Japan in October - welcome your suggestions

[kpc]

Yes thats correct, there is no need to tip in Japan.
I have even tried to tip a taxi driver and the next time i took his taxi (short trip from where i was staying to station, usually 660yen each way, minimum fare) and he gave back my tip next time, all of 40yen.

Taxi drivers are incredibly honest in Japan. Recently, in Kyoto, we asked to be taken to Ginkakuji temple, and as we were passing the Imperial Palace (i.e going completely the wrong way), I pointed out our intended destination to the driver on the map...he let out a little a little curse, said that he thought we were gong to Kinkakuji Temple (how did we get that mixed up?)...bowed a couple of times to apologise, then turned off the meter (JPY1590 at that time), did a "U" turn and drove us another 15-20 minutes to Ginkakuji temple...I was wondering how much to pay him, when he apologised again, bowed 2 or 3 times, and said JPY1500 was more than enough! Tell me which other country in the world would a taxi driver do that??

I had a hunch that tipping wasn't generally accepted and never did so, but let me be more specific, how about tipping bellyboy/girls who would deliver like 70kgs worth of luggage to your room? I never tipped but felt so bad ... and all of them were wonderful and bowed etc! (This was at the InterCon Tokyo Bay)

At the Hilton, a 40kg (at most) lady insisted on carrying my 25 kg suitcase onto the Hilton shutlte bus when we were leaving...I refused and after a tug of war (she wanted to carry it!!), she compromised and we both carried the suitcase onto the bus!! Unbelievable....I think I might have offended her

 

[sammy]

Am back in Australia now, after living in Japan for 6 and a half years.
Re tipping: If someone lugs extra heavy bags to your room (especially in a western hotel like the Hyatt or Westin), then TIP them, say 200yen per bag or a 500 yen coin - if they seem disinclined to accept it, then don't push it.
In other cases, don't offer a tip, but offer the reward of easily recognised appreciation - a smile, eye contact, pehaps a small head bow, and a "Domo arigato". Most Japanese people take pride and satisfaction in a job well done (moreso than here).
Off the tourist track English is not widely spoken. Often it is better understood than spoken, especially if you write it down. A little bit of miming, with a good natured smile, usually helps out when you're really stuck.
Be polite, wear decent socks and never blow your nose in public, and you'll be right.

 

[Alanslegal]

Re tipping: If someone lugs extra heavy bags to your room (especially in a western hotel like the Hyatt or Westin), then TIP them, say 200yen per bag or a 500 yen coin - if they seem disinclined to accept it, then don't push it.
In other cases, don't offer a tip, but offer the reward of easily recognised appreciation - a smile, eye contact, pehaps a small head bow, and a "Domo arigato". Most Japanese people take pride and satisfaction in a job well done (moreso than here).

Thanks for the detail Sammy. 500yen?! Guess I'd be taking my luggage to my room myself! Call me stingy but thats almost AU$7 (for my 3 roller bags) :shock:

 

[wandering_fred]

Stupid question - I did not stay in the fancy places and the western breakfast down the street was perfectly acceptable at 598 Y.....

Given I have no interest in collecting 1 yen coins - what should I have done with them?

So I'll know when I wander back......

Fred

 

[kpc]

Stupid question - I did not stay in the fancy places and the western breakfast down the street was perfectly acceptable at 598 Y.....

Given I have no interest in collecting 1 yen coins - what should I have done with them?

So I'll know when I wander back......

Fred

You could donate the coins to UNICEF via QF:idea:

 

[wandering_fred]

You could donate the coins to UNICEF via QF:idea:

But to avoid the process of carrying them around is the goal.....

Fred

 

[Evan]

But to avoid the process of carrying them around is the goal.....

Fred

AM-PM, Sunkst, 7-11, familymart etc generally have little boxes you can drop them in as a donation to a charity.
Otherwise i have no idea what you do with them all, i just give them to some charity or another in Japan when i see them.