Tipping in Japan
Tipping is generally not expected or customary, and can even be considered rude in Japan. Service is often included in the price, and employees are paid a fair wage. There are some rare exceptions, however, we probably won’t encounter them, and our Tour Director can advise.
How to Pay in Japan
Some areas of Japan outside of urban areas have a reputation for only accepting cash (Yen), but most locations will accept other forms of payment, such as Credit Cards, IC Cards (see the video), Google Pay, or Apple Wallet. The following video gives a very good overview of what to expect:
How Much to Budget
Here is a webpage that gives some idea of how much to budget for a trip to Japan. Bear in mind that our tour already covers accommodation, breakfasts and dinners, plus a number of tours, so you can estimate from other categories what you might need. Note that this does not say how much cash is needed; credit cards and other methods of payment are available.
How to Pay in Japan by Credit Card, IC, Cash ¥ Travel Money Tips 2025
Get Yen at the Best Rate & Avoid ATM Fees in Japan! Travel Money Tips
This video provides an excellent overview of what you should do when using an ATM in Japan to obtain Japanese Cash (Yen). Especially what you should do ahead of time, before you leave for Japan, and before you start using an ATM there. You could save a lot of money!
Which IC Card Do You Need for Japan Travel? Don’t Assume It’s Suica!
There are some potentially convenient IC Cards that can be used in Japan to pay for a variety of items, especially for transportation, and some tourist sites. Should we get one, and, if so, which one? Here’s a video that can help…