Japan Is Still Primarily Cash-Based
Despite rapid recent changes, Japan remains more cash-dependent than most developed countries. Many small restaurants, local temples, rural guesthouses, and market stalls accept cash only. Arriving with some yen and knowing where to get more is essential, even as contactless payment expands rapidly in major cities.
Where to Get Yen
7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank) are the most reliable option for foreign cards. They accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, and most international cards, with an English interface. 7-Eleven stores are everywhere in Japan—in Tokyo alone there are over 1,800. The ATM fee is typically ¥110–220 per transaction, plus whatever your home bank charges.
Japan Post ATMs also reliably accept international cards and are available in post offices nationwide, including many rural areas where 7-Eleven doesn't reach. Citibank/SMBC Trust branches work well for international Visa and Mastercard.
Avoid airport currency exchange counters—rates are poor. If you need yen on arrival, use the ATM at the airport arrival hall (7-Eleven or Japan Post machines are usually present) rather than the exchange desk.
IC Cards: The Daily Payment Solution
A Suica or Pasmo card (for Tokyo/eastern Japan) or ICOCA card (Osaka/western Japan) is the single most useful piece of financial infrastructure for visitors. These rechargeable IC cards work on almost all trains, subways, and buses, and at most convenience stores, vending machines, and many restaurants. Load ¥3,000–5,000 on arrival and top up as needed at any station kiosk.
As of 2024, you can also add Suica to Apple Pay or Google Pay before arriving in Japan, which removes the need to carry a physical card. This is increasingly the recommended approach for tech-comfortable travelers.
Credit Cards: When They Work
Major international chains (department stores, large hotel groups, convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson, and most tourist-area restaurants) accept Visa and Mastercard. American Express has narrower acceptance. JCB cards issued overseas are rarely accepted.
Always carry cash as backup. Even in Tokyo, it's common to encounter excellent restaurants or shops that are cash-only. In rural areas, assume cash is required unless signage indicates otherwise.
No Tipping
Tipping is not practiced in Japan and can cause confusion or mild offense if attempted. Exceptional service is already included in the price and considered a professional standard, not an extra to be rewarded. This applies to restaurants, taxis, hotel staff, ryokan service, and tour guides. The one exception is some high-end ryokans, where leaving a small envelope of money (¥1,000–3,000) for the room attendant (nakai-san) is occasionally appreciated—but this is optional and definitely not expected.
Realistic Daily Budgets
Budget traveler (¥6,000–10,000/day): Capsule hotel or hostel dormitory, convenience store meals and standing sushi bars, local train transport, free temple visits. This is genuinely achievable in Japan and doesn't require sacrificing much.
Mid-range traveler (¥15,000–25,000/day): Business hotel or mid-range ryokan, sit-down restaurant meals (¥800–1,500 lunches, ¥2,000–4,000 dinners), occasional taxis or day trips. This is the sweet spot for most visitors.
Luxury traveler (¥50,000+/day): Top-tier ryokan with kaiseki dinner, Michelin-starred restaurants, private transfers, premium temple experiences. Japan's luxury market is exceptional value compared to equivalent European or American options.
Useful Cost References
A convenience store onigiri (rice ball) costs ¥120–180. A bowl of ramen at a good shop runs ¥900–1,200. A teishoku (set meal) lunch at a local restaurant is ¥900–1,500. A Shinkansen Tokyo–Kyoto ticket (non-reserved) is ¥13,320 one way. A night bus Tokyo–Osaka costs ¥3,500–6,000. Museum entrance fees are typically ¥500–1,500. Most temple and shrine gardens charge ¥500–1,000.
The JR Pass is worth purchasing if you plan multiple Shinkansen journeys. A 14-day pass costs ¥50,000 and covers unlimited travel on most JR trains including most Shinkansen routes. Calculate your expected journeys before buying—for some itineraries, individual tickets are cheaper.