Booking flights – but cheaply

Let’s not kid ourselves: The flight is almost always the biggest chunk of the bill. Direct flights (e.g. with Lufthansa, ANA, or JAL) are extremely comfortable but quickly break the 1,000 € mark. But here lies your biggest savings potential for a budget Japan trip: If you accept a stopover, prices tumble massively.

• The Dubai Option: Many travelers swear by flights via the Middle East (e.g. with Emirates via Dubai or Qatar Airways via Doha). You have a stop, but the service is top-notch, and you often find connections well under 1,000 €.
• The China Price Smasher: If you are really looking for the absolute rock-bottom price, look for connections via China (e.g. Air China, China Eastern). Here there are regular offers for 600 to 800 € – sometimes even cheaper.

My tip: Use comparison portals and be flexible with the date. A flight on Tuesday or Wednesday is often hundreds of Euros cheaper than on the weekend.

Hotel pro tip

When it comes to booking, most Europeans automatically look at Booking.com. Mistake! For Asia – and specifically Japan – Agoda is often the better choice. The platform frequently has deals and allotments you won’t find elsewhere, and is often more aggressive with pricing.

But be careful when booking:

• The Size Check: Don’t be blinded by the price, look at the square footage! Standard single rooms in Japan often have only 11–13 sqm, double rooms 16–18 sqm. That’s doable, but quickly feels like a prison cell where you can only open your suitcase on the bed. My advice: Search specifically for rooms from 18 sqm. This often costs only minimally more but saves your peace of mind.
• The Breakfast Trap: Look at the hotel pictures of breakfast closely. Do you only see a wrapped sandwich and a coffee cup there? Then that’s not a modest selection, but often everything there is. Save the surcharge! For that money, you can get a royal breakfast at the café next door or at the Konbini, instead of listlessly chewing on toast at the hotel.

Lifesaver Konbini

Please forget everything you know about gas station sandwiches in Europe. In Japan, the Konbini (like 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) is a holy institution. If you save money here, it doesn’t mean you’re eating trash – on the contrary. What many don’t know: The quality is so extremely high because the food often does not fall out of giant industrial machines. Many of the bentos, onigiri, and side dishes are freshly prepared by small, local businesses and regional kitchens and delivered to branches several times a day (!). Nothing sits around for days here.

For under 5 €, you get meals here that taste almost like mom’s cooking. Perfect for your budget Japan trip:

• Fresh Onigiri: Crispy nori sheet, perfectly seasoned rice.
• Warm food at the counter: The Famichiki (fried chicken) or the Oden stews are kept hot right in the store and are legendary.
• Regional specialties: Depending on where you are, you’ll find products from local farmers or bakeries from the neighborhood on the shelf.

My tip: Grab a bento and sit in the nearest park – that is often more idyllic (and much cheaper) than any restaurant. But Konbinis can do even more. Feel free to check out this post Luggage storage at 7-Eleven in Japan

Ramen – Fast food at a gourmet level

Since we’re on the subject of food: You cannot leave Japan without experiencing the ramen culture. Whether in a hidden alley in Tokyo or at the station in Osaka – a steaming bowl of noodle soup almost never costs more than 800 to 1,200 yen (approx. 5–8 €). The best part? It makes you incredibly full and happy.

The Ordering Hack

Don’t be scared off if you see a vending machine with lots of Japanese buttons at the entrance. That is the standard ordering system! And here’s how it works:

• Press the button with the ramen of your choice. Often there are pictures, otherwise just take the button at the top left – that is usually the house bestseller.
• Insert money. Mostly the machines only work with cash or IC Card.
• Take out the ticket and give it to the chef.
• Slurping allowed and encouraged! But it takes some practice, otherwise you’ll choke or splash everything.

It is probably the most honest, cheapest, and tastiest meal you can get in Japan.

Tax Free Shopping

Saving money doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to buy anything. As a tourist, you can shop tax-free in very many stores as soon as you spend over 5,000 yen (approx. 30 €). This applies not only to electronics but often also to clothes or skincare.

You simply show your passport or the QR code on your mobile phone, which you received at immigration, at the checkout and the amount is deducted directly. So you save 10% cash immediately. A simple trick that relieves your budget instantly.

From November 2026, tourists will only be able to claim the tax back at the airport. This means you pay the normal price at the checkout and only get the 10% refunded on your selected goods upon departure.

So enjoy this luxury while it’s still there – it is the easiest way to save money!

Transport hacks

Formerly, the Japan Rail Pass was a no-brainer for every tourist. Since the price increase a few years ago, however, it is often only worthwhile if you really want to travel a lot throughout the whole country. Because at nearly 300 € for 7 days (450 € for 14 days and nearly 600 € for 3 weeks), it can blow quite a large hole in your wallet.

For a budget Japan trip, you should calculate your route online beforehand. Often it is cheaper to buy single tickets for the Shinkansen or to use domestic flights (search for “Explorer Fares” for foreigners) for longer distances. In metropolises like Tokyo, the rule is anyway: Walk as much as you can or use the cheap subways.

But don’t panic

Transport in Japan is generally surprisingly cheap and extremely efficient.

• Public Transport: Anyone used to prices in Munich, Berlin, or London will weep tears of joy in Tokyo. A subway ride across the huge metropolis often costs only the equivalent of 2 €. The trains are clean, air-conditioned in summer, and punctual to the second.
• IC Card on mobile: Get a Suica or Pasmo card directly in your Apple Wallet (or as a physical card). With it, you simply check in and out at the gates via tap. The system automatically calculates the cheapest fare. No zone confusion, no stress. You can find more about IC Cards here: Suica, PASMO and ICOCA – Prepaid cards in Japan
• Night Bus: Want to go from Tokyo to Kyoto? The Shinkansen costs approx. 90 €. A comfortable night bus (e.g. Willer Express) often costs only 30–40 €. The kicker: You also save on a hotel stay! The seats are often much more comfortable than in European buses, sometimes even with a privacy hood.

A flexible alternative to Coin Lockers

Are you looking for secure luggage storage in Japan because hotel check-in isn’t available yet, or perhaps you’re just passing through? Anyone who has ever stood desperately in front of a wall of red-lit (occupied) coin lockers at Tokyo or Kyoto station knows the stress. But now, there is a new solution for storing suitcases directly at the Konbini (convenience store).

7-Eleven has teamed up with the service provider Ecbo Cloak to offer luggage storage in hundreds of branches. Read on to find out why this could be a real game changer for your next trip to Japan.

How Luggage storage at 7-Eleven works

The principle is simple and solves one of the biggest problems of classic lockers: uncertainty. Instead of dragging heavy luggage around hoping to find a free locker, you simply reserve your spot in advance.

Book via app or website

The service runs through the provider Ecbo Cloak. You book your slot conveniently via the app for iPhone, Android or website before you even step into the store. Important: Spontaneous drop-offs without a reservation are not possible. You must book in advance.

Drop-off: Your Luggage Service Directly at the Konbini

Once you have completed your reservation, simply head to the selected 7-Eleven branch. Since the service is already available in 378 stores at launch, you can often find an option in close proximity to your hotel or major sightseeing spots. This saves you the tedious detour to the train station and makes this new luggage service in Japan the perfect alternative when you want to keep travel distances short.

Check-in: Digital and Without Small Change Stress

Forget the hassle of collecting 100-yen coins for coin lockers. On-site, everything is completely digital: You go to the register and simply show the staff your digital receipt or booking confirmation on your smartphone. The staff scans the code, verifies the data, and accepts your luggage—the process is done in a matter of moments.

Storage: Securely Stored Instead of Publicly Accessible

Security is the most important criterion when storing luggage. Unlike some makeshift solutions, your suitcases are not left standing in the sales area. Your luggage goes into a separate, locked storage room or a specially secured area in the Konbini’s staff room. In addition, insurance against loss or damage is already included in the price, so you can start your sightseeing tour completely worry-free.

Prices and Luggage sizes

The price structure is transparent and comparable to the large lockers at train stations—often even slightly cheaper when you consider that you can also drop off bulky items.

• Small (< 45cm, suitable for handbags, backpacks, shopping bags): approx. 500 Yen
• Large (> 45cm, suitable for suitcases, strollers): approx. 800 Yen

Conclusion

With the rising number of tourists, local logistics are becoming increasingly important. The cooperation between 7-Eleven and Ecbo Cloak is a smart expansion of Konbini culture. For us travelers, this new option for luggage storage in Japan means less stress during sightseeing and more flexibility—especially in hotspots like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.

Simply give it a try on your next trip when the coin lockers at the station are fully occupied again.

Tip: Want to spend a night in an Onsen or go hiking in the Japanese mountains? Or just move from hotel to hotel within Tokyo without losing much time? Then a luggage delivery service is exactly right for you. You can find more about it here: Luggage service in Japan

Tokyo – The City Where the Subway Sleeps After Midnight. After midnight, you have exactly one option to get home: Taking a taxi in Tokyo. The subway has stopped running, night buses are rare, and good luck waiting for an Uber. So, what are you waiting for? Hop in – but first, here are some survival tips!

Taking a taxi in Tokyo – Luxury or necessity?

Taking a taxi in Tokyo can be expensive, but sometimes, you simply have no choice.

• After midnight? Taxi.
• Suitcase the size of a fridge? Taxi.
• Rain coming from all directions? Taxi.

But don’t worry, the cars are spotless, the drivers ultra-professional (often in suits and white gloves), and the doors open automatically giving you full James Bond vibes. Most taxis have navigation systems, so you can just show your destination on your phone in case the driver doesn’t speak English. However, it’s always a good idea to have the address written in Japanese.

GO App – How to book your taxi smartly

Forget hailing a cab from the sidewalk! With the GO App, Japan’s most popular taxi app, you can book a ride conveniently from your smartphone. Just enter your location, choose your destination, get an estimated fare, and wait. Bonus: You can pay via the app, so no need to fumble with cash – super handy if your Japanese is limited to “Arigato” and “Sayonara”. Plus, the app provides a map showing your route, so you’ll always know where you are. Wait times are usually short, especially in busy areas, but during rush hours or bad weather, you might need a little patience.

Other ways to get a taxi

If you’re going the old-school way, you can hail one from the street, but be careful: A red light in the front? The taxi is available. A green light? It’s already occupied. Hotels and larger restaurants are also happy to call a taxi for you.

What about Uber?

Then there’s Uber and DiDi, but beware their prices are often higher than regular taxis. Why? Because Uber in Tokyo doesn’t use a classic ride-sharing model but partners with local taxi companies. That means you can book through the Uber app, but prices and service don’t differ much from a standard taxi.

The costs: How much does a taxi ride in Tokyo cost?

Taking a taxi in Tokyo isn’t cheap, but it’s not outrageously expensive either. Base fare: Around 500–700 yen. Additional cost: Charged per kilometer. Night surcharge: Between 10 PM and 5 AM, expect a 20% increase. Long-distance rides: A trip from central Tokyo to areas like Odaiba or Yokohama can cost at least 5,000 yen. To save money, consider splitting the fare with friends.

Alternatives to taxis – Are there any?

If you can make it before midnight, the metro or buses are the way to go. But after that? Not so much. Night buses are rare, unreliable, and don’t cover much of the city. Ride-sharing services (like in other countries) are highly regulated in Japan, making Uber and similar apps a pricey and impractical option. If you’re out late, a taxi is your only real choice.

The Welcome Suica Mobile App is designed to make traveling in Japan even easier. No more waiting in line at ticket machines, no more fumbling for change – just your smartphone. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about its benefits, features, and whether the app is worth it for your trip to Japan.

What is the Suica Prepaid card?

The Suica Prepaid card is a rechargeable payment card that works similarly to a debit or credit card – but without a credit limit.

It offers full cost control and flexibility, as only the preloaded balance can be used, with no bank account required. The card is ideal for public transportation as well as payments in stores.

Learn more about Prepaid cards: Suica, PASMO and ICOCA – Prepaid cards in Japan

Update 2025

Until now, the Welcome Suica Card (red) was only available as a physical card specifically for tourists. Unlike the regular Suica Card (green), it does not require a deposit and is only valid for 28 days. Now, the red Welcome Suica Card is going digital. It can now be installed as the Welcome Suica Mobile App on iPhones (Android will follow later).

Advantages of the App Over the Physical Card

The new Welcome Suica Mobile App offers the following benefits compared to the traditional physical card:

• Digital: No need to buy a physical card at the airport.
• Immediate Activation: Top up your balance from home before traveling.
• Longer Validity: It’s valid for 180 days, instead of just 28 days.
• Apple Pay: Easily top up your balance via Apple Wallet.
• Apple Wallet: Add the card directly to Apple Wallet.

Additionally, the app provides comprehensive travel information at a glance, including a route planner and real-time updates on train schedules and potential disruptions.

Advantages of the App Over Apple Pay

You might be wondering why not just use the Suica Card, as described here, directly as an Apple Pay card.

Currently, the Welcome Suica Mobile App doesn’t offer any advantages over the green Suica Card with Apple Pay.

However, starting in Autumn 2025, the option to make Shinkansen seat reservations directly through the app will be introduced.

By Spring 2026, it will also be possible to purchase Shinkansen tickets directly through the app – making for an even more convenient travel experience.

Further Links

• Information about Prepaid Cards in Japan: Suica, PASMO and ICOCA – Prepaid cards in Japan
• Information about other payment methods in Japan: Pay in Japan
• Official page of the Welcome Suica Mobile App: Welcome Suica Mobile App

Washing clothes in Japan – Don’t worry, you don’t have to pack your entire wardrobe for the trip! In this article, you’ll learn about the available laundry options, what to look out for, and the unique aspects of doing laundry in Japan.

Overview

1. A 60-Minute Adventure from 500 Yen
2. The Japanese Washing Machine
3. Costs
4. Detergent – Yes or No?
5. What to do if the machine breaks down

A 60-Minute Adventure from 500 Yen

On the following point, everyone probably agrees: It’s best to travel light. But how do you manage on a three-week trip with just that?

The good news is: You don’t have to pack your suitcase to the brim to have clean clothes throughout your entire journey. Japanese hotels almost always offer you the opportunity to wash your clothes in machines provided for that purpose. Hooray, more space for souvenirs!

Nevertheless, the initial washing results in Japan left much to be desired.

The laundry often wasn’t properly cleaned and didn’t smell fresh afterwards. Despite some noticeable results: Public washing machines in Japan can deliver usable washing results if certain guidelines are followed. Learn how to do it here.

The Japanese Washing Machine

For operating the machine, it is recommended to use Google Translate with image translation. With this, you can understand the control panel and adjust the washing machine as desired. Don’t be surprised, Japanese washing machines don’t have a temperature control, as they all wash in cold water.

The machines offered in hotels are often a 2-in-1 washer-dryer combination. This means that the laundry is first washed in the same machine. Then, the device switches to the drying mode. Both programs together take about an hour. Or longer. Depending on how many coins you’ve inserted beforehand. There it is again, our beloved cash!

Washing machines in Japan sometimes have a pre-cleaning function. According to the description, the drum is rinsed with silver ion water before you put your laundry in. Whether there’s anything to it and whether you want to use this function is up to you. Unfortunately, it hasn’t changed the washing results.

Costs

A wash cycle with drying costs, depending on the selected program, starting from 500 yen upwards. If you use the dryer function, it is better to insert at least an extra 300 yen, as the laundry is not really dry after the standard program.

You can only use the machines with 100 yen coins. If you don’t have enough coins, you will usually find a change machine in the hotel or the laundromat where you can feed bills. Alternatively, just ask at the reception.

Detergent – Yes or No?

You’ll find a note on the machines stating that additional detergent is not necessary as the machine provides the detergent during the washing process. Convenient, isn’t it?

Being naturally curious, I watched the machine while it was washing. What can I say: There was no foam formation, which made me doubt the attached note. I got confirmation after removing the laundry from the drum. It wasn’t clean, and it didn’t smell fresh either. And the smell from the washing drum…

My recommendation: Definitely get laundry pods at the nearest Konbini. With those, the laundry is guaranteed to be clean and smell much better.

What to do if the machine breaks down

Even a machine can have a bad day. In my case, the spin cycle couldn’t be initiated because apparently one of the sensors was defective. In this case, contact the hotel reception and be a little patient. This small incident was enough to bring a little chaos into the organized day of the Japanese staff. But in the end, everything was fine again.

And now, happy washing clothes in Japan!

On the bus in Japan

Bus travel in Japan is a widespread and efficient transportation option used in urban areas as well as rural regions. For tourists, buses can also be a great way to travel off the beaten path and discover scenic places that may not be easily accessible by other means of transportation.

As with everything else in Japan, there are precise rules for taking the bus.

Usually, passengers board at the back and exit at the front where the driver is. Tokyo is an exception: here, it’s the opposite – board at the front, exit at the back. This is due to the payment system.

The Shinkansen

The Shinkansen or Bullet Train is Japan’s famous high-speed rail known for its punctuality and efficiency. Traveling at speeds of up to 320 km/h, it connects various cities and regions of Japan in record time.

The easiest way to do this is directly through Google Maps. Choose the desired route and click on ‘Public Transit’ for the preferred route. Here, you’ll find all the Shinkansen connections including the Shinkansen names (important for Japan Rail Pass holders).

Route Network

Costs

The ride on the Shinkansen is not exactly cheap. If you plan to travel long distances and frequently with the Shinkansen, I would recommend the Japan Rail Pass. Although it was increased by almost 70% in October 2023, it is still worthwhile for many journeys. More information can be found at Japan Rail Pass for tourists

If you wish to book a single route, you should expect the following costs on average:

• Tokyo – Kyoto approx. 13,000 yen
• Tokyo – Hiroshima approx. 20,000 yen
• Tokyo – Fukuoka approx. 22,000 yen
• Tokyo – Hokkaido approx. 24,000 yen

Single tickets are calculated based on the distance of the route. The farther you travel, the more expensive it gets, but the longer your ticket remains valid as well.

Traveling on the Shinkansen

Shinkansen arrivals and departures are almost precise to the second. Therefore, you don’t really need to worry about connecting trains. Even five minutes for a transfer are manageable.

At the platform barrier you insert your Japan Rail Pass ticket into the ticket slot. If you have a Base Fare and Limited Express ticket, you insert both together into the ticket slot.

Your seat reservation shows the car number. You’ll find this directly painted on the platform floor. Just stand in line here and the correct door for boarding will stop right in front of you.

What do I need a prepaid card for?

Prepaid cards are payment cards where the balance is loaded in advance and they operate similarly to debit or credit cards but without a credit limit.

They offer flexibility and control over spending since only the available balance on the card can be used without using a bank account. These cards can be used for public transportation as well as for payments in stores and vending machines.

Prepaid cards typically work in major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. There are three different cards: Suica, PASMO und ICOCA.

Suica, Pasmo or ICOCA?

There are no differences as such. Suica Cards are issued by Japan Railway East, PASMO Cards by Tokyo Metro, and ICOCA Cards by Japan Railway West.

All three prepaid cards are available as physical cards or digitally for your smartphone.

How you get the prepaid card

The easiest option is to digitally store the card on your smartphone. This way, you are much more flexible when it comes to topping up and paying. In the next paragraph, you will learn how to install the card.

Of course, you can also get a physical card. The best option is to get the Welcome Suica Card, which is a regular Suica Card issued to tourists. Advantage: You don’t have to pay a deposit, and it’s valid for 28 days. You can get the card directly at Haneda Airport. Currently, physical cards are limited due to chip shortages.

UPDATE 2025

The Welcome Suica Card is now digital! It can now be installed digitally as the Welcome Suica Mobile App on your smartphone.

Find all the details here: Japan Prepaid Cards 2025 – The Welcome Suica Mobile App

Charge and unload the card

Charge card

On your smartphone, simply select your card in the Wallet app and choose the amount you want to recharge. After confirmation, the amount will be credited to your virtual card within a few seconds.

Physical cards can only be recharged with cash via vending machines. These can usually be found in most larger subway stations.

Unload card

Unfortunately, there is no way to unload the remaining balance on the smartphone (unless you have a Japanese bank account). It’s best to avoid loading too much onto the card towards the end of your trip and spend the remaining yen at the airport vending machines.

Physical cards can be unloaded at vending machines.

Official pages of the prepaid cards

• Suica Card: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html
• PASMO Card: https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/
• ICOCA Card: https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/howto/icoca/

More information for other payment methods in Japan can be found here: Pay in Japan

The subway in Tokyo

The subway is the fastest and most convenient way to navigate through Tokyo. It is relatively easy to get around the city and reach the main tourist attractions and business districts. All lines are color-coded and marked with letters and numbers to make navigation easier.

There are several transportation companies in Tokyo, which makes payment a bit complicated. Here you can find all the information that will help you with ticket purchase and navigation.

Different transportation companies explained

There are several transportation companies in Tokyo, which makes payment a bit complicated. Here you can find all the information that will help you with ticket purchase and navigation.

Tokyo Metro

Tokyo Metro is one of the largest transportation companies in Tokyo. All Toei Subway lines are also operated by Tokyo Metro. Their stations and lines are marked with round signs and letters

All trips with Tokyo Metro can be easily paid for individually with a Japanese prepaid card.

Alternatively, day tickets can be purchased for all Tokyo Metro lines. These are available for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. Day tickets are only issued to tourists upon presentation of their passports. They are available at the Keisei Bus Ticket Counter in the arrival hall of Narita Airport T1 and T2 1F, and at the Haneda Airport International Passenger Terminal 2F, Tourist Information in the arrival hall. You can also find them at all Tokyo Pass Metro offices. Here is a list of all locations: https://www.tokyometro.jp

Japan Railway

The Japan Railway is the second major transportation company in Tokyo. Its stations and lines are marked with square characters and letters, for example:

All trips with the JR can be easily paid for individually with a Japanese prepaid card.

It is also possible to travel on all JR lines in Tokyo with the Japan Rail Pass.

Alternatively, a day ticket can also be purchased for the JR, the Tokunai Pass. The pass can be easily purchased at all major JR stations. You can find a list here: https://www.jreast.co.jp

Costs & paying

Paying with the prepaid card/smartphone

To do this, you need to place the card or smartphone on the reader at the platform gate. When exiting the subway in Tokyo, you place the card/phone on the reader again.

The fare for the distance traveled is deducted. If there isn’t enough money on the card, the barrier blocks passage, and you’ll need to top up the card to exit the station. If there’s no balance on the card when entering the station, the barrier also blocks access.

The cost for a single ride on the subway averages between 180 – 330 yen.

Using a day pass or railway pass

Day tickets and Japan Rail Passes must be inserted into the card slot at the platform gate. The barrier will open, and the ticket can then be retrieved.

Unfortunately, using the “touch” method like with the prepaid card or smartphone doesn’t work in this case.

The following day tickets are available:

• Tokyo Subway Ticket (All lines of the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway): 24h 800 Yen, 48h 1,200 Yen, and 72h 1,500 Yen
• JR Tunai Pass (All JR-East lines within Tokyo): 1 day 760 Yen
• Tokyo Furii Kippu (all subway lines, buses, and trams): 1 day 1,600 Yen

Japan is a fascinating country that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition—and this is also reflected in the way people pay! While many assume that Japan is entirely digital, you might still find yourself in a small restaurant or a traditional shop where cash is the only accepted payment method. To help you navigate payments smoothly in Japan, here are some essential tips in: Pay in Japan

Cash

The Japanese currency is called Yen and is available in both notes and coins. The notes come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 Yen, while the coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 Yen. It is not possible to pay in Japan with foreign currency, except at major airports where some well-known currencies such as the US dollar and the British pound are accepted.

Mobile Payment

The easiest way to make mobile payments in Japan is by using Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA. These prepaid cards can be purchased and recharged as physical cards or simply stored as cards on your smartphone 1. The cards can be recharged via a linked credit card on your smartphone.

They can be used for various purposes, such as shopping in stores, online payments, or for public transportation rides.

You can find more information about prepaid cards in Japan here: Suica, Pasmo and ICOCA – Prepaid cards in Japan

Credit & Debit Cards

Almost everywhere credit and debit cards are accepted, regardless of whether they are physical cards or used with Apple Pay / Google Pay.

Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted than other cards such as American Express or Diners Club.

In some cases, it may happen that credit cards are not accepted at machines or in public transportation, so it’s good to always have some cash with you.

Tipping in Japan

Tipping is uncommon in Japan and can even be considered impolite. The service charge is already included in the price—so simply express your gratitude (“Arigatou gozaimasu!”) and move on.

Many waiters or taxi drivers might even refuse a tip or return it to you, thinking it was a misunderstanding. In luxury hotels or for special services, there may be service fees automatically added to the bill, but giving extra money is not necessary. If you still want to show appreciation for exceptional service, a small gift (“Omiyage”) or a kind compliment means much more than cash.