acceptable.

This involves giving a small, inexpensive gift from your home country / home town.

This signifies friendship, and is appreciated.

[John Bull]

Whist tipping cultures vary a great deal around the world,  as per Bruce's comment Japan is one of the very few countries where it's regarded as an insult.

 

JB 🙂

[DCGuy64]

Tipping in Japan - DON'T.

 

You're welcome. 😉

[Y21]

This may be off topic slightly, but I started wondering why tipping is considered an insult in Japan. 

In certain situations, Japan does have a custom to give money to show appreciation. "心付け-kokorozuke" and "おひねり-ohineri", for example, are form of tip/gratuity. More formal form of "謝礼-sharei" is very common although this is a bit different from regular tipping. 

"Keep the change" type of tipping is often given to taxi drivers. This taxi driver explains how tipping is greatly appreciated and, in certain cases, should be tipped.

Doing some research, I see that the English Wiki page does say an insult, but the Japanese Wiki page says giving money without enclosing it in an envelope is considered an insult, but not necessarily the act of tipping itself. This video says so as well.

(no need to use an envelope for tipping a taxi driver, though)

I've tipped a taxi driver before in Japan when he helped me with my luggage. Just enough for a drink from the vending machine, but he seemed appreciative.

I do agree with previous posters in regards to tipping is not necessary in Japan and do not mean to object to them whatsoever. 

Just FYI from a different angle.

[Bgwest]

On my very first trip to Japan (before I knew better, now I do), I attempted to tip the server in the executive lounge after breakfast at the Hilton Tokyo. 

My doing so appeared to cause him great embarrassment. He followed me out the door to return the money I left for him. 

I just didn't know any better and, shame on me, I didn't take time to learn about Japanese customs and proper etiquette prior to the trip. 

[Hlitner]

This is really a topic where the answer is very clear.  Do not tip in Japan.  It is considered rude, insulting, and patronizing.  I will confess to having tipped a few taxi drivers, but it was a "keep the change" situation when the change was less than a dollar.  That was done more for the convenience (for the driver) than as a real tip.

 

Hank

[les37b]

On 2/3/2023 at 6:35 PM, Hlitner said:

This is really a topic where the answer is very clear.  Do not tip in Japan.  It is considered rude, insulting, and patronizing.  I will confess to having tipped a few taxi drivers, but it was a "keep the change" situation when the change was less than a dollar.  That was done more for the convenience (for the driver) than as a real tip.

 

Hank

Yes, in that example it’s more “it saves time” and clearly isn’t a tip in that sense.

 

Whilst I don’t understand why what we would consider a thank you, is considered an insult, as you say, them’s the rules and “when in Rome” and all that, so we should respect the wishes for it to be that way.

 

As a Brit who doesn’t like the US tipping culture, it’s even hard for me, but will comply without fuss. 
 

Really looking forward to my first visit.

 

 

 

Edited February 7, 2023 by les37b

[Tampa Girl]

On 2/3/2023 at 1:06 AM, Bgwest said:

On my very first trip to Japan (before I knew better, now I do), I attempted to tip the server in the executive lounge after breakfast at the Hilton Tokyo. 

My doing so appeared to cause him great embarrassment. He followed me out the door to return the money I left for him. 

I just didn't know any better and, shame on me, I didn't take time to learn about Japanese customs and proper etiquette prior to the trip. 

  We had the identical situation in a Tokyo restaurant in 2018.  The young waitress ran out to the street after us and returned the money.  Our ignorance was embarrassing to us and impolite to her.

[Hlitner]

2 hours ago, Tampa Girl said:

  We had the identical situation in a Tokyo restaurant in 2018.  The young waitress ran out to the street after us and returned the money.  Our ignorance was embarrassing to us and impolite to her.

I cannot help but wonder which is more difficult:  Convincing some Americans not to tip or convincing some Japanese to forgive us for our sin of tipping :).  Back in 1970 (when I lived in Japan) I still recall going to Expo 70 (the Worlds Fair in Osaka) and watching an American man get into a heated argument with a hotel bell man who was refusing a tip.  The American could not accept the different culture, and in the good ole American tradition he thought that by raising the volume of his voice (i.e. shouting) and speaking slower..the poor Japanese Bellman would understand!  The reason I recall this more than half a century later is because I did the nice thing and intervened although I suspect the UGLY American tourist still disagrees. 

 

 I assume that now, the Japanese are more used to dealing with "rude" Americans and simply smile, take the money, and think "what barbarians."  By the way, I think the original translation of the Japanese word "gaijin" is "Barbarian" although the modern translation is "foreigner."

 

Hank

[BruceMuzz]

15 hours ago, Hlitner said:

I cannot help but wonder which is more difficult:  Convincing some Americans not to tip or convincing some Japanese to forgive us for our sin of tipping :).  Back in 1970 (when I lived in Japan) I still recall going to Expo 70 (the Worlds Fair in Osaka) and watching an American man get into a heated argument with a hotel bell man who was refusing a tip.  The American could not accept the different culture, and in the good ole American tradition he thought that by raising the volume of his voice (i.e. shouting) and speaking slower..the poor Japanese Bellman would understand!  The reason I recall this more than half a century later is because I did the nice thing and intervened although I suspect the UGLY American tourist still disagrees. 

 

 I assume that now, the Japanese are more used to dealing with "rude" Americans and simply smile, take the money, and think "what barbarians."  By the way, I think the original translation of the Japanese word "gaijin" is "Barbarian" although the modern translation is "foreigner."

 

Hank

Hank,

You almost have it correct. "Gaijin" (外人) is shorthand for "Gaikokujin"  (外国人) ; literally "outside country person".

The intended meaning depends much on context and situation, but frequently 外人 does mean Barbarian - and often rightfully so. Many Americans speak 2 languages; English and English Louder.

Edited February 13, 2023 by BruceMuzz

[TravelDogs2]

I am so glad I stumbled upon this topic! We just booked a 15 day cruise out of Tokyo and I would never have known that you don't tip in Japan.  Our cruise also has stops in Hong Kong, Vietnam and ends up in Singapore.  Does anyone know if this tipping (or not tipping) is also the norm in other places in Asia or is this strictly Japan.

[loeb]

I think Japan is the only place where tipping is not welcome.  All of the other Asian countries accept or assume you will tip.  Off topic, in most Asian countries you are also  expected to bargain (except for high end stores).  In Japan, most places will not bargain, the price listed or quoted is what you will pay.  However, I have gotten a "special" gift if I bought a lot, but the price stayed the same.

[Philob]

On 2/13/2023 at 12:22 PM, TravelDogs2 said:

I am so glad I stumbled upon this topic! We just booked a 15 day cruise out of Tokyo and I would never have known that you don't tip in Japan.  Our cruise also has stops in Hong Kong, Vietnam and ends up in Singapore.  Does anyone know if this tipping (or not tipping) is also the norm in other places in Asia or is this strictly Japan.

Local Hong Kongers, if they're generous, will "round up" the restaurant bill if paying cash. Otherwise they don't tip. As a foreigner, particularly American,  you're almost expected to tip them, but you don't have to.

 

If you are aware of the exchange rate it's okay to tip in USD, HKrs have no problem with money exchange. Use credit card or local cash (lots of ATMS) for purchases.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 15, 2023 by Philob

[Reydnn38]

OK, so I'm confused.  In Fodor's 2020 Tokyo Guide it says "For the most part there is no tipping in Japan.  There are a few exceptions to this rule.  If you hire a private guide or a private driver, it is the customary to tip 2,000 Yen to 3,000 Yen for a full day with a guide, and 1,000 Yen for a driver."  They also add that the tip should be handed over in a small envelope.  

 

I understand that years ago tipping was considered rude, but Fodors makes it sound like this may be changing - at least for private guides.  Anyone have recent experience with using a private guide and/or driver?  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks. 

[Hlitner]

On 2/13/2023 at 6:02 PM, loeb said:

I think Japan is the only place where tipping is not welcome.  All of the other Asian countries accept or assume you will tip.  Off topic, in most Asian countries you are also  expected to bargain (except for high end stores).  In Japan, most places will not bargain, the price listed or quoted is what you will pay.  However, I have gotten a "special" gift if I bought a lot, but the price stayed the same.

I truly do not think some fellow Americans get it!  It is not whether tips are accepted (call it welcomed if you please) but rather if it is the norm (I prefer to term mores).  Folks in the tourist industry are not fools, and most are happy to take you money.  It is not much different than walking down the street and just handing out money to anyone that seems willing to accept it :).

 

As a long time (over 50 years) international traveler I prefer to go along with the local norms rather than force my own ideas on folks.  The so-called UGLY American term came from Americans traveling all over the world and insisting on projecting American mores/values on the world!  As an independent traveler we have long made it our business to learn of the local/regional/national norms/mores and generally embrace those traditions.  It is no different than a European visiting the USA and tipping 18-20% even though that goes against everything they believe.  

 

In the past 20 years, more Americans than ever have been expanding their travel horizons and enjoying much of the world.  These days, the Internet makes it easy to learn about the traditions, dos and don'ts, and mores of just about anywhere on earth.  Become a savvy traveler, do your homework, and follow the norms.  Nobody is going to think better of you because you insist on projecting your own habits.

 

Hank

[Bobbiegentry]

18 hours ago, Hlitner said:

I truly do not think some fellow Americans get it!  It is not whether tips are accepted (call it welcomed if you please) but rather if it is the norm (I prefer to term mores).  Folks in the tourist industry are not fools, and most are happy to take you money.  It is not much different than walking down the street and just handing out money to anyone that seems willing to accept it :).

 

As a long time (over 50 years) international traveler I prefer to go along with the local norms rather than force my own ideas on folks.  The so-called UGLY American term came from Americans traveling all over the world and insisting on projecting American mores/values on the world!  As an independent traveler we have long made it our business to learn of the local/regional/national norms/mores and generally embrace those traditions.  It is no different than a European visiting the USA and tipping 18-20% even though that goes against everything they believe.  

 

In the past 20 years, more Americans than ever have been expanding their travel horizons and enjoying much of the world.  These days, the Internet makes it easy to learn about the traditions, dos and don'ts, and mores of just about anywhere on earth.  Become a savvy traveler, do your homework, and follow the norms.  Nobody is going to think better of you because you insist on projecting your own habits.

 

Hank

Well said, Sir. 
Shame though that many will “do their own thing” regardless of the local mores. 
I tend to think of we Americans as culture interrupters. 

[cruisemom42]

To add to Hank's post above (I was recently on the same Japan cruise with him and his wife):  I am happy to say that my experiences confirmed that Japanese guides in general do NOT seek or accept tips. There may be some who do, but on at least two private tours I took, I watched the organizer try to tip the guide who politely but firmly refused.  

 

We had discussed the issue when our group met up ahead of the tour, and I said then that in Japan any tip was likely to be turned down and (at least as far as I know) is considered somewhat gauche and uninformed, if not actually rude. I of course had not read Fodor's (🙄) but was basing it on my own previous experiences in Japan about 10 years previously. Happily it still holds true.

 

The only possible exception I'd consider would be if you have a private guide or volunteer guide for your party who spends an entire day with you (or more) and with whom you have extensive interactions throughout the day. If I thought this would occur, I would bring a small wrapped gift of some sort to show appreciation for their efforts. I tend to give books about some special place near where I'm from, with nice photos. Food items like chocolates are also well regarded but it can be fiddly to bring those kinds of items if you're traveling through many countries with restrictions on what you can import/export.

 

[Expat Cruise]

Have spent a lot of time in Japan. The Japanese people are very proud, they believe if they take a job that they work that job and give their best.  If a local tips, it is done as an insult to the honor of the server. If an American tourist tips, they feel sorry for you and mad because you do not honor their ways. 

 

You're already paying for a good service, so there is no need to pay extra by tipping. Japan offers truly spectacular service without any strings attached.

[terry&mike]

Agree with no tipping in Japan.

In January 2020, just before Covid, I escorted a group of 29 on a 14 day cruise from Singapore to Tokyo on the Diamond Princess (the sailing before the quarantined sailing). We stopped in several different Asian ports, and each morning I reminded the group what the local "norm" was in tipping. We had 3 Japanese ports on the itinerary, and some members of the group said they felt odd not tipping our guides. In Tokyo, during some down time, I was discussing this with the guide while we waited for the group to return, and she explained it this way - as a tour guide, she is licensed, formally educated, and trained as a professional, and she is paid an appropriate salary for her job and her skills. She likened it to that a person would not tip their Doctor.

In these instances, if you really want something to give, a small, appropriate gift may be nice. I had brought along a gift of a cute ink pen with a United States theme, in red, white and blue, that had sparkly stars in water that swirled around when you moved the pen; she loved it.