Ordinary restaurant, bar, taxi and hotel service does not require a tip. Private guides accustomed to overseas guests may accept a discretionary gratuity; give it discreetly in an envelope rather than leaving loose cash.
No tip expectedDining quick answer
Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.
FIND YOUR SITUATION
Japan tipping cheat sheet
Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.
RestaurantsAdvice & exceptionsNo tip expected
Ordinary restaurant, bar, taxi and hotel service does not require a tip. Private guides accustomed to overseas guests may accept a discretionary gratuity; give it discreetly in an envelope rather than leaving loose cash.
Before paying: Check for an included service charge or gratuity. If adding a card tip, confirm the total before completing payment; with cash, make clear what is a tip and what change you need.
Bars & cafésAdvice & exceptionsNo routine tip
Pay the stated bill; no extra percentage for drinks.
Taxis & ride-hailingAdvice & exceptionsNo routine tip
Pay the fare shown. There is no need to round up as a gratuity.
Airport transfersAdvice & exceptionsNo routine tip
Ordinary taxi transfers follow the no-tipping custom. A separately arranged private tour can have its own policy.
Hotels & resortsAdvice & exceptionsNo routine tip
Ordinary hotel service does not call for a gratuity. Luxury ryokan are a special case, explained below.
Bellhop & luggage helpAdvice & exceptionsNo routine tip
Routine hotel luggage help follows the ordinary no-tipping custom. Thank the staff.
HousekeepingAdvice & exceptionsNo routine tip
For ordinary hotels, no daily cash tip is needed.
ConciergeAdvice & exceptionsNo routine tip
Routine hotel assistance does not require a gratuity.
Tour guidesAdvice & exceptionsOptional for private guides
Guides accustomed to overseas visitors may accept a thank-you, but JNTO sets no amount.
When & how: Offer discreetly in an envelope; do not insist if declined.
Cash or card: Japanese yen in a small envelope.
Spas & massageAdvice & exceptionsNo routine tip
The national no-tipping rule covers ordinary paid services; pay the treatment price.
Salons & barbersAdvice & exceptionsNo routine tip
Pay the salon’s stated price. No additional percentage is needed.
Luxury ryokan exception
JNTO describes a gratuity to the attendant when tea is first served at some top luxury ryokan. This is a specific accommodation custom, not a requirement for all Japanese hotels.
FROM ARRIVAL TO CHECKOUT
Your journey
Arriving & getting around
Keep a prepaid airport transfer separate from a metered taxi or a full-day driver. For tour budgets, check the unit and whether guide and driver tips are separate.
For ordinary restaurants, taxis and hotels, pay the bill. If offering a private-guide gratuity, place the cash in an envelope rather than passing loose money.
If you choose to give a personal cash tip, use a currency the recipient can spend and make its purpose clear. Card payment for the bill does not guarantee a card-tip facility. Check the final total before approving it.
For a prepaid tour or resort stay, read the gratuity inclusions. A service fee, a staff tip pool and an individual guide tip may cover different people.
