How much to tip hotel housekeeping in Japan (2026 Guide)
¥0 at most hotels; ¥1,000–¥3,000 kokorozuke at ryokan
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
At APA, Toyoko Inn, business hotels, and even most luxury Western brands (Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt) in Japan, housekeeping is not tipped — staff often will not enter the room to claim cash and may turn it in as "lost." The genuine exception is a high-end ryokan with an assigned nakai-san (room attendant) who serves your in-room kaiseki and lays out your futon; here, a kokorozuke of ¥1,000–¥3,000 per guest, slipped to her in a small envelope (pochi-bukuro) at check-in, is occasionally given. Even this is optional and policies vary — some ryokan now refuse it outright.
Common mistakes
Leaving cash on the pillow at any Japanese hotel — it will usually be ignored, returned at checkout, or treated as forgotten money.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip the cleaner at my Tokyo hotel?
No. Japanese housekeepers are not tipped and may be uncomfortable receiving cash.
What is kokorozuke?
A small "from the heart" envelope given at check-in to a personal ryokan attendant, never to general housekeeping.
Tipping other services in Japan
- Sit-down restaurant¥0 — no tipping, even at upscale restaurants
- Counter / takeaway¥0
- Café¥0
- Bar¥0 — but expect a seating charge (otoshi)
- Porter¥0
- Concierge¥0; ¥3,000–¥10,000 in an envelope for exceptional help
- Taxi¥0 — drivers return every yen of change
- Rideshare¥0
- Food delivery¥0
- Grocery delivery¥0
- Hairdresser¥0
- Spa¥0 — including onsen, sento, and hotel spas
- Tour guide¥0 group; ¥3,000–¥10,000 private English-speaking guide
- Tattoo artist¥0
- Valet¥0
- Airport baggage¥0
- Busker¥100–¥500 if there is an open case/hat
- Movers¥0
- Tradesperson¥0
Tipping hotel housekeeping in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: japan.travel, boutiquejapan.com