Erm… OK…. in Japan, as is mentioned above, just over 10% of the room charge is a service charge to the hotel. This takes the place of any tips, whether it be to the maid, the concierge, the door staff or the bell’people’ who carry your luggage.

Although you will find most staff will refuse any money – or the maids will leave an envelope meant for them with a tip untouched – nevertheless, I have seen some staff (all non-Japanese and all at NRT hotels) gratefully receive gratuities. So I would add, if you did want to give a tip, and you suspect that the person would like to take one, be particularly discreet. I have a suspicion that in some places accepting them might lead to some kind of disciplinary action.

I think almost everyone who contributes to this forum knows that tips are customary in the USA, so I’m still puzzled as to where you’re hoping to take this.