Using Credit Cards in Japan: What Works, What Doesn't (2025)

Japan has a reputation as a cash-dominant society — and while that's changing rapidly, it remains partially true. Here's the current state (as of 2025):

Where Cards Are Widely Accepted

• Hotels (virtually all major hotels)
• Department stores (Isetan, Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi)
• Large electronics retailers (Yodobashi, Bic Camera)
• Major restaurant chains (chain restaurants, not independents)
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson — accept Visa/Mastercard)
• JR ticket machines (major stations)
• Airports
• Tourist attractions (major museums, theme parks)

Where Cash Is Still Required or Common

• Small restaurants and ramen shops
• Local izakaya (居酒屋)
• Street food stalls and markets
• Small shrines and temples
• Taxis (increasingly accepting cards, but not always)
• Traditional ryokan (some)
• Local buses outside major cities
• Coin lockers

When choosing a card for Japan, prioritize:

• No foreign transaction fees: Most cards charge 2.5–3% on foreign purchases. Cards from Charles Schwab, Wise, Revolut, Chase Sapphire, and Capital One Venture typically have no foreign transaction fees.
• Visa or Mastercard network: These have the widest acceptance in Japan. American Express is accepted at major chains but not universally. Discover is poorly supported.
• Chip + PIN capability: Japan's card terminals largely use chip + signature, not chip + PIN. Most Western Visa/Mastercard chips work fine.
• Good ATM access: Japan's 7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank) accept Visa, Mastercard, and most international cards 24/7. Japan Post bank ATMs also accept international cards at many locations.

Finding ATMs that accept foreign cards is straightforward if you know where to look:

• 7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank): The most reliable option. Found inside every 7-Eleven convenience store. Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, and most international cards. Available 24/7. English interface available. Withdrawal limit varies by card, typically ¥100,000 per transaction.
• Japan Post Bank ATMs: Found at post offices. Accepts most international cards. Hours typically 9:00–17:00 weekdays, limited hours on weekends.
• Aeon Bank ATMs: Found in Aeon malls. Accepts most major international cards.
• Citibank Japan ATMs: Limited locations but 24/7 and accept most international cards.

Avoid: Japanese banks' own ATMs (Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, Mizuho) generally do NOT accept foreign cards.

Fees: Seven Bank charges approximately ¥110–220 per withdrawal for foreign cards. Your home bank may charge additional international ATM fees — check your card terms. Cards with ATM fee reimbursement (like Charles Schwab) can save significantly.

For transport and small purchases, Japan's IC (Integrated Circuit) rechargeable cards often work better than credit cards:

• Suica / Pasmo (Tokyo area): Load yen value, tap to pay on trains, buses, and convenience stores. Accepted everywhere with a "Suica/Pasmo" sticker.
• ICOCA (Osaka/Kyoto): Kansai equivalent. Also accepted in many other cities.
• Where accepted: All trains and buses in major cities, most convenience stores, some vending machines, some restaurants.
• Get one immediately: Purchase at airport train stations (Suica at Narita/Haneda) or any major JR station. ¥500 deposit (refundable).
• Apple/Google Pay Suica: You can add a Suica card to iPhone Wallet (works globally) or Google Pay. This eliminates the physical card — simply tap your phone or watch.

IC cards don't replace credit cards for hotels and restaurants, but they're far superior for daily transport and small purchases.

• Notify your bank before traveling: Japanese transactions can trigger fraud alerts. Notify your card issuer of your travel dates to prevent blocks.
• Decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): When paying with a foreign card at Japanese terminals, you may be offered to "pay in your home currency." Always decline — this applies a poor exchange rate. Pay in yen (JPY) always.
• Have a backup card: Bring at least two cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one doesn't work at a particular terminal.
• Large hotels accept card at check-in but may require pre-auth: Budget hotels and ryokan sometimes require cash payment — confirm before arrival.
• Keep your PIN active: While Japan mostly uses chip + signature, some self-service kiosks (JR ticketing machines) may require a PIN. Know yours.
• Contactless (NFC) payments: Visa/Mastercard contactless is now accepted at most convenience stores and major retailers. Apple Pay and Google Pay work well in Japan.