Cash or Card in Japan: A Simple Guide for Travelers
This guide is part of our Money in Japan overview and explains how payment methods work for travelers in Japan.
Quick overview:
Japan is easy to travel, but payments work best when you use
both cash and credit cards.
Cards are common in cities, but cash is still necessary in many everyday situations.
This guide explains when to use cash and when credit cards work best, so you can pay smoothly without confusion or stress.
The Simple Rule for Payments in Japan
You do not need to memorize anything complicated. Just remember this:
- Use credit cards for hotels, shopping, and major expenses
- Use cash for small shops, transportation, and local places
Japan is modern and very safe, but it still has a strong cash-based culture. Using only one payment method can cause small but frustrating problems.
Where Credit Cards Work Well
In large cities and popular tourist areas, credit cards are widely accepted.
- Hotels and large accommodations
- Convenience stores
- Department stores and shopping malls
- Chain restaurants and cafés
- Major tourist attractions
Visa and Mastercard are the most reliable. American Express works in many places, but not everywhere.
If you are unsure what to do when a card is rejected, this guide explains how to handle it calmly:
Credit Card Not Working in Japan: What Travelers Should Know
Where You Still Need Cash
Even in major cities, cash is still part of everyday life in Japan. Many visitors are surprised by how often they need it.
- Small local restaurants and cafés
- Street food stalls and local markets
- Temples and shrines (entry fees and offerings)
- Local buses and some taxis
- Rural shops and countryside areas
If you enjoy local experiences or plan to travel outside major cities, carrying some cash is essential.
Big Cities vs Rural Areas
Payment convenience depends greatly on where you travel.
- Large cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto): Credit cards cover most daily expenses, but small shops may still be cash-only.
- Rural areas and small towns: Cash is much more important, and ATMs may be less frequent.
If rural travel is part of your itinerary, prepare extra cash in advance.
How Much Cash Should You Carry?
You do not need to carry large amounts of cash all the time. Most travelers are comfortable with a moderate daily amount.
- Urban travel: around ¥5,000–¥10,000 per day
- Rural travel: around ¥10,000–¥20,000 per day
For a detailed explanation, this guide provides clear recommendations:
How Much Cash Do You Need for a Japan Trip?
Using ATMs in Japan
Japan is very convenient for withdrawing cash with foreign cards.
- Convenience store ATMs (often available 24 hours)
- Major bank ATMs in cities
If you are unfamiliar with using ATMs in Japan, this guide explains how it works:
ATM Withdrawal in Japan: What Travelers Should Know
Is It Safe to Carry Cash?
- Japan is one of the safest countries in the world
- Carrying cash is generally safe
- Avoid carrying very large amounts at once
- Use hotel safes when available
Related Guides
To get a complete picture of money and payments in Japan, these guides may also be helpful:
- Tipping in Japan: What Travelers Should Know
- Can You Travel Japan Without Cash?
- Money in Japan: A Simple Guide for Travelers
This guide focuses on basic payment methods in Japan.
Acceptance and availability may vary by location and service.
Last updated: 2026-01-29
