Cash, Cards, or IC Cards? What Travelers Need to Know About Paying in Japan

Planning a trip to Japan? You’ve got the big stuff covered: where to go, what to eat, how to get around. But once you arrive, the small, practical details can still trip you up. Like payments.

Should you bring cash? Do credit cards work? What about those IC cards everyone mentions?

Here’s what you actually need to know, from someone who’s been there and figured it out the hard way.

Is Japan cashless now?

In major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, credit card payment is common at hotels, department stores, convenience stores, and chain restaurants. These establishments usually accept credit cards without any issues.

However, there may be times when a physical card is required, especially for larger purchases when using non-Japan-issued cards, so bring your card rather than relying solely on mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Where cash is still king

Small restaurants, neighbourhood cafés, local markets, and independent shops, on the other hand, often prefer cash. If exploring these local spots is your thing, be prepared to have enough cash.

Missing out on a place you are excited about simply because you don’t have the right mode of payment can be quite a downer in the moment, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost, which brings us to our next point.

Where to Get Cash in Japan

Withdrawing cash in Japan, thankfully, is quite easy. Convenience store (or Kombinis) ATMs, especially at bigger chains like 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, etc., as well as post office ATMs, accept international cards and usually have English interfaces. Most are available 24/7, so you can also choose to withdraw cash as needed.

Important: Your home bank will likely charge additional foreign transaction fees (typically 1–3%). Check with your bank before traveling. Some banks offer accounts with no foreign ATM fees.

IC Cards and apps

One thing travellers often overlook is IC cards, like Suica or PASMO. They’re best known for trains and buses, but are also accepted at convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants. They’re not as versatile as cash, but can also be handy for small, everyday purchases.

IC cards can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay, saving you the hassle of carrying another physical card. Note that top-ups for physical IC cards are usually cash-only.

Paying for Local Experiences and Events

Here’s where payment planning matters most for travelers seeking an authentic Japan experience.

The local experiences that make Japan memorable, such as a pottery workshop in Kyoto, a sake tasting in a Niigata brewery, and a taiko drumming class in Tokyo, often happen in small venues that prefer or require cash.

Many small event organizers and cultural practitioners do not accept credit cards. They operate intimate gatherings, often 10–30 people, in neighborhood spaces or private studios.

Your options:

1. Bring cash to the venue. Simple but requires knowing the exact amount in advance.
2. Book and pay online in advance through Peatix. Many local event organizers in Japan use Peatix to sell tickets. You pay with your international credit card when booking. No cash needed at the door.

Booking through Peatix also helps you discover events you would not find otherwise. Local workshops, cultural classes, food experiences, and community gatherings across Japan are listed on the platform.

Tipping in Japan

Japan does not have a tipping culture. Do not tip at restaurants, hotels, taxis, or bars. In some contexts, offering a tip can cause confusion or even offense.

The price you see is the price you pay (plus consumption tax, which is usually included in displayed prices).

Payment Tips by Situation

At restaurants:

• Check for credit card stickers on the door or menu before ordering
• Smaller, local restaurants typically require cash
• Payment happens at a register near the exit, not at your table
• Some restaurants use ticket machines at the entrance (cash or IC card)

At convenience stores:

• Credit cards, IC cards, and cash are all accepted
• Self-checkout machines are available at many locations
• Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work at most chains

At temples and shrines:

• Entry fees require cash
• Coin purses are useful for small offerings
• Gift shops sometimes accept credit cards

At hotels:

• Credit cards are widely accepted
• Some budget accommodations prefer cash
• Pay at checkout, not check-in

On trains:

• IC card or cash at ticket machines
• Long-distance reserved seats can be purchased by credit card at JR ticket counters
• An IC card balance under ¥1,000 may not cover long rides

Our suggestion? Preparing a mix of payment methods:

• A physical credit card for hotels and larger purchases
• Some cash for small businesses and local experiences
• An IC card for transport and quick payments

To sum up

• Japan still relies on cash, especially for local experiences
• Credit cards work well in cities and larger establishments
• IC cards are useful beyond transport, but don’t replace cash
• Carrying some cash makes travel smoother

Now that we’ve gotten this out of the way, we hope that experiences become instantly more accessible, and with that, you’ll have more time and headspace to focus on enjoying your time in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do international credit cards work in Japan? A: Yes, at hotels, department stores, convenience stores, and chain restaurants. Visa and Mastercard have the highest acceptance rates. Smaller local businesses often require cash.

Q: Which ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards? A: 7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank) are the most reliable. Japan Post Office ATMs also work well. Both offer English interfaces and charge ¥110–220 per withdrawal.

Q: Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in Japan? A: At convenience stores and chain retailers, yes. However, some merchants require physical cards, especially for larger purchases with foreign cards. Bring your physical card.

Q: Do I need to tip in Japan? A: No. Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion. The listed price includes service.

Q: How do I pay for local events and workshops? A: Many require cash at the venue. Alternatively, book through Peatix to pay in advance with your international credit card.

With payments sorted, you can focus on the experiences. Browse local events in Japan on Peatix.

Useful Resources:

Japan National Tourism Organization (for official travel info)

Seven Bank ATM Locator (to find 7-Eleven ATMs)