Payment in Japan

Cash, credit card, and transportation cards are the major modes of payment in Japan. Mobile payment is available in some places, but in a minority.

Do I need cash in Japan?

The answer is Yes, please do prepare some cashes in Japan.

In Japan, cash remains the favorite pattern of payment for Japanese when the expense is not big. For example, if you want to try local snacks in a small restaurant or buy a souvenir at a roadside shop, cash gives a great convenience. Even some shops and restaurants accept cash only, especially those run by the older generations or located at rural areas. Also, if you don’t have a transportation card, such as Suica card, or your card is not working, cash is needed to take public transportations in Japan. Overall, cash is highly prevalent in Japan and is even more frequently used than credit cards.

How to Exchange Cash in Japan

It’s easy to exchange Japanese cashes in the nation. Apart from airports, many chain stores, konbini – convenience stores, and malls are equipped with money exchange machines or ATMs that allow you to exchange or withdraw cash very expediently, let alone the banks. These machines support the operation in multiple languages, in particular, in the cities like Tokyo and Kyoto with the most oversea visitors.

Money Exchange Machine in A Hotel

Currency Exchange in Narita Airport

Generally, it’s not good for currency exchange at the airports, for the exchange rate is not as friendly as in the downtown. In Tokyo, Shinjuku is the area with the most serried spots to exchange money. In January 2024, USD 1 could exchange JPY 146 or so. Without regard to the exchange rate, a small sum of service fee is charged by the bank.

JPY 50,000 or so is enough for a budget one-week trip in Japan. If is not enough at last, you can also exchange some close by. What’s more, it’s not safe to take too much money with you.

Credit Card in Japan, For Large Consumptions

Credit card is another major mode of payment in Japan. It’s widely used in convenience stores, shopping malls, restaurants especially the high-end ones, hotels, and more in Japan. In the cases above, a credit card is more useful than cash in Japan. Thus in short, you can use your credit card in Japan for air tickets, accommodation, and other more large consumptions.

The credit cards of American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club and JCB can be accepted in Japan. If you can see the signs of these cards somewhere, you can use your corresponding credit card there. If you are not sure whether your credit card can be used in a place, you can ask the storekeeper. If the keeper nod or answer yes, you can swipe your card directly.

Transportation Cards with the Function of Payment

You may be aware that the transportation cards in Japan have the function of payment. That’s to say, you can recharge the card and swipe it when paying at konbini and more stores with the logo of the card. These cards are not limited to take metro trains, other urban trains, city bus, and more public transport options. Thus, it becomes a significant form of payment in Japan.

Sucia card issued in Tokyo, ICOCA card issued in Osaka & Kyoto, PASMO card used around Tokyo, etc. are the major ones in Japan. These cards can be used throughout Japan in most situations, but you can get a card in the place of its issuance only. With time going by, the e-cards or the online cards have also been emerged. You can apply for an online Suica card via your Apple Wallet and make payments on your phone each time.

In busy stores and stations, a transportation cards are more convenient and time-saving, for cashiers don’t need to count the money and give change. This is also an advantage of these cards. Nevertheless, the cards can’t be used for long-distance trip.

Practicable Mobile Payments in Japan

Although mobile payment is not a popular way in Japan, it’s accepted particularly in large stores or the highly visited spots by oversea tourists. Apple Pay, PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay, Line Pay, etc. are usable. The same as transportation cards, you can use the mobile payment if there is a sign of this payment in the store.