Cash or card?
Japan gets more cashless every year, but keep some yen for small shops, shrines and rural areas. 7-Bank and Japan Post ATMs reliably accept foreign cards.
THE SHORT VERSION
Carry both. Cards and IC-card tap payments now cover most restaurants, convenience stores and department stores in cities. Cash still matters for small izakaya, family-run shops, shrine and temple donations/omikuji, some ryokan, and almost anywhere rural. Withdraw yen from a 7-Eleven (7-Bank) or Japan Post ATM — both reliably accept foreign cards, unlike many regular bank ATMs.
PAYMENT METHODS AT A GLANCE
| Method | Works well at | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | Small izakaya, family-run shops, shrine/temple donations, some ryokan, almost anywhere rural | No sign warns you until you try to pay — keep a few thousand yen as a buffer |
| IC card (Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA) | Trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, coin lockers | Not accepted at every restaurant — top up before you need it |
| Credit / debit card | Most restaurants, convenience stores and department stores in cities | Small family-run restaurants, local markets and shotengai shops are frequently card-free |
IC cards also load onto Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before you fly, or buy a physical card at any station — see the Transportation guide for details.
ATMS & CURRENCY EXCHANGE
| Where | Foreign cards? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven (7-Bank) | Yes | Most reliable network, many locations open 24 hours |
| Japan Post Bank | Yes | Reliable, at post offices nationwide |
| Airport ATMs | Yes | Convenient on arrival but often a higher fee |
| Regular bank ATMs | Often no | Many do not accept overseas cards — stick to the options above |
Currency exchange counters at airports, major stations and some department stores accept most major currencies. Rates are usually a little better in the city than at the airport, so change only what you need on arrival and the rest once you are downtown.
TAX-FREE SHOPPING
Look for shops displaying a "Tax-Free" sign — the exemption usually needs a minimum purchase per store per day.
Bring your passport — it is checked and sometimes stamped or scanned at the point of sale.
Keep tax-free items unopened until you leave Japan.
Customs can spot-check this at departure.
NO TIPPING
Japan has no tipping culture, at restaurants, taxis or hotels — leaving money on the table is more likely to cause confusion than gratitude. Great service is simply the standard. See the Manners guide for more on dining etiquette.