Short answer: Not expected. Tipping is not practised in Japan, in restaurants, bars, cafes, taxis or hotels. Trying to leave extra money usually flusters staff, who may chase you to return it. Guides who work with foreign visitors are the one common exception.
Is service included?
Upscale restaurants and hotels may add a service charge of around 10% (sometimes more). Izakaya and some bars add a small per-person table charge, often around ¥300 or more, usually with an unrequested appetiser called otoshi.
How much to tip in Japan
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | Not expected | No tipping tradition; just pay the bill. |
| Cafes and bars | Not expected | Bars may add a table charge (otoshi) instead. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Not expected | No tip; pay the metered fare. |
| Hotel housekeeping | Not expected | Not expected in hotels. At a high-end ryokan, some guests leave a gift of money (kokorozuke), around ¥5,000 for a short stay, in an envelope; it may be politely refused. |
| Hotel porters | Not expected | No tip. |
| Tour guides | Optional, ¥2,500 to 5,000 per day | Guides used to foreign visitors may accept a tip; around ¥2,500 to 5,000 for a full day, given discreetly in an envelope. |
| Hairdressers and spas | Not expected | Japan has no tipping custom for everyday services; sources do not single this out. |
| Food delivery | Not expected | Japan has no tipping custom for everyday services; sources do not single this out. |
Amounts are in the local currency (JPY). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Usually you do not tip at all. If you want to thank a guide, put clean notes in a small envelope (sold at convenience stores and 100-yen shops) and hand it over discreetly. When paying, place your cash or card in the small tray at the register.
What to avoid
Do not leave cash on the table; staff will think you forgot it and may run after you to give it back.
Tipping by card
Card terminals in Japan do not offer a tip step, and a tip cannot normally be added to a card payment. Pay the bill as shown.
Useful phrases
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ありがとうございます (Arigato gozaimasu) | Thank you very much |
| ごちそうさまでした (Gochisosama deshita) | Thank you for the meal |
| お心づけです (Okokorozuke desu) | This is a small gift of thanks |
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to Japan and the local currency: enter the bill, pick a percentage and split it between the table.
Tipping with no cash
When you have no local cash, ask whether a tip can go on the card. More and more guides, drivers and performers show a QR code instead: point your phone camera at it and you can tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay without installing anything.
Street performers
Tipping a busker is always optional. If you enjoy the show, a coin or a note in the case is the custom, and more performers now show a QR code so you can tip by card. Rules for buskers by city:
Sources
- Japan National Tourism Organization: Tipping in Japan
- Lonely Planet: Things to know before visiting Japan
- Lonely Planet: The ultimate guide to tipping in Asia
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in Japan?
Not expected. Tipping is not practised in Japan, in restaurants, bars, cafes, taxis or hotels. Trying to leave extra money usually flusters staff, who may chase you to return it. Guides who work with foreign visitors are the one common exception.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in Japan?
Not expected. No tipping tradition; just pay the bill.
Is a service charge added to the bill in Japan?
Upscale restaurants and hotels may add a service charge of around 10% (sometimes more). Izakaya and some bars add a small per-person table charge, often around ¥300 or more, usually with an unrequested appetiser called otoshi.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Japan?
Not expected.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in Japan?
Not expected.
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