Cash or Card in Japan? How Much Cash to Bring
Japan has become much more card-friendly, but it isn't cashless yet. The easiest approach is to use three things together: a credit or debit card, some yen in cash, and an IC transport card (Suica or PASMO).
Where cards usually work
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
- Department stores, electronics stores and large chain shops
- Most hotels and chain restaurants
- Shinkansen and JR ticket machines and offices
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted. American Express and JCB work in many places, but not all.
Where you'll still want cash
- Small, family-run restaurants and izakaya
- Temple and shrine admission, offerings, and charms (omamori)
- Market stalls, festival food stands and some ramen shops with ticket machines
- Coin lockers and some rural buses
Which ATMs take foreign cards?
Seven Bank ATMs, found in every 7-Eleven, are the most reliable choice for foreign cards. They have English menus, accept most international Visa, Mastercard, American Express and UnionPay cards, and are generally available 24 hours. Japan Post Bank ATMs at post offices also accept many foreign cards. Expect a fee of a few hundred yen per withdrawal from the ATM operator, plus any fee your own bank charges.
How much cash should you carry?
A common rule of thumb is about ¥20,000–30,000 per person for a 5–7 day trip, topped up at a 7-Eleven ATM as needed. Carry more if you're heading to rural areas, traditional inns or festivals.
IC cards: the easiest way to pay for small things
Suica and PASMO cards (or their mobile-wallet versions on compatible phones) work on almost all trains and buses in major cities, and at convenience stores, vending machines and many shops. Charge them with cash at station machines, or through your phone's wallet app if supported.
Quick tips
- Tell your bank you're travelling so your card isn't blocked.
- When a card terminal asks whether to pay in yen or your home currency, choose yen. Converting to your home currency usually means a worse rate.
- Tipping isn't customary in Japan. The price you see is what you pay.
- Keep coins handy. ¥100 coins are useful for lockers and vending machines.
Planning the rest of your trip? See airport to Tokyo options and how to stay connected.
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- How much mobile data do you need in Japan?
- Best Japanese snack box gift for the holidays
- Gifts for anime fans shipped from Japan
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