When it comes to the general topic of tipping, I’m a hypocrite. I waited table for almost a decade, and made out like a bandit because of how well I hustled for tips. Yet I generally feel like American tipping culture is out of control, particularly since so many tipped employees now feel entitled to gratuity. But I digress.
The lack of tipping culture in Japan, to be sure, is one of countless ways I prefer eating out in Japan to almost anywhere else in the world. This tells only part of the story, of course.
Whether you’re sampling some of the finest wa-gyu beef in Kobe or getting a shiatsu massage, tipping in Japan is something that almost never occurs. But as always, there are exceptions to every rule.
Why There’s So Much Confusion About Japan’s Tipping Culture
Should I tip in Japan? If I had ¥100 for every time someone asked me this…well, I wouldn’t be very rich. Damned exchange rate! But I digress. People (specifically, American people) are confused about Japan’s tipping culture. I sort of don’t blame them. In America, after all, we are encouraged to tip cashiers and fast food workers; I have had a service charge added to my bill, and then been asked to tip on top of that.
The thing is, there’s never really been any ambiguity about when to tip in Japan: You almost never should. Now, I realize that by listing some exceptions to this rule in a few paragraphs, I will be adding to the confusion some people feel. As a result, please let me state something here before I go any farther: Unless someone specifically tells you otherwise in the context of your particular situation, you don’t need to tip in Japan.
Reasons Not to Tip in Japan
It’s considered rude
The average Japanese person obviously understands what a tip is, and that it exists in other parts of the world. Still, tipping has never been in a thing in Japan, and many Japanese workers take it as an affront. Some will perceive it as you taking pit upon them, while others may assume you think their employer isn’t paying them enough.
(Or awkward at a minimum)
Of course, even in less dramatic cases, the lack of tipping culture in Japan can lead to an awkward situation. It’s not uncommon to hear reports of servers chasing after people who leave a tip, assuming that they simply forgot their change! This could get weird if you don’t speak Japanese well enough to explain yourself to them.
It could make you seem uncultured
In still other instances, the issue might not be that the person you attempt to tip lacks knowledge about the practice or makes assumptions about it, or even necessarily returns your trip. Rather, he or she may simply judge you silently, and sit with the fact that you are an uncultured foreigner—in other words, you’ll lose face.
It flies in the face of omotenashi
Another reason not to leave a tip in Japan? Japanese society prides itself on omotenashi, a word that describes age-old Japanese hospitality. Whether it’s the warmth of welcoming you into a space or the solemn gratitude you receive upon leaving, the idea is that you earn this treatment simply by being a guest—no additional payment is necessary.
It’s already baked into the price—sort of
On one hand, it’s true that wages in Japan are low, particularly among service staff, and especially given the perpetual weakness of the yen. On the other hand, wages of service people are set to account for the service they give—there isn’t a separate minimum wage for servers or bartenders, nor is there a separate service charge.
Situations in Japan Where You Might Actually Tip
Remember earlier, when I mentioned that there are some situations where you might actually tip in Japan. Below, you will find a few of them:
- Foreign tour guides: If your tour guide is from a country other than Japan, he or she may be more receptive to or expecting of a tip.
- Hairstylists: Many English-speaking hair stylists have either lived or worked abroad, and as a result may accept or even encourage tips.
- Jinrikisha pullers: Whether in Tokyo’s Asakusa district or Arashiyama, Kyoto, these young men and women do hard physical labor—and they do it for foreign tourists, many of who have been tipping them for years.
Need personalized help figuring out the cultural nuances of Japan before your next trip there?
Other FAQ About Tipping in Japan
Should I leave a tip in Japan?
As a general rule, you should never leave a tip in Japan. There are some very rare exceptions to this rule, but they apply to a small subset of travelers, such as those taking a tour led by a foreign guide. These situations probably aren’t relevant to you.
Is it true that you don’t tip in Japan?
Yes, it is true that you don’t tip in Japan. Tipping has never been part of Japanese culture, and while many Japanese people understand tipping intellectual, some will be confused or even insulted if you choose to tip them. At best, it can lead to an awkward situation.
Should I tip my tour guide in Japan?
If your tour guide is foreign or has lived and worked overseas, you may choose to give him or her a tip. In general, however, tour guides in Japan are the same as any other professional. They neither solicit tips nor are likely to accept them if you choose to give them one.
The Bottom Line
As a general rule, there is no tipping in Japan. But rules are meant to be broken, and while the Japanese are not generally rule-breakers, a few exceptions do exist to this one. In my own experience, I tipped my hairstylist when I lived in Japan—he’d previously lived and worked in LA and was accustomed to tipping culture, and I think he might’ve expected a tip even though he never asked for one. In general, I’d say this applies to most younger Japanese people who’ve lived and worked abroad, as well as to foreign tour guides working for Japanese companies. Need personalized help understanding the cultural intricacies of Japan before your trip? Hire me to plan your trip today!
