Japan has a complicated relationship with cash. Despite being one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, cash is still heavily used for everyday transactions. Knowing when to use cash and when your card will work can save you significant frustration and money on your trip.
The Reality of Paying in Japan
Japan's digital payment score is 8/10 on our index, but that number can mislead first-time visitors. Here is the real picture:
- Major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto): Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at department stores, chain restaurants, hotels, and convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart). Contactless payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many locations.
- Smaller cities and rural areas: Cash is still king. Many restaurants, local shops, temples, and market stalls accept cash only.
- Transportation: Suica and Pasmo IC cards (rechargeable transit cards) are essential. You can add your Suica to Apple Wallet. These work on trains, buses, and many convenience stores and vending machines.
The bottom line: you need both cash and card in Japan. Carry at least 10,000-20,000 yen in cash at all times, even in Tokyo.
Where Cards Work (and Where They Do Not)
| Location | Cards Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels | Yes | All major hotels accept cards. Budget ryokans may prefer cash. |
| Department Stores | Yes | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted. Amex at larger stores. |
| Convenience Stores | Yes | 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart all accept cards and IC cards. |
| Chain Restaurants | Usually | Most chain restaurants accept cards. Look for card logos at entrance. |
| Small Restaurants | Often Cash Only | Especially ramen shops, izakayas, and small family-run places. |
| Street Markets | Cash Only | Tsukiji Outer Market, Nishiki Market, most food stalls. |
| Temples & Shrines | Cash Only | Entry fees, donations, and omamori (charms) require cash. |
| Taxis | Usually Yes | Most taxis accept cards, but some smaller operators are cash only. |
| Vending Machines | IC Card / Cash | Most accept Suica/Pasmo. Some accept contactless. All accept coins. |
Avoid losing 3-5% on every international transaction. Our country-by-country guides show you exactly which card to use and where cash is still required.
Browse 50+ Country GuidesBest Cards to Use in Japan
These are our recommended cards for Japan specifically:
- Wise debit card — Best exchange rate for Japanese yen. Works at most card-accepting locations. Good for everyday spending in cities.
- Charles Schwab debit card — Essential if you will be withdrawing cash frequently. Reimburses all ATM fees.
- Any Visa or Mastercard credit card with no FX fees — Visa has the widest acceptance in Japan. Amex works at larger stores but is less common.
For the full list of recommended travel cards, see our best debit cards for travel guide.
Finding ATMs That Accept Foreign Cards
This is the number one frustration for travelers in Japan. Most Japanese bank ATMs do not accept foreign cards. Here is where to go instead:
- 7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank) — The most reliable option. Found in every 7-Eleven convenience store. Accept Visa, Mastercard, and most international cards. Available 24/7. English interface.
- Japan Post ATMs — Found in post offices across the country. Work with most international cards. Hours can be limited in rural areas.
- Lawson ATMs — Also accept foreign cards. Less common than 7-Eleven but widely available.
- FamilyMart ATMs — Newer machines accept foreign cards. Check for the Visa/Mastercard/Plus/Cirrus logos.
Important: Do not try regular bank ATMs (MUFG, Mizuho, Sumitomo). They will almost certainly reject your foreign card.
For withdrawal strategy and fee avoidance, see our guide to avoiding ATM fees abroad.
IC Cards: Japan's Best Payment Method
The Suica and Pasmo IC cards are rechargeable smart cards that work across Japan's transit system and thousands of shops. They are the most convenient way to pay for small purchases.
- Where to get one: Any JR station ticket machine, or add a virtual Suica to Apple Wallet (iPhone 8 or later)
- Cost: 500 yen deposit (refundable), then top up as needed
- Where it works: Trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, some restaurants and shops
- Maximum balance: 20,000 yen
Using a Suica card is faster than cash at convenience stores and eliminates the need to fumble with coins on trains.
Our Recommended Payment Strategy for Japan
Based on extensive testing across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and rural Japan:
- Get a Suica/Pasmo card or add Apple Wallet Suica immediately on arrival for transit and convenience stores
- Carry 10,000-20,000 yen in cash at all times for restaurants, markets, and temples
- Use your Visa/Mastercard at hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants
- Withdraw cash at 7-Eleven ATMs when needed (largest amounts possible to minimize trips)
- Budget roughly 50% cash, 50% card spending for a typical Japan trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Japan is both. Major cities accept cards at most large retailers and chain restaurants, but smaller shops, markets, temples, and many restaurants are cash only. Always carry at least 10,000 yen in cash.
Yes. Visa is the most widely accepted international card network in Japan. Most hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants accept Visa. However, many small restaurants and shops are still cash only.
7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank) are the most reliable option for foreign cards. They are available 24/7, have English interfaces, and accept Visa, Mastercard, and most international cards. Japan Post ATMs also work.
It is better to withdraw yen from 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan using a fee-free travel debit card. You will get a better exchange rate than airport or hotel currency exchange counters.
Apple Pay works at many locations in Japan, especially convenience stores and train stations. You can also add a Suica transit card directly to Apple Wallet for train fares and small purchases.
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