Tipping In Japan: A Guide to Japanese Tipping Customs

One aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of Japan to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get JPY in cash in Japan, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.

Is Tipping Expected in Japan?

Tipping in Japan is not custom at all. In fact, staff across industries will refuse your tips as tipping is not a part of Japan's cultural practices. Staff will return your money to you, likely because they mistakenly thought that you forgot to bring your spare change with you. Tipping isn't rude in Japan — it simply doesn't compute because hospitality service is considered to be like any other good or product that has a face-value price tag.

Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes

When dining out in Japan, you won't need to tip your wait staff. Japanese restaurants do not charge cover charges or service charges, so the prices you see on the menu are the ones you will get.

When visiting bars and cafes, the same custom applies. Simply ask your waiter for the check, or bring the check to the cashier to pay the listed amount.

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Do You Tip Hotel Staff in Japan?

For hotel staff in Japan, tipping is not expected. Even if you experience excellent service, tips will (sadly) not be accepted.

Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in Japan

For taxi drivers in Japan, tipping is not expected or commonplace. If you pay in cash, the taxi driver will give you exact change.

Tour guides in Japan will also not expect tips. If your tour was informational and enjoyable, write a positive review and spread the word instead.

Practical Tips for Tipping in Japan

By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in Japan, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:

1. Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in Japan.
2. Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
3. Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in Japan, you'll be prompted to pay in JPY or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (JPY) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
4. Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.

Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad

Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to Japan:

Wise Multi-Currency Account

With the Wise Account, convert currency at the mid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.

The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.

N26

Available for EU and EEA residents to open, an N26 account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.

Starling Bank

The Starling Bank card is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.