One of the most surprising curiosities when traveling through Japan is the widespread use of cash for many transactions, despite being one of the most technologically advanced economies in the world. Behind this behavior lie cultural, historical, and economic reasons. Japanese people have great trust in their monetary and banking system, and it’s also a country with very low crime rates, so carrying large amounts of money isn’t seen as risky. Cash, or genkin (現金), is also part of many Japanese traditions, such as giving gifts in envelopes or making offerings at temples. From an economic standpoint, the country has a large number of family-run businesses that prefer to avoid the additional costs of electronic payments. For all these reasons, don’t forget to always carry cash with you during your trip to Japan.
ATMs are easy to find in Japan, but it’s important to know that not all of them accept foreign cards. The most convenient places to withdraw money are ATMs located in 7-Eleven, Lawson, or Family Mart convenience stores, which typically accept international cards like Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro and are available 24 hours a day. So, whenever you need cash, just look for one of these konbini with an ATM sign outside (not all of them have one). Another practical option is to withdraw money at Japan Post offices, which often offer slightly lower fees, although you’ll be limited to their regular business hours.
In large cities and modern establishments, credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted, especially in hotel chains, department stores, and mid-to-high-end restaurants. However, it’s advisable to check with your bank about any fees for foreign currency payments or international usage. You should also confirm before your trip that your card is enabled for use outside Europe and for online services (such as reloading a prepaid digital card).
Japan has its own mobile payment systems and prepaid electronic cards. The most popular are Suica and Pasmo, which are mainly used for public transportation but also accepted in convenience stores, vending machines, and cafés. These cards are easy to recharge and very convenient. If you arrive in Tokyo or Kyoto, you can purchase a prepaid card right at the airport. The most practical option is to add it to your smartphone wallet, allowing you to use your phone instead of a physical card, and top it up directly from any digital payment method.
In summary, don’t forget to carry cash during your trip to Japan, make sure with your bank that you’ll be able to use your European cards without issues at your destination, and get a Suica or Pasmo card to make payments easier across a wide range of services throughout the country. Want help planning your trip to Japan? Contact us and we’ll design the perfect experience for an unforgettable journey.