Currency & Payment Tips for Japan

Japan is still a surprisingly cash-based society. While credit cards are becoming more accepted, many bars, small restaurants, and urisen shops operate on cash only. Running out of yen at midnight is a situation you want to avoid — so plan ahead.

How to Get Cash in Japan

7-Eleven ATMs (Best Option)

The most reliable ATMs for foreign cards are at 7-Eleven convenience stores. Their ATMs are operated by Seven Bank and accept virtually all international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay, etc.). 7-Eleven stores are everywhere in Tokyo — you're rarely more than a 5-minute walk from one. Most ATMs are available from 5:00 AM to 11:55 PM daily.

Japan Post Office ATMs

Post office (ゆうちょ銀行 / JP Bank) ATMs also widely accept foreign cards. You'll find them at post offices across the city. Hours vary but are generally 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays.

Airport Currency Exchange

Both Narita and Haneda airports have currency exchange counters. Rates are decent but not the best. It's smart to exchange at least ¥20,000-30,000 at the airport so you have cash from the moment you arrive. You can always get more at a 7-Eleven later.

Avoid: Random Street ATMs

Regular Japanese bank ATMs (Mizuho, MUFG, SMBC) often do not accept foreign cards. Stick to 7-Eleven and JP Bank to avoid frustration.

Credit Cards in Japan

Credit card acceptance has improved significantly, but cash is still essential for:

• Most gay bars in Ni-chome (cash only)
• Small restaurants and izakayas
• Vending machines (some accept IC cards)
• Some urisen shops

Larger establishments, hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants generally accept Visa and Mastercard. Amex acceptance is more limited.

Important for urisen:Some shops accept credit cards, but many are cash only. Always bring enough cash to cover the full amount. There's nothing worse than being short on cash at checkout.

Budget: How Much Cash for a Night Out?

Here's a realistic breakdown of what a night out might cost:

Pro tip:Withdraw ¥30,000-50,000 at the start of your evening so you're covered for everything. Keep it in a secure wallet — Japan is very safe, but don't flash large amounts of cash.

Tipping in Japan

Japan generally has no tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and hotels, tips are not expected and can even cause confusion. However, at urisen shops, a small tip to the cast member is appreciated (though not required). If you had a great experience, leaving ¥1,000-3,000 as a thank-you is a nice gesture.

IC Cards: Suica & Pasmo

Get a Suica or PasmoIC card for train travel. These rechargeable cards work on all Tokyo trains and buses, and can also be used at convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants. You can buy them at any train station ticket machine (there's an English language option). Load ¥3,000-5,000 to start.

Apple Pay and Google Pay users can also add a mobile Suica directly to their phone — very convenient.

Quick Tips

• Japan uses the Japanese Yen (¥ / JPY)
• Coins come in ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500
• Bills come in ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000
• Keep a stash of ¥1,000 bills — they're the most useful denomination
• Tax is included in posted prices at most shops and restaurants
• There is no sales tax refund for services (only goods over ¥5,000 at participating stores)