How to Pay in Japan: Cash, Card, and Useful Apps
Japan's payment landscape is unique—a blend of cutting-edge technology and surprisingly traditional cash-based culture. Understanding how to pay for things in Japan will save you frustration and money. This comprehensive guide covers everything from cash handling to mobile payments, helping you navigate Japan's payment ecosystem like a local.
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Check Availability Japan's Payment Landscape Overview
Despite its reputation as a high-tech nation, Japan remains surprisingly cash-oriented:
- Cash usage: Still accounts for about 60% of transactions
- Card acceptance: Growing but still limited outside major chains
- Mobile payments: Rapidly expanding but not universal
- Regional differences: Rural areas are more cash-dependent than cities
Cash: Still King in Japan
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Check Availability Why Cash Matters
You'll need cash for more situations than you might expect:
- Small restaurants: Many don't accept cards
- Street food: Almost always cash-only
- Temples and shrines: Entrance fees, omamori charms
- Rural shops: Card readers are rare outside cities
- Taxis: Most accept cards now, but cash is safer
- Vending machines: Most still coin-operated
Getting Japanese Yen
ATMs in Japan
Not all ATMs accept foreign cards:
- 7-Eleven (Seven Bank): Best option—accepts all major cards, 24/7, English menu
- Japan Post Bank (Yucho): Reliable, accepts most cards, some close evenings
- AEON Bank: Good backup option
- Avoid: Most bank ATMs (MUFG, SMBC, etc.) don't accept foreign cards
ATM Fees
- Seven Bank: ¥110 fee (~$1) for international cards
- Japan Post: No fee (check with your bank for their fees)
- Your bank: May charge $2-5 per withdrawal
- Exchange rate: Usually fair, close to mid-market rate
Withdrawal Limits
- Per withdrawal: ¥50,000-100,000 ($450-900) depending on machine
- Daily limit: Set by your home bank (typically $500-1,000)
- Strategy: Withdraw ¥50,000 at a time to minimize fees
Currency Exchange
- Airports: Convenient but poor rates
- Banks: Better rates but limited hours
- Travelex: Locations in major stations and airports
- 7-Eleven ATMs: Best rates for cardholders
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Check Availability Handling Cash in Japan
Coin Culture
Japan uses coins extensively (¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500):
- Coin purse: Essential—carry a small pouch for coins
- Exact change: Appreciated but not required
- ¥1 coins: Lightweight aluminum, easy to accumulate
- ¥500 coin: Worth about $4.50—check your pockets
Bill Denominations
- ¥1,000: ~$9 (most common for daily use)
- ¥2,000: ~$18 (rare, commemorative notes)
- ¥5,000: ~$45 (common for larger purchases)
- ¥10,000: ~$90 (highest denomination, accepted everywhere)
Credit and Debit Cards
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Check Availability Card Acceptance
Card acceptance is growing but still spotty:
Usually Accept Cards
- Major hotels: Almost all accept cards
- Department stores: Isetan, Mitsukoshi, etc.
- Chain restaurants: McDonald's, Starbucks, family restaurants
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart (most locations)
- Major retailers: Uniqlo, Bic Camera, Yodobashi
- Shinkansen: Ticket machines and counters
Often Cash Only
- Small restaurants: Especially local, family-run places
- Street food vendors: Almost always
- Rural shops: Limited card infrastructure
- Traditional experiences: Temples, onsen, small museums
- Taxis: Varies by company and driver
Card Types Accepted
- Visa: Widely accepted where cards are taken
- Mastercard: Similarly accepted
- JCB: Japanese brand, most widely accepted
- American Express: Less common, mainly at larger establishments
- UnionPay: Growing acceptance, especially in tourist areas
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Check Availability Important Card Tips
- Foreign transaction fees: Check with your bank (typically 0-3%)
- Chip and PIN: Most terminals support chip cards
- Contactless: Growing but not universal
- Signature: Some terminals still require signature
- Backup card: Always carry a second card from a different bank
IC Cards: The Convenient Middle Ground
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Check Availability What Are IC Cards?
Rechargeable smart cards that double as payment methods:
- Suica (JR East): The most recognizable
- Pasmo: Tokyo private railways and buses
- ICOCA: JR West (Osaka, Kyoto, Kansai)
- Kitaca, TOICA, SUGOCA: Regional variants
Using IC Cards for Payment
Beyond transportation, IC cards work at:
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart
- Vending machines: Increasingly common
- Restaurants: Some chain restaurants
- Shops: Look for the IC card symbol (pink and blue)
- Lockers: Station coin lockers
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Check Availability How to Get and Use
- Purchase: ¥500 deposit + initial charge at station machines
- Recharge: At machines or convenience stores
- Max balance: ¥20,000
- Refund: Get deposit back at station offices (minus ¥220 fee)
Mobile Payment Apps
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Check Availability PayPay
Japan's most popular mobile payment app:
- Acceptance: Growing rapidly, especially at chains
- Setup: Requires Japanese phone number or Yahoo Japan ID
- For tourists: Limited without Japanese bank account
- QR code: Scan and pay at participating merchants
Apple Pay / Google Pay
- Acceptance: Growing but limited compared to the West
- Suica in Wallet: Add Suica to Apple/Google Pay for seamless use
- Credit cards: Some terminals accept Apple/Google Pay
- Transit: Use Suica in Apple Pay for trains and buses
AliPay / WeChat Pay
- Target: Primarily Chinese tourists
- Acceptance: Growing in tourist areas and major retailers
- Signs: Look for logos at shop entrances
Rakuten Pay / Line Pay
- Rakuten: Popular in Rakuten ecosystem shops
- Line Pay: Integrated with Line messaging app
- Tourist use: Limited without Japanese accounts
Tipping and Service Charges
The No-Tipping Culture
One of the best things about Japan—no tipping expected:
- Restaurants: Never tip
- Taxis: Never tip
- Hotels: No tipping for housekeeping or porters
- Tour guides: Not expected (though appreciated for exceptional service)
Service Charges
- No hidden charges: Price on menu is what you pay
- Consumption tax: 10% (included in displayed price since 2021)
- Some restaurants: Charge cover fee (otoshi/seat fee, ¥300-500)
Money Management Tips
Daily Cash Strategy
- Carry: ¥10,000-20,000 ($90-180) per day
- Secure storage: Hotel safe for excess cash
- Split locations: Don't keep all cash in one place
- Coin pouch: Essential for managing small change
ATM Strategy
- Withdraw: ¥50,000 at a time to minimize fees
- Frequency: Every 3-4 days for average travelers
- Locations: 7-Eleven is your best friend
- Notify bank: Tell your bank you're traveling to Japan
Card Strategy
- Primary card: No foreign transaction fee card
- Backup card: From a different bank
- Debit card: For ATM withdrawals
- Emergency cash: Some USD as ultimate backup
Common Payment Scenarios
At a Restaurant
- Counter: Pay after eating (usually at counter)
- Table: Bring bill to register or pay at table
- Cash: Place money on tray provided
- Card: Ask "Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?" (Can I use a card?)
At a Convenience Store
- Cash: Exact change appreciated but not required
- IC card: Tap at register
- Credit card: Accepted at major chains
- Self-checkout: Available at some stores
Shopping
- Tax-free: Show passport for 10% discount at participating stores
- Minimum purchase: ¥5,000 for tax-free
- Payment: Cash or card usually accepted
Final Recommendations
Essential Setup
- Get a no-foreign-fee card: For purchases where cards are accepted
- Get an IC card: Suica or Pasmo for transport and small purchases
- Plan ATM strategy: Withdraw ¥50,000 every few days at 7-Eleven
- Carry cash: ¥10,000-20,000 daily for cash-only situations
The Ideal Payment Mix
- Cash: 60-70% of your spending (small shops, restaurants, experiences)
- IC card: Transport and convenience stores
- Credit card: Hotels, department stores, large purchases
- Mobile payment: Optional, if you can set it up
Japan's payment system may seem complex at first, but it's actually straightforward once you understand the cash-centric culture. With a mix of cash, IC card, and a backup credit card, you'll handle any payment situation with confidence. The key is to never rely solely on cards and always have enough yen for the day's expenses.
