Japan's reputation as a cash-only society has softened considerably over the past few years β but it has not disappeared. In 2026, major chain restaurants, department stores, convenience stores, hotels, and most tourist-area businesses now accept credit and debit cards. But the exceptions are not trivial, and they tend to be exactly the kinds of places that make Japan travel memorable: the tiny ramen shop down the backstreet, the family-run soba restaurant in Kyoto, the rural ryokan, the roadside food stall.
The rule for 2026 is simple: carry yen cash, but you will not need to rely on it exclusively. This guide shows you where each payment method works and where you will need which.
1. Where Cards Now Work Reliably (2026)
Major chain restaurants (McDonald's, Yoshinoya, Sukiya, Saizeriya, Gusto), convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop), department stores (Isetan, Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya), supermarkets, large electronics shops (Yodobashi, Bic Camera), JR ticket machines and counters, hotels (business and luxury), pharmacies (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Ainz & Tulpe).
Small ramen shops, local izakayas, family-run restaurants (particularly outside tourist areas), street food stalls (yatai), some temple and shrine admission fees, rural guesthouses, traditional craft shops in smaller towns, public bath facilities (sento), coin-operated machines of all kinds, some vending machines (though IC card acceptance is expanding).
Mid-size restaurants (check the door for a card logo), local izakayas in tourist areas (often card-ok now, but not always), Airbnb-type accommodations, taxi cabs (most major cities accept cards, but rural taxis often do not), markets and flea markets.
2. Which Cards Are Accepted
Visa and Mastercard have the widest acceptance. American Express and Discover are accepted at many larger establishments but less commonly at smaller businesses. JCB (a Japanese card network) is accepted widely domestically but less so for foreign-issued JCB cards β check with your bank before relying on it.
Contactless payment (tap-to-pay) has expanded significantly. Apple Pay and Google Pay using Visa or Mastercard work at most card-accepting locations. QR code payment apps (PayPay, LINE Pay) are popular domestically but generally cannot be loaded with foreign bank accounts without a Japanese phone number β these are not practical for most tourists.
3. IC Cards: The Practical Middle Ground
Suica and Pasmo are rechargeable IC cards used for trains, subways, and buses across Japan. But they also function as payment cards at an expanding range of locations β convenience stores, some vending machines, chain restaurants, certain coin lockers, and airport services. They are accepted at around 800,000 locations nationwide.
4. ATMs: Where to Get Cash
Not all Japanese ATMs accept foreign cards. The reliable options:
| ATM Type | Foreign Card Accepted? | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven ATM (Seven Bank) | Yes β Visa, MC, Amex, UnionPay, many others | 24/7 |
| Japan Post Bank ATM (γγγ‘γ) | Yes β most major networks | Varies (most 8 AMβ9 PM) |
| AEON Bank ATM | Yes β major networks | 24/7 at AEON malls |
| Narita/Haneda airport ATMs | Yes β multiple foreign-friendly ATMs | Extended hours |
| Typical bank ATM (Mizuho, MUFG, SMBC) | Often NO for foreign cards | Varies |
The major Japanese commercial banks (Mizuho, Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui) often do not accept foreign-issued cards at their standard ATMs, or accept them only during specific hours. Do not rely on a bank branch ATM for emergency cash. The 7-Eleven/Seven Bank ATM is the tourist's most reliable option β they accept virtually every international card and have English interfaces. Find them at any 7-Eleven convenience store.
ATM Fees
Seven Bank charges Β₯110βΒ₯220 per international transaction (time-dependent). Your home bank may charge an additional foreign transaction fee (typically 1β3%) plus a currency conversion spread. To minimize costs: withdraw larger amounts less frequently rather than small amounts many times. Notify your bank before traveling so your card is not blocked.
5. How Much Cash to Carry
Recommended starting amounts by travel style:
| Travel Style | Suggested Cash Carry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Urban tourist (Tokyo/Osaka), chain restaurants | Β₯10,000βΒ₯20,000/day | Cards widely accepted; cash for small shops, vending |
| Mixed itinerary with local restaurants | Β₯20,000βΒ₯30,000/day | Local dining, temple fees, transport edge cases |
| Rural travel, traditional inns, off-path destinations | Β₯30,000βΒ₯50,000/day | Cash often the only option; ATMs less frequent |
6. Practical Tips
Look for the Card Logo at the Door
Most restaurants and shops that accept cards display the accepted network logos (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) on the door or at the register. If you do not see these logos, assume cash only. Asking γγ«γΌγγ―δ½ΏγγΎγγοΌγ (Kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?) β "Can I use a card?" β is a simple and well-understood question.
Small Bills and Coins Matter
Japan uses coins heavily β Β₯1, Β₯5, Β₯10, Β₯50, Β₯100, Β₯500. Vending machines, coin lockers, and many temple fees require exact or near-exact change. Carry a mix of denominations and do not let your Β₯100 coins run out.
IC Card as Backup Payment
A loaded Suica or Pasmo is the fastest way to pay at convenience stores β faster than cash, faster than card terminal authorization. If you have a Suica loaded on your phone, you can tap and go at the register in under a second. Keep Β₯2,000βΒ₯5,000 loaded at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange currency at the airport?
Yes β exchange counters at Narita and Haneda offer competitive rates. Rates at airport banks are generally acceptable for the convenience. Avoid exchange kiosks at hotels and tourist shopping areas, which typically offer worse rates. Seven Bank ATMs at the airport are another option if your bank's fees are low.
Should I exchange money before arriving in Japan?
Not necessary. Airport ATMs and exchange counters are available immediately on arrival. Exchanging a small emergency amount beforehand (Β₯10,000βΒ₯20,000) can provide peace of mind if your ATM card encounters issues, but it is not required.
Is PayPay usable for tourists?
Not easily. PayPay requires a Japanese phone number and Japanese bank account or credit card for most functions. Some tourist-area PayPay terminals now accept Visa/Mastercard directly through the PayPay terminal without the app β look for the card payment option on the QR terminal screen. But this is not standard and is not something to count on.
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