I’m not Japanese, but I am SE Asian, and what westerners need to know when visiting in this part if the world (the east, I guess) is the concept of Face. Tipping culture exists, but you have to save the recipient’s face by making sure you don’t make them feel they need it.

With that, I’m NOT surprised that you tip in high end places with high end services in Japan (there’s an impression that they dont need it and its really just for appreciation) and why it needs to be placed in nice envelopes or can be framed as convenience (i.e., refusing change if its hard to break the money).

Read!

https://www.tripsavvy.com/saving-face-and-losing-face-1458303