Cash, Cards, and ATMs: How Money Works in Japan

Japan's reputation for technology doesn't always match how you pay for things — knowing where cash is still king saves you an awkward moment at the register.

Carry cash — you'll need it

Cash-only pockets remain common: small family-run restaurants, traditional inns (ryokan), some shrines and temples (for offerings or omamori), and rural shops in general. It's worth carrying some cash at all times rather than assuming a card will always be accepted, especially outside major cities.

Where cards and IC cards do work

In cities and at chain stores, both physical IC cards and QR-code payment apps (PayPay is the most widespread, alongside LINE Pay and others) have become common. Coverage is inconsistent enough that it's genuinely useful to ask "do you take cards?" (カードは使えますか？) before ordering somewhere unfamiliar, rather than finding out at the register.

Getting cash as a foreign visitor

For foreign-issued cards, 7-Eleven ATMs are the most reliable and widespread option — nearly every 7-Eleven has one, they support English menus, and they're built specifically for this use case. Japan Post Bank ATMs are a solid second option, especially outside major cities where 7-Eleven density drops off.

Tipping isn't part of the culture

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can create genuine confusion rather than goodwill — restaurant staff may chase down a customer to return money left on the table, assuming it was forgotten by mistake. Good service is simply the baseline here; a sincere "thank you" (ありがとうございました) is the appropriate way to show appreciation instead.

Currency questions come up constantly on a trip — Tabimado's home screen shows a live exchange rate against your own currency, and you can track more than one currency at once, so you always know roughly what something costs before you pay.