Cash, Cards & IC Cards
Japan is more cash-friendly than card-friendly. Here's what that means for you.
Japan is more cashless than it used to be, but cash still rules in many situations — small restaurants, street food, rural areas, traditional ryokan, and some temples only accept yen.
The good news: ATMs work, currency exchange is easy, and an IC card handles most daily transit and shopping without thinking.
What You Need
Step 1
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC Card
Pick one up at any major train station on arrival (or buy a digital Suica on iPhone/Android before you land). Load ¥3,000–5,000 to start. It covers trains, buses, and payment at most convenience stores.
Step 2
Withdraw Yen at 7-Eleven ATM
7-Eleven ATMs accept all major foreign cards and have English menus. Japan Post ATMs also work. Convenience store ATMs are the most reliable — avoid airport currency exchange desks, which have poor rates.
Step 3
Keep ¥10,000–20,000 in cash
Have enough cash on hand for restaurants, vending machines, admission fees, and any place that doesn't take cards. Small bills (¥1,000, ¥5,000) are more useful than ¥10,000 notes.
Cards
Credit Cards Are Accepted — Sometimes
Visa and Mastercard work at larger hotels, chain restaurants, department stores, and most convenience stores. Amex is less common. Many small restaurants, izakaya, ramen shops, and local markets are cash only. When in doubt, ask before you order.
Practical Tips
Tell your bank before you travel
Block or fraud flags on foreign transactions are common. Let your bank know your travel dates to avoid your card being declined mid-trip.
IC cards work as payment
Suica and Pasmo can pay for food at convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants — not just transport. It's one less thing to think about.
Tipping is not done
Japan has no tipping culture. Leaving money on the table or handing extra cash to staff will confuse or embarrass them. The price on the menu is the price you pay.
Tax-free shopping for tourists
Non-Japanese residents can shop tax-free (currently 10% consumption tax) at participating stores by showing a passport. Department stores and electronics retailers commonly offer this.