Eating out
Paying & no tipping
There is no tipping in Japan. Good service is part of the price, and staff may even come after you to return money left on the table. Here's how paying actually works.
At the register
In most restaurants you pay at the register (reji) by the exit, not at the table.
Step by step
When you're ready, take the bill slip from your table to the register — or say “okaikei onegai shimasu”.
If there's a small tray on the counter, put your cash or card on it rather than handing it over.
Wait for your change and receipt on the same tray.
On the way out, “gochisōsama deshita” (thank you for the meal) is a nice touch.
Common mistakes
- Waiting at the table for the bill to come — in casual places it already sits on your table.
- Leaving coins on the table as a tip.
No tipping, anywhere
Restaurants, taxis, hairdressers, hotels and guides don't expect tips. A clear “arigatō gozaimasu” is how people say thanks.
Common mistakes
- Insisting when staff refuse a tip — it puts them in an awkward spot.
- Adding a tip to a card payment.
Good to know: At a ryokan, a small envelope for exceptional service is an old custom, but it is not expected.
Charges you might see on the bill
Some charges are normal and not a mistake. Higher-end restaurants and hotels may add a service charge. At many izakaya a small dish (otoshi) arrives before you order — it's a seating charge, usually a few hundred yen per person.
Common mistakes
- Sending the otoshi back thinking it's an error — it's charged either way.
- Assuming the menu price includes everything at a hotel restaurant: look for “service charge” on the menu.
Card, cash or split
Step by step
Look for card and IC logos at the door or the register.
If you're not sure, ask before ordering using the line below.
Splitting the bill (betsubetsu) is often OK, but small busy places may prefer one payment.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a small family restaurant takes cards — many are still cash only.
On HAKOBUNE Spot
Izakaya and casual places on HAKOBUNE Spot list how you can pay before you go.
FoodHakata, Fukuoka
Hakata Izakaya Tomoshibi
A Hakata izakaya for motsunabe, Genkai Sea sashimi and shochu.
from ¥4,000Opens today at 17:00
- Gives back
- English OK
FoodAsakusa, Tokyo
Toriya — Charcoal Yakitori
A yakitori counter where every skewer is grilled over charcoal.
from ¥3,500Opens tomorrow at 17:00
- Gives back
- English OK
FoodHiroshima
Kasane Teppan Okonomiyaki
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, layered with batter, cabbage and noodles on the griddle in front of you.
from ¥1,500Open now · until 21:30
- Gives back
- English OK
Sources
Sources (checked 2026-11-04). Facts, numbers and prices on this page come from these official pages.
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Japanese Customs and Etiquette (Responsible Travel Guide)(opens in a new tab)JNTO: Japanese customs and etiquette for responsible travel
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Japan Travel Planning(opens in a new tab)JNTO: official Japan travel planning pages
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