The internet will tell you Japan is "still a cash society." That was true in 2015. In 2025, it's more nuanced. Here's what actually works.
The Current Reality (2025)
Japan is transitioning. Major cities accept cards. Smaller places still want cash. The safest strategy: Carry both, but start with cash.
Where Cards Work (Definitely)
Department Stores & Shopping Malls
- Always accept cards
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB
- No minimum purchase
Chain Restaurants
- McDonald's, Ramen chains, Yoshinoya (beef bowl chains)
- All cards accepted
- Usually no minimum
Hotels & Accommodations
- Business hotels: all cards
- Hostels: sometimes cash-only (check when booking)
- Ryokan: mixed (many require cash deposit)
Airport Shops & International Brands
- Starbucks, convenience store chains: cards accepted
- Tax refund shops (electronics, cosmetics): cards work
- Airport restaurants: cards accepted
Big Retailers
- Don Quixote (discount chain): cards work
- AEON shopping centers: cards work
- Bic Camera (electronics): cards work
Tourist Attractions
- Major temples: sometimes have card payment (50/50)
- Museums: often cards work
- Observation decks: usually cards
Where Cash Is Mandatory (Or Required)
Small Ramen & Soba Shops
- 90% cash-only
- No card readers
- Cost: ¥800-1,200
- This is where you'll eat most meals
Neighborhood Izakayas (Casual Bars)
- 70% cash-only
- If they have card readers, you see signage
- Cost: ¥1,500-3,000 for meal + drinks
Street Food & Food Stalls
- Almost 100% cash-only
- Takoyaki, okonomiyaki vendors: cash only
- Cost: ¥500-1,500
Convenience Stores
- Increasingly accept cards (85%+ now)
- But some older ones cash-only
- Safe to assume cards work, but have cash backup
Small Family-Run Restaurants
- 60% cash-only
- No cards accepted
- Budget places, local spots
Temples & Shrines
- Donation boxes: cash only
- Temple shops: mostly cash, some cards
- Entry fees: increasingly cards, but have cash backup
Vending Machines
- Mostly accept Suica/Pasmo IC cards
- Some accept cards inserted directly
- Some cash-only (older machines)
- Safest: assume cash-only, pleasant surprise if card works
Taxis
- Old taxis: cash-only
- Newer taxis: cards accepted (look for symbol on door)
- Safer to pay cash (no hidden fees, guaranteed transaction)
Onsen (Hot Springs)
- Bath house fees: mostly cash-only
- Occasionally cards accepted (check signage)
Real Talk: Cash Usage by Traveler Type
Typical Tokyo/Kyoto Tourist
Daily spending breakdown:
- Breakfast: ¥600 (convenience store, cards accepted)
- Lunch: ¥1,200 (ramen shop, likely cash)
- Dinner: ¥2,000 (mixed; maybe cards, maybe cash)
- Transport: ¥300 (Suica card)
- Coffee: ¥600 (café, likely cards)
- Snacks: ¥500 (street food, cash)
- Temples/museums: ¥1,000 (cash safer)
Cash needed: ¥4,200-5,000/day
Card can cover: ¥3,000-4,000/day
Result: You'll use more cash than you expect. Budget 60% cash, 40% card.
Heavy Shopping Tourist
If you're buying:
- Electronics: cards work
- Cosmetics: cards work
- Clothing: cards work
- Souvenirs: 50% cash, 50% cards
- Gifts: mixed
In department stores and malls, cards dominate. This is where you'll spend large amounts, and cards work.
How Much Cash to Carry
For 7 Days
Budget: Start with ¥50,000 ($330) cash
- ¥40,000 for daily expenses
- ¥10,000 buffer for unexpected cash-only situations
By end of week, you'll have ¥5,000-10,000 left over. You can refund unspent at airport (some ATMs), or just convert back home.
For 10-14 Days
Budget: Start with ¥70,000-100,000 ($460-660) cash
- Reload at ATMs as needed (easier than guessing)
If you run out, use an ATM (covered below).
ATM Access (Easier Than You Think)
Convenience Store ATMs (Best Option)
7-11, Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop all have ATMs
What works:
- Visa cards: usually work
- Mastercard: usually work
- American Express: sometimes work
- Discover: sometimes work
- Debit cards: check with your bank
Cost:
- ¥100-220 per transaction (fixed fee, not percentage)
- Your bank charges may also apply (check before traveling)
Where they are:
- Literally everywhere (every block in cities)
- Open 24/7
- Takes 2-3 minutes
Pro tip: If your card doesn't work at first ATM, try another brand. Sometimes specific cards are rejected by specific machines.
Bank ATMs
Harder to find, but exist:
- Megabank branches (Japan Post, MUFG, Mizuho)
- Usually in train stations
- More reliable than convenience store ATMs
- Still charge ¥100-220 fee
Airport ATMs
- Available in all terminals
- Haneda and Narita have multiple
- Higher fees than in-country ATMs
- Best to withdraw here if nervous about card acceptance
Card Acceptance Reality (2025)
In major cities: ~70% of restaurants accept cards
In smaller cities: ~40% of restaurants accept cards
In rural areas: ~20% of restaurants accept cards
This is why you need cash. You can't predict every moment.
Payment Methods Ranked
Method · Reliability · Convenience · Cost
Suica/Pasmo IC Card · 95% (trains, some shops) · 9/10 · ¥2,000 upfront
Cash (Yen) · 100% · 8/10 · Withdrawal fee ¥100-220
Credit Card (Visa/MC) · 60-70% · 7/10 · 2-3% foreign fee + declines
Convenience Store ATM · 90% · 8/10 · ¥100-220/withdrawal
Apple Pay/Google Pay · 50-60% (increasing) · 10/10 · Usually free
Should You Use Credit Cards or Debit Cards?
Credit Cards
Pros:
- Works at most major places
- Fraud protection
- Rewards/points accumulation
- Foreign transaction fees (usually 2-3%)
Cons:
- Sometimes declined for foreign transactions (call bank to enable)
- 2-3% markup is noticeable on large purchases
- Not accepted at small places
Best for: Large purchases (hotel, tours, shopping)
Debit Cards
Pros:
- Functions like credit card at merchants
- Can withdraw cash at ATMs
- No foreign transaction fees (usually)
- Can't overspend
Cons:
- Less fraud protection (check your bank)
- Some merchants prefer credit
- ATM withdrawal fees apply (¥100-220 per withdrawal)
Best for: Cash withdrawals, daily spending
Japanese-Specific: Rakuten Card, Sony Bank Visa
If you're visiting Japan regularly:
- Rakuten Card: No foreign transaction fee, points accrue
- Sony Bank: Excellent ATM fees and exchange rates
If you're visiting once: Don't bother opening these. Stick with your home card.
My Actual Strategy
Before arrival:
- Call my credit card company: "I'm in Japan for X days"
- Confirm Visa card will work
- Check ATM withdrawal fees with my bank
Upon arrival (airport):
- Withdraw ¥50,000 using debit card at bank ATM (¥100 fee)
- Keep ¥45,000 in wallet, ¥5,000 in separate pouch (backup)
- Buy Suica card for ¥2,000
Daily:
- Use Suica for trains/buses
- Use cash for restaurants and small purchases
- Use card at major stores/hotels for large purchases
- When cash drops below ¥5,000, withdraw ¥20,000 at convenience store ATM
Upon departure:
- Spend remaining cash on souvenirs or food
- Convert leftover cash at airport exchange (usually at -3% rate, not ideal)
- Or: keep it for next visit (keeps for years)
Total fees I pay: ¥100-220 for 1-2 ATM withdrawals. That's it.
Cash Safety
Should you worry about carrying cash in Japan?
Honest answer: No. Japan is safe. But:
- Don't carry all cash in one location
- Split between wallet and money belt
- Keep copies of important numbers somewhere else
- Use hotel safe for extra cash if nervous
Common Mistakes
1. Bringing Traveler's Checks
Don't. Some banks accept them, but it's a hassle. Just use ATMs.
2. Exchanging Cash at Airport Before Arriving
Awful exchange rates. Get cash from ATMs in-country instead (or bring a credit/debit card).
3. Assuming All Convenience Stores Accept Cards
Some older locations don't. Safer to assume cash-only, be pleasantly surprised when they accept cards.
4. Only Bringing a Credit Card
You'll face frequent declines at small restaurants and temples. You need cash as backup.
5. Not Checking ATM Fees Before Traveling
$2-3 fee per withdrawal adds up if you withdraw multiple times. Check with your bank. Some offer fee-free ATM access in Japan (rare, but exists).
Digital Payment Apps (Growing But Not Primary)
Apple Pay & Google Pay
- Available in Japan
- Works at ~50% of merchants in major cities
- Requires Japanese bank account or specific credit cards
For tourists: Use if available, but don't rely on it. Cash and cards are safer bets.
LINE Pay & PayPay
Popular Japanese apps. You can't easily set up as a tourist. Locals use these constantly, but you won't.
The Honest Bottom Line
Bring ¥50,000-100,000 cash depending on trip length. Use ATMs to top up if needed. Use cards at major places. Use cash at small places.
For most travelers:
- 60% of money spent will be cash
- 30% credit/debit card
- 10% Suica/IC card
Don't overthink it. Japan's payment system is far more flexible than 2015 guides suggest. You'll be fine with both cash and cards.
