How much to tip a waiter in Japan?
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause confusion; excellent service is the standard and is already included.
Tipping a waiter in Japan: the local custom
When dining out in Japan, the guidance for restaurant service is: not expected (can confuse). Tipping is not customary here, so there is no need to add a US-style percentage.
What to do instead
Rather than a percentage tip, simply pay the exact amount. Friendly thanks and a return visit are valued more than cash here. If you received truly exceptional service and want to leave something, a small amount in Japanese yen (JPY) is a kind gesture, never an obligation.
Japan vs the US
In the US, a waiter is typically tipped 18%. In Japan, the custom is not expected (can confuse) — so if you are visiting from the US, expect to tip little or nothing. For the full picture across every venue, see the Japan tipping guide.
- Tipping in Japan — restaurants, taxis, hotels and bars
- How much to tip a waiter — the US standard and calculator
- Compare tipping in all 53 countries
Reviewed 2026-08-10. Customs vary by venue and region; check the bill before tipping.