Money in Japan: Cash, Cards, and Mobile Payments
Japan is more cashless than its reputation suggests, but cards still fail at small shops and shrines. Here's what actually works, and how much cash to carry.
Last updated 2026-08-28
Cash still matters more than you'd expect
Plenty of small restaurants, izakaya, temples and shrines, rural shops, and even some coin lockers are still cash-only, so carrying roughly ¥20,000–30,000 as a buffer is a reasonable habit rather than paranoia. Seven Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven stores and Japan Post Bank ATMs are the two networks that reliably accept foreign cards; plenty of other Japanese bank ATMs simply don't, and some rural branches keep limited overnight hours.
Cards and contactless
Chain retailers, department stores, hotels, and most city restaurants now take contactless Visa and Mastercard without issue. Independent local spots — a neighborhood ramen counter, a small izakaya — are far less predictable. If an ATM or card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency instead of yen, decline it; that "convenience" (dynamic currency conversion) usually costs an extra 3–5% versus just paying in yen and letting your own bank handle the conversion.
Mobile payments: PayPay, Suica, Apple/Google Pay
PayPay is Japan's dominant QR-code payment app, and it does work for foreign visitors — registration takes a passport and phone number, and you can top up with a foreign Visa or Mastercard, though spending is capped (roughly ¥50,000 a month) until you submit further verification. Mobile Suica, added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, is arguably the single most useful thing to set up before landing: no physical card, no deposit, and it covers trains, buses, and convenience-store purchases in one tap. See our IC card guide for how Suica compares to Pasmo and ICOCA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Japan a cashless country now?
Not entirely — cities are increasingly cashless, but many small restaurants, temples, shrines, and rural shops still only take cash, so carrying some yen is still a good idea.
Which ATMs accept foreign cards in Japan?
Seven Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven stores and Japan Post Bank ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards; many other Japanese bank ATMs don't accept them.
Can I use PayPay as a tourist?
Yes — you can register with a passport and phone number and top up with a foreign Visa or Mastercard, though spending is capped until you submit further verification.
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