Is Japan cashless?
Mostly cashless#53 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #6 of 32 in Asia
Short answer: Cards work in most places, but carry some yen for small restaurants and temples. Use 7-Eleven ATMs to get it.
Japan used to be famously cash heavy, but card and contactless acceptance has grown fast, especially in cities. Small restaurants, temples, rural inns and shrines can still be cash only.
Will my card work?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Japan, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do I need cash?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Japan, but carry some cash for small places.
Local currency: Japanese yen (JPY)
How does tipping work?
Not practised and can cause confusion. Great service is simply part of the culture.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Apps you can use as a visitor
Locals here pay with apps as much as cards. These work without a local bank account.
Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet
A transit card on your phone that also pays at convenience stores, vending machines and many shops.
- How to set it up
- Add it in the Wallet app and top up with your own card. On Android it only works on phones sold in Japan.
Getting cash: ATMs
Expect a fee at every ATM
Most Japanese bank ATMs do not take foreign cards. Seven Bank charges a fee that varies by card brand, commonly around ¥110-220. The limit is ¥100,000 per withdrawal (¥30,000 for magnetic-stripe cards).
Cheapest options
- Seven Bank ATMs inside every 7-Eleven (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay, JCB and more)
Your own bank may charge extra. When an ATM offers to convert to your home currency, decline and pay in the local currency.
Good to know
- Load a Suica or PASMO card into Apple Wallet for trains, convenience stores and vending machines.
- 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept foreign cards.
Frequently asked questions
Is Japan cashless?
Japan scores 70/100 on Cashlessy (mostly cashless), ranking #53 of 197 countries. Japan used to be famously cash heavy, but card and contactless acceptance has grown fast, especially in cities. Small restaurants, temples, rural inns and shrines can still be cash only.
Do I need cash in Japan?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Japan, but carry some cash for small places.
Are credit cards accepted in Japan?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Japan, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do you tip in Japan?
Not practised and can cause confusion. Great service is simply part of the culture.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in Japan?
Yes. Phone wallets work at most terminals that accept contactless cards in Japan.
Which ATMs are free in Japan?
Most Japanese bank ATMs do not take foreign cards. Seven Bank charges a fee that varies by card brand, commonly around ¥110-220. The limit is ¥100,000 per withdrawal (¥30,000 for magnetic-stripe cards). Best options: Seven Bank ATMs inside every 7-Eleven (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay, JCB and more).
What payment apps can tourists use in Japan?
Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet: A transit card on your phone that also pays at convenience stores, vending machines and many shops.
Compare with Asia
Sources
Checked against sources in September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.