OP: I think this thread went awry in part because you started out by asking something that you already had the answer to. And then you weren't going to take any other answer.
Originally Posted by
KyRoamer
But what about tour directors on organized tours and private tour guides? Is it proper to tip porters at airport, train stations and elsewhere? Who else?
I agree with Pickle. Either this information you have is an editing oversight, or this Odyssey company is completely pathetic.
I understand you can't change your plans. But why don't you call them up before the trip and say something deservedly passive-aggressive along these lines? "I see this paper that talks about $10-15 tip pps/day. But can I presume this is a mistake, since your website says tipping is not needed and since everything I've read and have been told is that there is no tipping in Jpn?"
And if they say 'sorry you're right, that was a mistake,' then problem solved.