Tipping in Japan

If you are traveling to Japan, you may be wondering how much of a tip to leave and how tipping there compares with other countries you have visited. Hence, the Conde Nash Traveller Tipping Guide (which is available on the Conde Nash website and is also downloadable in pdf format) offers a very handy and useful reference guide for tipping in more than 35 countries around the world.

According to the guide, Japan is still a largely non-tipping society although the providers of certain services may appreciate a tip. Hence, tour guides might be given a tip of 2,500-5,000 yen in an envelope why a private driver will expect to have you buy his lunch – usually around 1,000 yen. Room attendants at a traditional Japanese inn or ryokan will usually receive 5,000 yen for one or two nights (and again, in an envelope). As for concierges, porters, waiters and cabdrivers, don’t be surprised if they decline your offer of a tip (although you can always round up for a short taxi ride).

And remember that if and when you do tip in Japan, only tip in yen. Hence, a handy rule of thumb is to estimate that 100 yen is equal or close to equaling the dollar.