Despite a reputation for technology, Japan is still very much a cash-based economy. While many chains and retail shops now support credit card payments, you will still find that a large number of owner-operated shops and restaurants stick to cash, even for large transactions. More touristy locations take credit cards, but if you're planning on exploring a bit more you'll want to have a decent amount of cash on you. It's not unusual (or unsafe) to walk around carrying a few hundred dollars at any given time, but luckily it's easy to get cash anytime these days when you need it.
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The low-down on using cash, credit, and e-money cards when traveling around Japan.
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How to get cash easily
So, where can you get cash? If you need instant cash 24 hours a day, the easiest method is using your credit card or VISA bank card at a 7 Eleven convenience store ATM, which can be found just about anywhere within walking distance. Japanese Post Office ATMs can be used as well mostly for 24/7 with some limited hours. The fees for using these depend entirely on your own bank’s charges as the ATMs don’t charge fees.
However, if you’re converting your own national currency for Yen you’ll need to use an exchange service such as World Currency Shop. Exchange booths are not as prevalent as in other countries, but you will never need to worry about safety or honesty.
World Currency Shop![]()
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Credit cards
Credit card acceptance is growing in Japan, with even smaller shops starting to use credit card services such as Square. MasterCard, VISA and American Express are accepted, however, at some small stores, American Express can not be used. Union Pay is becoming much more widely accepted as well, making shopping much easier for Chinese visitors.
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E-money
As we cover in our E-money Guide, getting a PASMO or SUICA e-money card is one of the best things you can do when you arrive in Japan. You can quickly get in and out of train station gates or pay for taxis with just a touch, and make smaller purchases at many vending machines, kiosks, supermarkets, and convenience stores without needing to deal with small change. You won’t be able to use these cards at most retail locations for larger purchases, but to grab a quick drink they’re a breeze to use.
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- Tokyo Chuo Post Office (Ginza Post Office JP Tower Branch Office) JAPAN POST BANK Main Store
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- Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Marunouchi 2-7-2
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The Tokyo Station Hotel
1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo
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