Tipping in Japan: a Surprising New Trend in Japanese Hospitality

If you’ve ever traveled around Japan, you’ve probably noticed something unusual compared to other countries: there’s no tipping culture. Whether you’re dining at a ramen shop, taking a taxi, or staying at a hotel, you’ll almost always pay precisely what’s on the bill, no more, no less.

That’s because Japan has long prided itself on omotenashi, the concept of providing wholehearted, selfless service without expecting extra payment. However, a quiet shift has recently begun to take hold. In 2025, as Japan welcomes record numbers of international visitors, some people are starting to wonder if tipping in Japan might be on the rise.

Why is tipping unusual in Japan?

In Japan, excellent service is not something to be rewarded; it’s something that’s simply expected. The concept of tipping in Japan has traditionally been viewed as unnecessary or even awkward. In Japan, people often express appreciation with words rather than money. They say “ごちそうさまでした” (gochisousama deshita), meaning “thank you for the meal,” or offer a warm smile. Workers take pride in doing their best as a show of professionalism, not because they expect a tip.

For Japanese businesses, tipping in Japan has often been seen as confusing. In Japan, tipping isn’t part of the service system. Prices already include the cost of providing top-quality care. Leaving extra money on the table can make staff uneasy, since they might not know whether to accept or return it. Yet as tourism grows faster than ever, the no-tipping rule is starting to face new pressure.

What’s changing in 2025?

This year, Japan is experiencing its highest number of foreign visitors ever. With over 40 million visitors expected before the end of the year, the country’s tourism industry is booming. However, with the rise in overseas travelers, especially those from countries where tipping is customary, the practice of tipping in Japan has become a contentious issue.

In Tokyo and Osaka, cafés and bars in busy tourist spots, such as Asakusa and Shinjuku, have quietly introduced “tip boxes” beside their cash registers. These small jars or trays allow tourists who feel the urge to leave extra money to do so without causing embarrassment. It’s a subtle shift, one that most locals never expected to see. While the majority of Japanese people still don’t tip, the growing number of international guests makes it clear that things are beginning to change.

Some restaurants, especially those catering to foreigners, have even added optional tipping features to mobile payment apps. With Japan embracing digital wallets and contactless payments, this method eliminates the awkwardness of handing over cash. However, most Japanese users don’t activate the feature, showing that old habits die hard.

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How do locals feel about tipping?

For now, most people still believe that tipping in Japan doesn’t fit the country’s culture. Many Japanese workers believe that tips can disrupt the balance between customers and servers. In the spirit of omotenashi, service is something offered equally to everyone, regardless of their spending capacity. Adding financial rewards could, some fear, create a divide where only those who give tips receive extra kindness.

A restaurant owner in Yokohama recently told a local newspaper that he hopes tipping in Japan doesn’t become common. He believes people should be paid fair wages and not have to rely on customer generosity to make ends meet. Others agree, saying that Japan’s consistent and polite service exists precisely because staff don’t expect anything in return.

Still, opinions are slowly shifting among some younger generations. They see small tips left by foreign guests as a gesture of thanks rather than charity. One café manager in Tokyo even keeps all donations from tip jars to buy gifts for her staff during New Year celebrations.

Will tipping become part of Japanese life?

Experts think widespread tipping in Japan is unlikely anytime soon. Cultural norms take generations to change, and for many people, tipping feels out of step with Japanese sensibilities. However, there’s no denying that certain areas, especially those filled with tourists, are showing signs of adaptation.

In places like Kyoto, where tourist guides and rickshaw drivers work closely with international visitors, “thank-you envelopes” have made a quiet comeback. These envelopes let tourists show appreciation politely, without breaking social norms.

Similarly, Uber Eats and other delivery apps in Japan have introduced digital tipping options, which have quickly become popular with travelers but still rarely used by locals. So while you may encounter tip jars or payment screens asking “Would you like to leave a tip?”, most Japanese customers still press “No, thank you.”

Why this debate matters

The question of whether tipping in Japan should become normal is about more than money; it’s about preserving a cultural identity. Japanese hospitality is built on sincerity and equality, where the server’s pride comes from their craft, not from how much someone leaves behind. That’s part of what makes visiting Japan feel so refreshing: you never have to calculate percentages or juggle coins after a meal.

At the same time, times are changing. With prices rising and wages staying flat, accepting small gratuities could help struggling service workers. Others warn that it might slowly erode the traditional concept of omotenashi, transforming Japan’s famously gracious service into a more transactional relationship.

Visiting Japan? Here’s what to know about tipping

If you’re planning a trip, don’t worry about tipping in Japan; it’s still not required. Instead, a simple “thank you” goes a long way. However, if you receive truly exceptional service and want to show your appreciation, there are polite ways to do so. You can place your money in a small decorative envelope (called a pochibukuro) and hand it over with both hands. Never just drop coins or bills on the table—that can be seen as disrespectful.

You might see small tip boxes in tourist cafés, bars, or hotels, but you’re never obligated to use them. Every employee you meet will still treat you with care, enthusiasm, and respect, whether you tip or not. That’s the essence of Japan’s hospitality.

So, while restaurants and apps may experiment with minor changes, what really shines in Japan is the sincerity of service itself. The real “tip” to remember when visiting is simple: show respect, smile, and enjoy every experience that Japan’s incredible culture of hospitality has to offer. What are your thoughts on tipping in Japan? Let us know in the comments below!