Japan currency 2026: yen, cash, cards, withdrawals

Japan currency 2026: yen, cash, cards, withdrawals

The yen (¥, JPY) is the only usable currency in Japan. Despite its ultra-modern image, a large share of everyday economic life still runs on cash, a paradox that often surprises first-time visitors.

Japan’s cash paradox

High-tech vending machines, robots, contactless payment on the subway: Japan cultivates a futuristic image. Yet a significant share of small restaurants, markets, temples and independent shops only accepts cash. This comes from deeply rooted cultural habits, an older population less inclined toward digital payments, and card processing fees many small merchants consider too high.

In practice: always keep a few thousand yen in cash on you, even while mostly moving through major cities.

Credit cards: where they work, where they don’t

International Visa and Mastercard cards work fine at:

• Major chains and department stores (Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, Uniqlo)
• Hotels, including upscale ryokans
• Most restaurants in touristy urban areas
• Convenience stores (Lawson, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart)

On the other hand, plan for cash at:

• Small family restaurants, often cash-only
• Markets and street stalls
• Temples and shrines (entry fees, offerings, charms)
• Some taxis in rural areas

American Express remains less widely accepted than Visa or Mastercard, especially at smaller businesses.

Where to withdraw cash with a foreign card

🏪 Seven Bank ATM (inside 7-Eleven)

The most reliable option in the country. Found in every 7-Eleven convenience store, these ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay and most international networks, with an English-language interface, available 24/7.

🏤 Japan Post Bank ATM

ATMs at Japanese post offices also accept foreign cards, though with sometimes more limited hours than 7-Eleven (often 9 AM-7 PM on weekdays, reduced on weekends).

⚠️ Regular Japanese bank ATMs

Many ATMs from traditional Japanese banks (outside Seven Bank and Japan Post) still refuse foreign cards. Systematically favor the two networks above to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The IC card: the tool that simplifies everything

An IC card (Suica or Pasmo, the two main ones, nearly interchangeable nationwide) is an essential prepaid contactless card for:

• Paying for public transit (trains, subway, buses) without buying a ticket for every trip
• Paying at convenience stores, vending machines and some restaurants
• Renting luggage lockers at stations

It can be bought at a station counter or machine, or set up directly on a smartphone (Apple Pay for recent iPhones). Topping up takes seconds at station machines.

Tipping: a non-existent practice

Unlike many countries, tipping doesn’t exist in Japan and can even create an awkward situation. Service is already included in the listed price, and a server might run after a customer to return money left voluntarily. The appropriate way to thank good service stays verbal, not financial.

Should you exchange euros before leaving?

Exchange rates in Japan, whether at exchange counters or through Seven Bank ATM withdrawals, stay broadly competitive and often better than exchanging back home. The simplest strategy: exchange a small amount before departure to cover the airport transfer and first meal, then withdraw as needed throughout the trip.

Other practical info Japan

• Visa : 90-day exemption for French and EU nationals
• Budget : how much to plan per day
• Airports : Narita, Haneda, Kansai
• eSIM : connected on arrival

Page written by Marie L., Southeast Asia and Japan specialist, editor-in-chief of L’Heure du Voyage. 12 years of experience, regular stays in Tokyo since 2015. Updated: July 28, 2026. Verified by 2 experts.