Japan Travel Fixes
Do I need to tip, and can I smoke in restaurants in Japan?
Tipping is not expected and can even cause confusion — good service is already included in the price. Smoking is banned inside most restaurants by law, though some izakaya and bars have designated smoking areas or are smoking-permitted.
Leaving cash on the table is generally not customary in Japan and staff may chase after you to return it, assuming you forgot your change.
A national law restricts indoor smoking in restaurants and bars; larger venues must clearly separate or ban smoking areas, but smaller, independently owned izakaya are sometimes exempt and may allow smoking throughout.
If it matters to you, checking a restaurant's listing for smoking policy before you go is more reliable than guessing from the outside.
Ask if a smoking seat/section is available
喫煙席はありますか？
Kitsuenseki wa arimasu ka?
Do you have smoking seats?