Introduction
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you may be wondering:
- Should I bring cash?
- Can I pay by credit card everywhere?
- Is Japan still a cash-based society?
- How much cash should I carry?
Japan has become much more cashless in recent years.
However, compared to many Western countries, cash still plays a much bigger role in everyday life.
Understanding when to use cash and when to use a card will help you avoid unexpected problems during your trip.
Is Japan a Cashless Country?
Yes—and no.
Japan has made significant progress toward becoming a cashless society, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, you can use credit cards and mobile payments in many places, including:
- Hotels
- Department stores
- Shopping malls
- Large restaurants
- Chain cafés
- Convenience stores
- Supermarkets
- Most tourist attractions
For many travelers, it’s now possible to spend an entire day without using cash.
However, Japan is still more cash-oriented than countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, or many parts of Europe.
Where Can You Use Credit Cards?
Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities.
You’ll usually have no problems paying by card at:
- Hotels
- Shinkansen ticket offices
- Airports
- Department stores
- Large shopping centers
- Most chain restaurants
- Drugstores
- Electronics stores
Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere.
American Express and JCB are also commonly accepted, although not as universally.
Where Do You Still Need Cash?
Cash is still important in many situations.
You should always carry some Japanese yen if you’re planning to visit:
- Small local restaurants
- Family-owned shops
- Traditional markets
- Shrines and temples
- Rural towns
- Local festivals
- Street food stalls
- Small bars and izakayas
Some places simply don’t have card payment terminals.
Others may prefer cash because it helps reduce payment processing fees.
Some Long-Established Businesses Still Accept Cash Only
For example, the bar where I work only accepts cash.
One reason is to avoid credit card processing fees, but another is that it has been operating since 1969 and has continued its traditional style of doing business.
Because of this, payment is accepted in cash only.
You’ll find that some long-established restaurants, bars, and family-run businesses in Japan still prefer cash over credit cards.
If you’re planning to visit places with a long history, it’s always a good idea to carry a little cash with you.
Can You Use Mobile Payments?
Yes.
Mobile payment options have expanded rapidly in recent years.
Many stores now accept:
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Visa Touch
- Mastercard Contactless
Some Japanese payment services such as PayPay, LINE Pay, and Rakuten Pay are also extremely popular.
However, many of these domestic services require a Japanese phone number or bank account, so they may not be practical for short-term visitors.
International mobile wallets linked to your credit card are generally the easiest option for tourists.
Where Can You Withdraw Cash?
Finding an ATM in Japan is easy.
The most convenient places include:
- 7-Eleven convenience stores
- Japan Post Bank (JP Bank)
- Airports
- Major train stations
- Shopping malls
Among these, 7-Eleven ATMs are often considered the easiest option for international travelers.
They support multiple languages and accept many foreign debit and credit cards.
Where Do Japanese People Withdraw Cash?
Most Japanese people withdraw cash from either bank ATMs or ATMs inside convenience stores.
Since the bar where I work accepts cash only, it’s not unusual for customers to realize they’ve run out of cash after ordering a few drinks.
Because bars are typically open from the evening until late at night, most bank ATMs are already closed by that time.
As a result, almost everyone who needs additional cash simply walks to a nearby convenience store and withdraws money from the ATM there before returning to pay their bill.
This is one of the reasons why convenience store ATMs are so useful in Japan—not only for tourists but also for local residents.
Will My Foreign Credit Card Work?
In most cases, yes.
International cards such as:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- JCB
- UnionPay
are widely accepted.
However, some small businesses only accept cash.
Occasionally, older payment terminals may not accept certain foreign-issued cards.
For this reason, it’s always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash as a backup.
My Personal Advice
As someone who lives in Japan, I honestly use my credit card or smartphone for almost all of my daily shopping.
In large cities, it’s becoming increasingly common to go several days without using cash at all.
However, I still carry cash with me every day.
The reason is simple.
You never know when you’ll come across a cash-only restaurant, a local ramen shop, or a small family-run business.
Some of the best restaurants in Japan are surprisingly old-fashioned and don’t accept credit cards.
If you’re traveling outside major tourist areas, having some cash can save you a lot of trouble.
Personally, I think the ideal approach is to use your credit card whenever possible while always carrying a small amount of cash for situations where cards aren’t accepted.
This gives you the best balance of convenience and flexibility.
Travel Tips
If you’re visiting Japan, these simple tips will help make payments easier:
- Carry around ¥5,000–¥10,000 in cash.
- Use your credit card whenever possible.
- Keep some cash as a backup for small shops and restaurants.
- Use 7-Eleven ATMs if you need to withdraw money.
- Don’t assume every business accepts cards, especially in rural areas.
A little preparation will make your trip much smoother.
Final Thoughts
Japan has changed dramatically over the past few years.
While cash was once essential almost everywhere, credit cards and mobile payments are now accepted in many locations.
Even so, Japan hasn’t become a completely cashless society.
Small restaurants, local businesses, and traditional shops still often prefer cash.
The best strategy is simple:
Use your credit card whenever possible, but always carry some cash just in case.
By doing so, you’ll be prepared for almost any situation and can enjoy your trip without worrying about how to pay.