nickn

At JNTO site:

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/PS/AI/accom_info.html

says tipping is not needed except at top luxury ryokan, then tip a maid when she first serves tea in the room.

So here are the questions:

How is this done? Hand the cash in open, hand it discreetly or in some sort of envelope in a respected manner like giving a tribute?

How do you determine how much to give?

Fodor's Japan guide on the web talks about hotel staff tipping but not ryokan tipping.

lcuy

Always tip in a plain white envelope, and hand it (as you say,like a tribute)to the person. If you can speak Japanese, or they speak English, you should also make some comment like "it's just something very small", no matter how much it is.

tadaoji

You do not have to tip anyone/anyplace in Japan although some folks do tip. You can expect to receive normal, satisfactory services without any tip at anyplace including hotels, inns, restaurants, taxis, hair dressers,,, . If you want an extra treat at ryokans or restaurants, you have to be a regular customer rather than a one time big tip spender.

If you do want to tip at a high end ryokan to your maid, the best and most gracious way is to put money in a tiny envelope called Pochi-bukuro that can be purchased at a stationary shop, and put one 1,000 yen note (no coins please). But even at these places, you do not have to tip.

Marilyn

Traveling with Japanese business colleagues in Japan, our host always gave the server in the restaurant or the ryokan a small envelope upon our arrival. I have no idea how much was in it, but we always were treated like royalty.

seahopper

Tipping is recommended if you are staying in a high end Ryokan (Yen 20,000 or more per person). Usually, a maid will come to your room to serve you tea soon after your arrival to your room, and she is the person you'll need to tip. Because, she will serve you dinner in your room. I usually put one or two thousand depending on the rank of the hotel. Doing this way, the maid will listen to your voice or request.