Japan Cash Guide 2026
ATMs, yen exchange, IC cards, and cashless payments — everything you need for a cash-smart Japan trip
ATMs, yen exchange, IC cards, and cashless payments — everything you need for a cash-smart Japan trip
Japan is still significantly more cash-dependent than most developed countries. Smaller restaurants, rural shops, local temples, taxis, and many traditional establishments operate cash-only. Understanding which ATMs work, how much to carry, and when your card will save you — versus when only yen will do — is one of the most practical skills you can develop before arriving.
The most tourist-friendly ATM in Japan — found in every 7-Eleven convenience store (21,000+ locations nationwide). Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay, Maestro, Cirrus, and JCB international cards. Full English interface. Withdrawal limit: ¥50,000 per transaction. Fee: ¥110–220 from Seven Bank + your home bank's foreign transaction fee (typically 1.5–3%).
Japan Post Bank ATMs work with Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Maestro, and PLUS network foreign cards. Found in post offices across Japan — useful in rural areas where 7-Eleven is absent. Also available at all major airports in international terminal arrival halls. Open 24 hours at post offices in major cities; rural post offices may have limited hours (9 am–5 pm weekdays).
FamilyMart uses E-net ATMs and Lawson uses Lawson ATM Network — both accept most international Visa and Mastercard. Less universal than 7-Eleven but convenient when a 7-Eleven is not nearby. The English interface is available. Withdrawal fee is slightly higher: ¥220 during business hours, ¥330 evenings and weekends.
On arrival, exchange ¥30,000–50,000 at the airport counter (Travelex, airport bank counters) for a slightly worse rate but immediate liquidity. Narita and Haneda international terminals both have counters in the arrival hall, open until the last flight. Rates are 1–3% below the mid-market rate — acceptable for initial cash to cover transport to your hotel.
An IC card (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) is a rechargeable prepaid card that covers all trains, subways, buses, and domestic flights within the IC network. Charge it at any station machine or convenience store ATM. It now works at most convenience stores, some supermarkets, and vending machines. Buy a Suica from any JR East station or download the Suica app on iPhone (Apple Wallet integration available outside Japan too).
Major cashless platforms in Japan (2026): PayPay (QR code, most widely accepted at small restaurants and shops), nanaco (7-Eleven loyalty pay), Rakuten Pay, au PAY, LINE Pay. Visa/Mastercard tap-to-pay (contactless) now works at most convenience stores, drug stores, and major chain restaurants. However, many rural restaurants, traditional craft shops, and some temple admission counters remain cash-only.
Budget backpacker (hostel, convenience store meals, public transport): ¥3,000–5,000/day in cash. Mid-range tourist (hotel, local restaurants, day trips): ¥8,000–15,000/day. Luxury traveller (ryokan, kaiseki, taxis): ¥20,000–40,000/day. Keep a buffer of ¥20,000 for rural areas or emergencies. Withdraw from 7-Eleven ATMs in larger amounts (¥30,000–50,000 at once) to minimise ATM fees.
The mid-market USD/JPY rate (2026 range: ¥145–160) is the reference point. Airport counters offer 1–2% below mid-market. Bank exchange counters in city centres (around ¥1,000 commission) and authorised exchange desks at department stores are typically 0.5–1% below mid-market. 7-Eleven ATM withdrawals with a low-fee card (Wise, Revolut, Charles Schwab) cost approximately mid-market + 1.5–2% — often cheaper than cash exchange.
Western Union and MoneyGram both operate in Japan for emergency transfers. Major post offices accept international wire transfers. If your card is blocked, Citibank ATMs accept international cards and are located in major cities. Japan Post Bank customer service (0120-108-420, available in English on weekdays) can assist with emergency foreign card issues. Japan has essentially zero card fraud risk for theft — the greater risk is ATM fees.
7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank) are the most reliable — they accept all major international networks with an English interface. Japan Post Bank ATMs also work well. Avoid regular bank ATMs (MUFG, Mizuho) as most reject foreign cards.
Budget: ¥3,000–5,000/day. Mid-range: ¥8,000–15,000/day. Luxury: ¥20,000–40,000/day. Always carry a ¥10,000–20,000 buffer for cash-only shops, rural areas, and emergencies.
Exchange ¥20,000–30,000 at your home airport or bank for immediate arrival expenses (airport transport, first meal). Then use 7-Eleven ATMs for the rest — the rate is comparable and more convenient than seeking exchange counters.
Major cities and tourist sites increasingly accept Visa, Mastercard, and JCB. Convenience stores, chain restaurants, and department stores are reliably cashless-ready. Many small local restaurants, rural shops, ryokan, and some temples still require cash.
A Suica or PASMO card is a rechargeable prepaid card that works on all trains, subways, and buses in Japan, plus most convenience stores. It is essential — buy one at the airport on arrival.
Yes — 7-Eleven ATM fee: ¥110–220. FamilyMart/Lawson: ¥220–330. Your home bank adds 1.5–3% foreign transaction fee on top. Low-fee debit cards (Wise, Revolut, Charles Schwab) can reduce total fees to under 2%.