Tipping and Paying in Japan
Here's what I love about this country. You DON'T have to tip!!! That is such a relief as I hate to calculate how much someone's tip should be worth. In the US, oftentimes I get a waiter who provides lousy service, but you don't want to deal with the hassle of giving a bad tip so you grudgingly put down 15% even thought you want to give zero. To my delight, I found that in Japan, not only do you not have to tip, but if you try to give them a tip, they will be too embarrased to accept it. On top of that, service in Japan is top notch. I have yet to encounter a bad waiter so it's a total win-win situation.
Please note that in almost all instances, prices you see in Japan are after taxes. So what you see for an item is what you pay for at the counter. Also keep in mind that in most restaurants here once you get your check, you pay at the register. Few restaurants accept payment at the table.
Unlike other Asian countries, you're not supposed to haggle over prices at souvenier shops. It's considered very rude.
