In Japan, leaving a tip is not only uncommon—it is often seen as disrespectful. Unlike in many Western countries where tipping is appreciated or even expected, this gesture can surprise or even offend Japanese people.
In Japanese culture, providing high-quality service is considered a fundamental duty, not something that requires extra compensation. Employees are paid accordingly, and offering a tip might be interpreted as suggesting that their salary is insufficient. In some cases, a server may even chase after a customer to return the money left on the table.
This cultural difference highlights the importance of researching local customs before traveling. In Japan, rather than leaving a tip, a simple “arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much) along with a slight bow is always the best way to show appreciation.
StarryAI, CC0, https://starryai.com/
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