Cash Is Still King (But Changing)
Japan remains a heavily cash-based society, though card acceptance has improved significantly since 2020. Small restaurants, shrines, local buses, some taxis, market stalls, and vending machines may still require cash. Budget ¥10,000-15,000 in cash per day as backup. Japanese coins come in ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500 denominations. Bills are ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 (new designs issued 2024). The ¥500 coin is valuable — do not drop them carelessly like pennies.
Tip: Keep a coin purse. Japan generates lots of change, and you will need ¥100 coins for lockers, laundry machines, and temple donations.
ATMs That Accept Foreign Cards
Most Japanese bank ATMs reject foreign cards. The reliable options: 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs — found in every 7-Eleven, 24/7 operation, English interface, accept Visa/Mastercard/Maestro/Plus/Cirrus. Japan Post Office ATMs (Yucho Bank) — in all post offices, English available, accept international cards. Lawson ATMs — newer machines accept foreign cards. AEON Mall ATMs — another reliable option. Withdrawal limits are typically ¥50,000-100,000 per transaction. Fees: ¥110-220 per withdrawal from the ATM side, plus your bank's foreign transaction fee.
Credit and Debit Cards
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, followed by JCB (Japanese brand, excellent domestic acceptance). American Express works at hotels and department stores but less at small businesses. Contactless payments (Visa Tap, Apple Pay, Google Pay) work at major chains, konbini, and transport. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) can be loaded onto Apple Pay/Google Pay. For the best exchange rates, use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card (Wise, Revolut, or a travel-focused credit card) and pay in JPY — always decline 'dynamic currency conversion' at terminals.
Tax-Free Shopping: Save 10%
Tourists on short-stay visas can buy goods tax-free (10% consumption tax waived) at participating stores. Requirements: spend ¥5,000+ (before tax) at a single store in one day, present your passport at the tax-free counter. Consumables (food, cosmetics, medicine) are sealed in a bag and must leave Japan unopened. General items (electronics, clothing, souvenirs) have no such restriction. Look for 'Tax Free' signs — all major department stores, BIC Camera, Don Quijote, Uniqlo, and drug stores participate. Some stores deduct tax at register; others require visiting a separate counter.
Tipping and Other Money Etiquette
Japan has a strict no-tipping culture — tipping can cause confusion or even offense. Service charges (10-15%) are sometimes included at upscale restaurants and hotels automatically. Do not leave money on tables. When paying at restaurants, bring your bill to the register near the entrance (table payment is less common). Hand cash with both hands or place it in the payment tray (small dish by the register). Do not hand coins directly to cashiers' palms — use the tray. At ryokan (traditional inns), you may leave a tip (¥1,000-3,000 in an envelope) for exceptional nakai-san (room attendant) service, but it is not expected.
