Money & Payments
Japan is modernizing fast, but it remains more cash-friendly than you expect. Cards and IC cards work in cities; small shops, shrines and rural spots may still be cash-only.
Currency
Japanese yen (¥)
Cards
Widely accepted in cities
IC card
Suica · Pasmo · ICOCA
Cash backup
¥10,000–20,000
Get an IC card
A Suica or Pasmo card (or the version in Apple/Google Wallet) taps you through trains and buses and pays at convenience stores, vending machines and many shops. It is the single most useful thing to set up.
Cards & contactless
Visa and Mastercard work at hotels, department stores, chains and most restaurants in cities. Amex is patchier. Contactless is common but not universal.
Cash still matters
Carry yen for temples, small eateries, markets and the countryside. Withdraw from 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs, which reliably accept foreign cards 24/7.
No tipping
Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can cause confusion. Excellent service is simply the standard.
Useful phrases Phrases
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