Pay in Japan

Japan is a fascinating country that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition—and this is also reflected in the way people pay! While many assume that Japan is entirely digital, you might still find yourself in a small restaurant or a traditional shop where cash is the only accepted payment method. To help you navigate payments smoothly in Japan, here are some essential tips in: Pay in Japan

Cash

The Japanese currency is called Yen and is available in both notes and coins. The notes come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 Yen, while the coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 Yen. It is not possible to pay in Japan with foreign currency, except at major airports where some well-known currencies such as the US dollar and the British pound are accepted.

Mobile Payment

The easiest way to make mobile payments in Japan is by using Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA. These prepaid cards can be purchased and recharged as physical cards or simply stored as cards on your smartphone 1. The cards can be recharged via a linked credit card on your smartphone.

They can be used for various purposes, such as shopping in stores, online payments, or for public transportation rides.

You can find more information about prepaid cards in Japan here: Suica, Pasmo and ICOCA – Prepaid cards in Japan

Credit & Debit Cards

Almost everywhere credit and debit cards are accepted, regardless of whether they are physical cards or used with Apple Pay / Google Pay.

Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted than other cards such as American Express or Diners Club.

In some cases, it may happen that credit cards are not accepted at machines or in public transportation, so it’s good to always have some cash with you.

Tipping in Japan

Tipping is uncommon in Japan and can even be considered impolite. The service charge is already included in the price—so simply express your gratitude (“Arigatou gozaimasu!”) and move on.

Many waiters or taxi drivers might even refuse a tip or return it to you, thinking it was a misunderstanding. In luxury hotels or for special services, there may be service fees automatically added to the bill, but giving extra money is not necessary. If you still want to show appreciation for exceptional service, a small gift (“Omiyage”) or a kind compliment means much more than cash.