Is tipping rude in Japan? What JNTO says, and what to do instead

If you come from a country where tipping is part of every meal, Japan can feel strange at the till: you pay the bill, and that is it. Here is what Japan's national tourism organization says, and what to do instead.

What JNTO says

JNTO's page on tipping says:

• In Japan, it is not common to tip for services at bars, cafes, restaurants, taxis and hotels.
• There is a custom of giving a gratuity called kokorozuke (心付け, "from the heart") in some situations.
• For example, a private guide or interpreter used to overseas customs may accept a tip as thanks.
• Even then, tipping is not expected, and should be done discreetly.
• If you give a gratuity, it is customary to put it in an envelope. Small cash envelopes are sold at convenience stores, stationery stores and 100-yen shops.

JNTO does not say tipping is "rude". It says it is not common and not expected.

What to do instead

• Say thank you. "Gochisōsama deshita" (ごちそうさまでした) after a meal, or "arigatō gozaimasu" (ありがとうございます).
• Pay the bill as it is. Some bills include a service charge or a table charge. That is part of the price, not a tip. See The table charge you did not order.
• For a private guide, if you want to give something, use an envelope and hand it over quietly, as JNTO suggests. It is fine not to.
• At a ryokan, JNTO's page does not give a rule. We have not found an official source on this, so we will not recommend an amount. If you want to thank the staff, a kind word is always right.

Why a service charge is not a tip

A service charge (サービス料) or seat charge (席料) is set by the business and appears on the bill. You pay it like any other item. A tip is extra money you choose to give. In Japan, the first is normal at some places; the second is not.

Sources

• JNTO, "Tipping in Japan": https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/tipping-in-japan/ (checked 2026-09-29)