There are many reasons to love massage in Japan, but for me one of the biggest is that there’s no tipping. Tipping for massage is customary in the US and other countries but in my opinion that is a very unfortunate custom. I’m always very uncomfortable leaving a tip, not knowing if it was enough, if others give more, being usure of when, where, or how to give it, or if they’re going to adjust their service level or like me less as a client if I tip less than someone else. I always try to tip appropriately but the whole thing just makes me uncomfortable and the last thing I want to be doing during my massage is worrying about the tip.
Japanese massage therapists charge a reasonable amount for their services and don’t expect a tip. In fact, it may be considered insulting to leave a tip in Japan. The Japanese take pride in their work and are proud to deliver quality service for the offered price. A simple heart-felt thank you is more than enough.
Another great thing about massage in Japan is that many massage businesses are open late, like 8 to 10 PM. Sometimes very late like like 4 or 5 in the morning. Why are so many massage places in the US only open during regular working hours? A lot of the people who want massages are working during those times! I for one would prefer to get a massage a night after my day is done so I can go home and just go to sleep. As a night owl myself, I often work late into the night and having the option to schedule a massage for when I’m done work would be great. In Japan it is always possible.
Finally, massage businesses are ubiquitous in Japan and the service is high-level. The Japanese are known for quality service across the board and massage is no different. I always feel like the therapists in Japan are highly professional, qualified, and happy to be doing their job.
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