Japan Rules for Tourists: 3 Surprises for Visitors
Three things surprise many visitors in Japan: tipping isn't customary, public trash cans are rare, and you take your shoes off at a raised entrance. Small habits like these show respect.
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The 3 things to know
No tipping
No tipping. It isn't customary, and it can cause confusion. Some upscale restaurants and hotels add a service charge to the bill instead.
Carry your trash
Public trash cans are rare, so carry your trash back to your hotel. Some konbini bins are for items bought there only, so ask first.
Shoes off at a raised entrance
See a raised entrance? Shoes off.
Quick answers
Do you tip in Japan?
No. Tipping isn't customary in restaurants, bars, cafes, taxis or hotels. A discreet tip in an envelope for a private guide or interpreter is the exception.
Where do I throw away my trash in Japan?
Public bins are rare, so carry your trash with you or take it back to your hotel. Some konbini bins are only for items bought there.
Do I take my shoes off at every hotel in Japan?
No. Homes, ryokan, temples and some hotels expect it at a raised entrance, but Western-style hotel rooms usually let you keep shoes on past the entrance mat.
Read the video transcript
Three little things that surprise visitors in Japan.
One. No tipping. It isn't customary, and it can cause confusion.
Two. Public trash cans are rare, so carry your trash back to your hotel.
Three. See a raised entrance? Shoes off.
Small things. Big respect.
Sources & how we checked
The tips on this page were checked against these official pages:
- japan.travelJNTO - Tipping in Japan
- japan.travelJNTO - Japanese Customs and Etiquette
- pref.shizuoka.jpShizuoka Prefecture - Japanese etiquette guide (PDF)
- Updated
- Video
- 20 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
- Good to know
- Rules can vary by place. Follow local signs and staff.
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