Money in Japan (2026): Cash, Cards, ATMs & the Mistake That Costs Tourists 7%

TL;DR: Japan is more card-friendly than most guides claim, but you still need cash for temples, street food, and some small restaurants. Use three payment methods: (1) A Wise or Revolut card for the best exchange rates. (2) Cash from 7-Eleven ATMs as backup (¥5,000-10,000/day for mid-range). (3) A credit card (Visa/Mastercard) for hotels and bigger purchases. One critical rule: always select Japanese Yen when an ATM asks about currency conversion — choosing your home currency costs 3-7% extra.

Japan is more card-friendly than most guides make it sound. Cashless payments have been growing by about 3 percentage points per year, and the government's target of 80% means businesses are adding card terminals fast. If you stick to cities and tourist areas, you can pay by card at most hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, and shops without thinking twice.

But "mostly card-friendly" is not the same as "fully cashless." Temples charge admission in coins. Street food vendors don't carry card readers. That ramen shop with the best reviews in Kyoto has a ticket machine that only takes bills. You will hit cash-only spots regularly, just not as often as older guides suggest.

The solution is a three-layer money strategy that covers every scenario you will face in Japan. Whether you are visiting for two weeks or staying for six months, the approach stays the same. One fintech debit card (Wise or Revolut) for the best exchange rates. Cash from 7-Eleven ATMs for the places that won't take plastic. A credit card backup for hotels and larger purchases.

This guide breaks down each layer, shows you where cash is still mandatory, warns you about the hidden fee trap at every ATM, and gives you the exact numbers for daily budgets.

How to Pay in Japan: The Three-Layer Strategy

Every guide about money in Japan lists the options. Here is how to actually combine them.

Layer 1: Fintech debit card (Wise or Revolut). This is your primary spending and withdrawal tool. You get the mid-market exchange rate, which saves up to 5% compared to traditional bank cards with foreign transaction fees. Use it at stores, restaurants, and convenience stores that accept cards. Use it to withdraw cash at 7-Eleven ATMs when you need yen.

Layer 2: Cash from 7-Eleven ATMs. Japan still runs on cash for temples, street food, small restaurants, coin lockers, and rural areas. Withdraw as you go rather than carrying large amounts. Seven Bank ATMs are everywhere, open 24/7, and have English menus.

Layer 3: Credit card (Visa or Mastercard). Hotels, department stores, online bookings, and emergencies. Not your primary tool because most traditional cards charge 1-3% foreign transaction fees. But a necessary backup.

If you are visiting for a short trip, lean heavier on cash and your credit card. If you are staying longer or working remotely, set up Wise before you arrive. The key is not relying on a single payment method. Travelers who went cash-only missed card-only restaurants in Tokyo. Travelers who went card-only got turned away at temples and family-run spots. Having all three layers means you never get stuck.

Cash in Japan: Where You Still Need It (and Where You Don't)

Card acceptance has improved faster than most travel guides acknowledge. Most places tourists actually visit now take cards, and you might go entire days in Tokyo or Osaka without pulling out cash. But you will still hit cash only situations, and the pattern is predictable.

You will need cash for:

• Temples and shrines. Admission fees, omamori charms, fortune slips, and offering boxes almost always require coins or small bills. Entrance fees and stamp books (goshuin) are consistently cash only.
• Street food and festival stalls. Takoyaki vendors at summer festivals, mochi shops in Nara, taiyaki stands. These small-margin businesses rarely carry card terminals.
• Some small family-run restaurants. The hole-in-the-wall ramen joints and izakayas. Some use ticket vending machines that only take coins and bills. But this is changing fast, and many small restaurants in tourist areas now accept cards.
• Coin lockers at train stations. Many still run on ¥100 coins, though newer ones accept IC cards.
• Coin-operated services. Laundromats, gachapon machines, onsen showers, and some vending machines.

Cards work well at (more places than you'd expect):

• Hotels, chain restaurants, department stores, supermarkets across all major cities
• Most restaurants in tourist areas, even smaller ones. If tourists go there regularly, they've often added card terminals.
• Train stations and airports. Most reserved ticket machines at JR stations now accept foreign credit cards.
• Convenience stores. 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart all accept cards, IC cards, and contactless payments.
• Even some rural areas that see tourist traffic have added card acceptance.

The rule of thumb: You need cash less often than older guides claim, but when you need it, there's no alternative. Temples, festivals, and truly local spots off the tourist trail are still cash only. This applies across all of Japan's main islands, though Honshu's major cities are the most card-friendly. On smaller islands like Shikoku or in deep rural Kyushu, carry more cash. The safe approach is to always have ¥10,000-20,000 on you as a buffer.

How Much Cash Should You Bring to Japan?

You don't need to convert a mountain of cash before your flight. The better strategy is to bring a small amount for your first day and withdraw the rest from 7-Eleven ATMs using your Wise or Revolut card.

First-day arrival fund: Exchange ¥5,000-10,000 ($33-66) at the airport for the train to your hotel and immediate needs. Do not exchange your full budget at airport counters. The rates are poor.

Daily cash budget by travel style:

These numbers cover the cash-only portion of your spending: street food, temple admissions, small restaurants, and transit top-ups. Hotels, train tickets, and department store purchases go on your card.

Is $1,000 enough for a week in Japan? Yes, if accommodation and major transport are prepaid. The rough guideline is $100 per day for food, activities, and souvenirs. You can stretch it further if you eat at convenience stores and skip heavy shopping.

Is $3,000 enough for 10 days? Comfortably. At $300 per day total budget (cash plus card), you can eat well, visit attractions, and shop without restrictions.

Is 1,000 yen a lot? About $6.60. Enough for a convenience store meal or a budget bowl of ramen. Not enough for a sit-down restaurant in most areas. The ¥500 coin is worth about $3.30 and is surprisingly useful.

Key point: Keep a mix of denominations. ¥1,000 notes are the most useful for small purchases. Buses may reject larger bills. Carry ¥100 coins for temples and vending machines.

Wise and Revolut in Japan: Why Fintech Cards Beat Your Bank

Traditional credit cards charge 1-3% foreign transaction fees on every purchase. Over a two-week trip, that adds up fast. Fintech cards like Wise and Revolut use the mid-market exchange rate with minimal markup, which can save you up to 5% per transaction compared to a regular bank card.

Wise in Japan

Wise is the safer, simpler pick for Japan. Travelers who've used both cards tend to recommend Wise for ATM withdrawals and currency conversion.

• Card type: Visa debit (Visa has slightly higher acceptance than Mastercard in Japan)
• Exchange rate: Mid-market rate with a small transparent fee (0.4-0.6%)
• Free ATM withdrawals: 2 per month, up to ¥30,000 total. After that, 1.75% per withdrawal
• ATM compatibility: Works at Seven Bank (7-Eleven), Family Mart, Lawson, and AEON ATMs. Some Japan Post ATMs reject Visa/Mastercard cards, so stick with 7-Eleven.
• Tap-to-pay: Works at most convenience stores and chain restaurants. After heavy use you may hit a contactless limit and need to insert the chip instead.
• No subscription fee. No annual fee. Load via bank transfer.

Revolut in Japan

Revolut offers similar features but with a few catches.

• Exchange rate: Mid-market on weekdays. Weekend markup of about 1% on the free plan.
• Free ATM withdrawals: Depends on your plan. Standard plan has a monthly free allowance; 2% fee after that.
• Card type: Visa or Mastercard. Make sure your physical card is not a Maestro variant — Maestro cards get declined at many Japanese ATMs and stores.
• Customer support: Generally considered Revolut's weak point. There are reports of funds getting "tied up in limbo" during disputes.

Wise vs Revolut: Quick Comparison

Before you leave: Order your card 2-3 weeks before departure. Load some JPY in advance. Fund via bank transfer, not credit card (credit card top-ups count as cash advances and block ATM withdrawals).

How to Avoid the Hidden ATM Fee in Japan (DCC Explained)

This one catches almost every tourist off guard, and it costs 3-7% on every transaction.

When you use an ATM or card terminal in Japan, a screen will ask whether to charge you in Japanese Yen or in your home currency. This is Dynamic Currency Conversion. If you choose your home currency, the ATM operator converts the amount at a markup and pockets the difference.

The DCC prompt shows up near the end of the ATM withdrawal process and at many card terminals. It looks innocent, but choosing your home currency instead of JPY can cost an extra $21 on a single ¥50,000 withdrawal. Typical markups run 3-5%, sometimes higher.

The fix takes one second.

Always choose JPY. When any ATM or card terminal in Japan asks to convert to your home currency, decline. Select Japanese Yen. This single choice saves you 3-7% on every transaction. It applies to ATM withdrawals and card payments alike.

Watch for it at airport ATMs, hotel card terminals, and tourist-area shops. The screen language varies, but any question about currency conversion means the same thing. Pick JPY. Every time.

Japan ATMs for Foreigners: 7-Eleven, Fees & How to Withdraw

Seven Bank ATMs at 7-Eleven stores are your best friend in Japan. There are 27,000+ of them across the country, they run 24/7, and the interface supports English plus 11 other languages. They accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, and fintech cards like Wise and Revolut. You can pull up to ¥100,000 per transaction.

The process takes about two minutes. Insert your card, select English, choose Withdrawal, enter your PIN, pick an amount in yen, and select JPY when the DCC screen appears.

Fees depend on your card network. Mastercard withdrawals are often free. Visa withdrawals cost ¥110 up to ¥50,000 and ¥220 above that. Still far cheaper than exchanging cash at an airport counter.

Japan Post ATMs

Japan Post has 26,000+ ATMs with better rural coverage than 7-Eleven, which makes them a solid backup when you're outside major cities. The trade-off is that they follow post office hours instead of running 24/7, the withdrawal limit caps at ¥50,000, and the fee is a flat ¥220. The real deal-breaker for some travelers is that certain Japan Post ATMs reject foreign Visa and Mastercard cards entirely. Stick with Seven Bank when you can.

Lawson ATMs

A growing third option at ¥110 per withdrawal. Useful when there's no 7-Eleven nearby.

Practical Tips

Withdraw larger amounts less often to cut down on per-transaction fees. Keep a mix of ¥1,000 bills and ¥100/¥500 coins because small businesses and vending machines won't break a ¥10,000 note for you. And before heading to rural areas, withdraw a cash buffer while ATMs are still plentiful.

A tip worth knowing: withdraw ¥49,000 instead of ¥50,000 to dodge the stamp duty that kicks in at the ¥50,000 mark.

New ¥10,000 notes with 3D hologram security features launched in July 2024. Both old and new designs work everywhere, though some older vending machines may reject the new notes. Keep smaller bills handy as a workaround.

Can You Use Credit Cards in Japan?

Cards work well in Japanese cities, but acceptance is not universal and it pays to know which networks actually matter here.

Visa has the highest acceptance rate and is the safest bet. Mastercard runs a close second. JCB is Japan's domestic network, so you'll see it everywhere, and Amex has improved significantly thanks to a partnership with JCB. Discover works at JCB terminals but coverage is limited.

You can use cards comfortably at hotels, department stores, chain restaurants, convenience stores, train stations, supermarkets, and city taxis (especially through the GO app). Where they're less reliable is at temples, street food stalls, 100-yen stores, and some smaller independent restaurants, though even that is improving in tourist areas.

Contactless payments are growing but still inconsistent. All convenience stores accept Apple Pay, which is convenient for quick purchases. But beyond that, some stores only support chip-and-PIN. A practical workaround: say "Visa Touch" when paying contactless, and the cashier will set the terminal correctly. Always carry your physical card as backup in case tap fails.

The 1-3% foreign transaction fees on traditional bank cards are exactly why Layer 1 of the strategy is a fintech card. Save your credit card for situations where fintech cards are not accepted or for larger purchases where you want the consumer protection.

IC Cards (Suica and Pasmo): Not Just for Trains

IC cards are rechargeable contactless cards that work on trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, coin lockers, and chain restaurants across Japan. They are the fastest way to pay for transit and small purchases.

Which Card to Get

For short visits, the Welcome Suica is the easiest option. Buy one at JR East ticket machines at Narita, Haneda, or major Tokyo stations. It lasts 28 days, requires no deposit, and loads in ¥1,000 increments. The Pasmo Passport is functionally identical and available at private railway information centers at Haneda or Narita.

If you have an iPhone, the Welcome Suica Mobile is the better pick. It launched in March 2025, lasts 180 days instead of 28, and lives in your Apple Wallet. Setup takes about two minutes. Enable "Express Transit Card" in your settings so you can tap through station gates without unlocking your phone.

Physical Suica and Pasmo cards are available again after the 2023 chip shortage ended in March 2025. Standard cards cost a ¥500 deposit at any station.

Android users are stuck with physical cards for now. Mobile Suica on Android requires a resident-only app, so grab a physical Welcome Suica instead.

Beyond Transit

IC cards are not just for trains. They work at 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, chain restaurants, vending machines, and coin lockers. For anything under ¥1,000, tapping your IC card is faster than fumbling with coins or waiting for a card terminal.

You will inevitably accumulate a pile of ¥1, ¥5, and ¥10 coins. Use the IC card top-up machines at train stations to offload them by loading the coins onto your card.

Exchanging Money in Japan: What to Skip and What Works

The fastest way to get a good exchange rate in Japan is to skip the exchange counter entirely and use a 7-Eleven ATM with your Wise or Revolut card.

Ranked by exchange rate quality:

1. Wise/Revolut ATM withdrawal at 7-Eleven. Mid-market rate. Best option by far.
2. City exchange shops (Travelex, Sakura Currency in tourist areas). Decent rates, better than airports.
3. Airport exchange counters. Convenient but poor rates. Exchange only a small amount on arrival (¥5,000-10,000) for immediate needs.
4. Banks. Open 9am-3pm weekdays only. Not practical for visitors.
5. Hotels. Worst rates. Avoid.

ATM withdrawals consistently beat airport exchange counters on rate. And be wary of services claiming "Zero Commission" — they typically hide their profit in the unfavorable rate they offer.

Japanese currency basics: The yen (JPY, ¥) is the official currency of Japan, issued by the Bank of Japan. Coins come in ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500. Notes come in ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000. New banknote designs with 3D hologram security features launched in July 2024, and both old and new notes are accepted everywhere.

How much is $100 USD worth in Japan? Roughly ¥15,000 at current rates. Enough for about 2-3 mid-range meals, a day pass on Tokyo Metro, and some small purchases.

Tipping in Japan: Don't Do It

Tipping is not customary. At restaurants, it can cause genuine confusion. At taxis, it can cause a scene.

There's a well-known story of a tourist tipping a taxi driver at the airport. The driver chased him down the street looking angry, returned the tip, and then walked the tourist to his hotel while the taxi sat parked a block away, still running. Another story involves a hotel staff member who navigated Tokyo traffic to return a forgotten passport. When the guest tried to give a $100 tip, she refused and said she was just doing her job.

Good service is considered a standard part of the job in Japan. Tipping implies the worker needs charity, which causes discomfort.

The only narrow exceptions:

• High-end ryokans: ¥1,000-3,000 per guest in a clean envelope (called "kokorozuke"). Not expected, not required.
• Exceptional private tour guides on extended bookings. Small cash gift in an envelope. Also not expected.

Cash tray etiquette: When paying at a register, place your money on the small tray at the counter. Do not hand cash directly to the cashier. This applies everywhere from convenience stores to restaurants.

Tax-Free Shopping in Japan: How to Save 10%

Foreign tourists on short-term visas can get the 10% consumption tax deducted at checkout. For a ¥50,000 electronics purchase, that is ¥5,000 saved.

Who qualifies: Non-resident visitors on tourist visas staying less than 6 months.

Minimum spend: ¥5,000 per store per day (before tax).

How it works: Show your passport at checkout. The store verifies your "Temporary Visitor" status and deducts the tax. Items must leave Japan.

Where to find it: Department stores, electronics retailers (Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera), drug stores, and some clothing chains. Look for "Tax-Free" signs. Major stores like Don Quijote have dedicated tax-free counters.

Important change coming November 2026: Japan is shifting to a refund-based system. Instead of the tax being deducted at checkout, you will pay the full price and claim a refund at the airport before departure. If you are visiting after November 2026, budget for the full tax-inclusive price upfront.

As of April 2025, tax-free shopping does not apply to items sent via international parcels. The items must physically leave Japan with you.

Opening a Bank Account in Japan (for Longer Stays)

This section is for digital nomads, remote workers, and anyone staying in Japan beyond a standard tourist visa. Short-term visitors can skip ahead to the FAQ.

The baseline is straightforward: you need a residence card (zairyu card) to open a bank account, and most banks want 6 months of residency on top of that. Tourists cannot open standard bank accounts.

For new arrivals with a residence card, Japan Post Bank is the most flexible option. They accept applicants with less than 6 months of residency, offer online applications in 16 languages, and their ATMs are everywhere, including rural areas. Shinsei Bank has the best English support with a fully English application process and English-speaking customer service. Sony Bank stopped accepting new English-language applications in June 2025, so it's no longer a realistic option for foreigners starting fresh.

If you're on a tourist visa, you simply cannot open a Japanese bank account. But Wise fills that gap well enough for most people. It holds JPY, handles international transfers, and works as a debit card at stores and ATMs. For international transfers especially, Wise is significantly cheaper than what Japanese banks charge.

Here's the honest truth for digital nomads: a Wise card plus 7-Eleven ATM withdrawals covers the vast majority of your financial needs without a local bank account. Only bother opening a Japanese account if you're receiving a Japanese salary or staying 6+ months.

One thing worth knowing: the My Number Card is becoming central to identity verification at banks. If you have a residence card, apply for it early to avoid delays down the road.

Mobile Payments in Japan: PayPay, Apple Pay, and What Works for Visitors

PayPay dominates Japan with 60 million users and 65% of the QR code payment market. It's accepted at millions of merchants, including small shops that don't take credit cards. Sounds perfect, except it requires a Japanese phone number and identity verification. Tourists cannot register. So the most popular payment app in Japan is off-limits to visitors.

Apple Pay works at all major convenience stores and many chain restaurants, and you can add a Mobile Suica to Apple Wallet for transit. But acceptance outside convenience stores is inconsistent, so don't rely on it as your primary method.

Google Pay has limited compatibility due to Japan's FeliCa standard. Most foreign Android phones lack the FeliCa chip needed for transit IC cards. It may work at some Visa/Mastercard terminals via NFC, but don't count on it.

If you use Alipay, WeChat Pay, or GCash at home, you can use them through PayPay's QR network at participating merchants. That's a solid workaround for Chinese and Southeast Asian travelers.

The bottom line: don't build your payment strategy around mobile payments in Japan. Stick to the three-layer strategy.

FAQ: Money in Japan

What is money in Japan called? The Japanese yen (JPY, ¥), pronounced "en" in Japanese and written as 円. Coins range from ¥1 to ¥500. Notes come in ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 denominations.

How much cash should I bring to Japan for 1 week? For the cash portion of your budget, ¥35,000-70,000 ($230-460) depending on travel style. Budget travelers need ¥3,000-5,000 per day in cash. Mid-range travelers need ¥5,000-10,000. These numbers cover food, transit, temples, and small purchases. Hotels and major transport go on card.

How much cash should I bring to Japan per day? Budget: ¥3,000-5,000 ($20-33). Mid-range: ¥5,000-10,000 ($33-66). Comfortable: ¥10,000-15,000 ($66-100). This is for cash-only expenses. Card purchases are separate.

Is $100 USD worth a lot in Japan? $100 converts to roughly ¥15,000. That covers about 2-3 mid-range restaurant meals, a Tokyo Metro day pass, and a few small purchases. The weak yen has made Japan more affordable for dollar-based travelers than at any point in the past decade.

Best way to carry cash in Japan? Japan is extremely safe. Split your cash between your wallet and a separate pouch in your bag as basic precaution. Carry a coin purse. You will accumulate ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500 coins fast. Use IC card top-up machines at stations to offload small coins.

Do you need cash in Japan? Yes, but less than you might think. Card acceptance keeps improving every year, especially in tourist areas. Most hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, and shops in cities accept cards. But temples, street food stalls, some small restaurants, and coin-operated services are still cash only. Carry ¥10,000-20,000 as a buffer and you'll be fine.

Is Japan cash only? Not anymore. Japan is increasingly card-friendly, and many travelers report using cards for 80% of their purchases in cities and tourist areas. But it's not fully cashless either. The best approach is to carry both. You won't need cash as often as older guides suggest, but when you do, there's no substitute.

Can I use my credit card everywhere in Japan? No. Cards work well in major cities at hotels, chain restaurants, convenience stores, and department stores. But temples, street food vendors, small family-run restaurants, and many rural businesses are cash only. Always carry cash alongside your card.