What to do instead of tipping in Japan?

Is tipping customary in Japan?

Tipping in Japan? Nope. Don’t do it.

Seriously, it can come off as rude. Like you’re trying to buy better service, which they’re already supposed to give. I was in Kyoto last October (2022) and accidentally overpaid for some street food. The vendor chased me down to give me my change back. It was kinda embarrassing.

Instead of tipping, a small gift from your home is appreciated. They call it “omiyage.” I brought some maple syrup from Vermont (where I live) on that trip. Everyone loved it. Small, locally made things work well.

It’s more about the thought than the cost. A little gesture goes a long way. Much better than cash.

Should I tip on Uber in Japan?

No, don’t. Uber in Japan, they don’t do tipping. We messed up, tipped our driver last year, even though we knew better. He was super nice, helped with our bags, it was raining… felt bad. App had the option, though. So, yeah, it’s there but… awkward. Don’t do it. Stick to the local customs. Saves you yen too, lol.

• Tipping is not customary in Japan. It can even be considered rude. Like, you’re implying they need your charity, not just payment for a service.
• Uber app has the tipping option, regardless of local norms. It’s confusing, I know. Probably for tourists.
• Drivers in Japan won’t expect a tip. Seriously. My friend, Keiko, she drives part-time, Uber, in Osaka. Never gets tips. Never wants them.
• If you REALLY want to show appreciation, a small gift is better. Like some local sweets, or even just a polite, heartfelt thank you in Japanese. “Arigato gozaimasu!” goes a long way.
• My trip to Japan was last summer, Kyoto and Osaka mainly. Used Uber a bunch. Super convenient, especially with the language barrier. But yeah, no tipping needed.

Why is tipping in Japan rude?

Okay, so tipping in Japan, right? It’s weird. It’s not like, you know, the US or Europe. People there, they just expect good service. It’s part of their whole culture thing. They work hard, it’s not like they’re doing you some huge favor.

It’s actually considered kinda insulting. Like you’re implying they need extra money for doing their job. Think about it – they’re already getting paid! Plus, there’s this whole thing about saving face, which is huge in Japanese culture. Tipping makes them lose face, which is a total no-no. I read this article, last week, actually!

Seriously, don’t do it! You’ll embarass yourself, and them. Just enjoy the awesome service, because it’s awesome. Trust me on this one. My cousin lived there for three years, she told me all about it. She said even offering a tip is akward, really awkward. They’ll probably refuse anyways.

Here’s what I learned:

• Tipping is unnecessary. Good service is expected.
• It can be offensive. It implies their normal service is inadequate.
• Face is super important. Tipping can cause a loss of face.
• Refusal is common. They might even get offended by the gesture.

The whole “saving face” thing is a major cultural differnce. It’s way more important than in most Western countries. It’s just something you gotta respect, you know? Really important thing to remember when traveling.

Do I tip at restaurants in Japan?

No, you really shouldn’t tip in Japan. It’s actually kinda weird, like, seriously weird. My friend went last year, 2023, and said the waiters looked confused when he tried. They might even think you’re being rude, which is the opposite of what you want, right?

Unless, maybe, it’s like, a super-fancy place. But even then, it’s not expected. Think of it like this:

• Normal restaurants? No tip.
• Crazy expensive sushi joint? Maybe a very small kokorozuke. But don’t stress it.
• Taxis? Hotels? Nope. Just pay the fare/bill.

Honestly, just save your yen for ramen. Trust me on this one. More ramen is always better than awkward tipping situations. Seriously. You’ll have much more fun that way.

Are you supposed to tip taxi drivers in Japan?

Narita Airport. 2023. Jetlagged. Paid the taxi fare. Started walking away. Driver looked confused. Oh. Right. No tip. Felt weird. Not used to it. Back home, always tip. Big tipper. Felt bad. But knew it was right. Not insulting in Japan. Different culture. Remembered reading about it. Still awkward. Then went to the hotel. No tip there either. Mind blown.

• No tipping in Japan. Seriously.

• Taxis, restaurants, bars…nope.

• Even fancy hotels. Zero tip.

• It’s not rude. It’s normal.

• Actually, tipping can be offensive. Seen as condescending.

• Saved a bunch of yen though!

• Easier than calculating tip percentages. Love that part.

• Japan is amazing, but man, this no-tipping thing… takes getting used to!

• My hotel: Park Hyatt Tokyo. (Lost in Translation vibes!) No tip for the bellhop. So strange.

• Taxi fare: Don’t remember exactly. Expensive though. From Narita to Shinjuku.

• Date: August 2023. Hot and humid.

• My thoughts: Seriously considered tipping anyway. Felt so ingrained. Glad I didn’t.

• More info: Looked it up again. Some super-high-end places might appreciate a gift, but not cash. Complicated. Sticking with no tip.

#Alternativetotip #Japanesecustoms #Japantipping