Gifts for Japanese tour guides
Aug 5th, 2012, 06:50 AM
#1
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Gifts for Japanese tour guides
On our upcoming trip to Japan we will be spending 3 days with a private tour guide.
What would be an appropriate tip and would we also give them a gift? Any suggestions what to give?
Thank you for your help with this.
What would be an appropriate tip and would we also give them a gift? Any suggestions what to give?
Thank you for your help with this.
Aug 5th, 2012, 07:08 AM
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If you are paying the guide a fee, then the appropriate tip would be 0¥, and very definitely no gift. If you offered a tip or a gift, you would likely only make the guide uncomfortable.
Tipping isn't done, except in a few specific instances (for example, your maid in a top-end ryokan). And if you offer a gift, the guide will very likely feel compelled to offer you a gift of equal value in return.
All that you need to do is be polite during your time with the guide, and you'll be fine. Be sure to include a "please" with any request -- even the smallest one (for example, "please turn left at the next street").
Tipping isn't done, except in a few specific instances (for example, your maid in a top-end ryokan). And if you offer a gift, the guide will very likely feel compelled to offer you a gift of equal value in return.
All that you need to do is be polite during your time with the guide, and you'll be fine. Be sure to include a "please" with any request -- even the smallest one (for example, "please turn left at the next street").
Aug 5th, 2012, 12:34 PM
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Don has it right. No tip. No gift. Do buy their lunch and any snacks and drinks you have during the day. This applies whether they are volunteer or paid. If, in the end, you can't get over the idea of giving no tip, you could give a box of department store sweets at the end. Do avoid items that can't be eaten - a lack of space in a gift-giving society makes consumable items best choice if you feel you must give something. But really, your sincere interest and attention will be enough with the chance to meet foreigners and practice English for a volunteer. For a professional, the payment will be sufficient to deem tipping unnecessary. Plus there is really not a culture of tripping in Japan. Good service is provided as a rule free from incentives!
Aug 5th, 2012, 08:11 PM
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Thank you for these insights and tips. This makes it clear. Thank you for taking the time to go into deal so we understand the rationale and use this information properly, treating our guide respectfully according to their customs.
Aug 6th, 2012, 03:23 PM
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I've only had volunteer guides - one was a full day in and around Nara and my paying for his transport fees and lunch was part of the arrangements - he had a badge to get into the sights for free. In Matsumoto I had a volunteer guide at the castle and I took her out for a nice snack as it was too early for lunch and she kept thanking me...lol....
Even with my Japanese friends when I visit there, they never want me to pay for anything but I insist or else bring omiyage (souvenir).
Even with my Japanese friends when I visit there, they never want me to pay for anything but I insist or else bring omiyage (souvenir).
Aug 8th, 2012, 03:01 AM
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No need to tip, that's true. It would be strange actually. A small gift would be appreciated, but not necessary. A small gift of sweets, chocolate, or any kind of food would be nice, but is not expected. Have a nice trip!
