Japan is more cash-dependent than comparable economies. Knowing where to get yen, when you need cash, and which ATMs work with foreign cards saves real frustration on arrival.
Japan has modernized its payment infrastructure significantly since 2020, and card acceptance is genuinely better than it was five years ago. But Japan still operates more cash-heavy than the US, Canada, Australia, or Europe. Many restaurants, temple admissions, local markets, and traditional establishments are cash only. Coming prepared matters.
The Currency
Japan’s currency is the Japanese yen (JPY, symbol: ¥). Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 yen. Banknotes: 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 yen. A 1,000-yen note is roughly 9-11 CAD at 2026 exchange rates.
The 500 yen coin is the most useful denomination for vending machines. The 10,000-yen note (the largest) is widely accepted but may cause issues at very small shops early in the day, before they have change.
Best Way to Get Yen
7-Eleven ATMs (Most Reliable)
7-Eleven ATMs in Japan reliably accept virtually every foreign Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and Cirrus card. The interface has an English language option. The fee is typically 110 to 220 yen per withdrawal, plus whatever your home bank charges for foreign ATM use. Available 24 hours at any 7-Eleven convenience store.
First priority on arrival: Find a 7-Eleven at Narita or Haneda airport arrivals and withdraw 30,000 yen before doing anything else.
Japan Post ATMs
Post office ATMs also reliably accept foreign cards. Usually open during post office hours 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays, limited weekend hours) rather than 24 hours.
Convenience Store ATMs Generally
Lawson and FamilyMart also have ATMs that accept many foreign cards. 7-Eleven is the most universally reliable,ble but Lawson is a good backup.
Bank ATMs (Avoid for Foreign Cards)
Most Japanese bank branch ATMs do not accept foreign cards. This includes major banks like Mizuho, SMBC, and Mitsubishi UFJ. Do not waste time at a bank ATM if you see a 7-Eleven nearby.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange counters exist at airports, some post offices, and foreign exchange bureaus. Rates are generally worse than ATM withdrawal rates. Use ATMs for better exchange rates in most cases. Exception: some specialist exchange bureaus in Tokyo’s tourist areas offer competitive rates for large amounts.
Card Acceptance in Japan
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most department stores, chain restaurants, convenience stores, and tourist-facing businesses. American Express is accepted at upscale establishments. The situations where cards are often not accepted:
- Small neighbourhood restaurants
- Traditional izakayas
- Temple and shrine admission fees
- Local markets and food stalls
- Vending machines (though the Suica card now works at most)
- Some taxis (though payment terminals are becoming more common)
The rule of thumb: carry 20,000 to 30,000 yen at all times. Top up at 7-Eleven when you drop to 10,000 yen.
Suica Card for Daily Transactions
The Suica IC card is not just for transport. It works at:
- Every convenience store (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
- Most vending machines
- Many restaurants and cafes
- Taxis in major cities
- Station shops and kiosks
Top up your Suica at any train station machine or convenience store. This reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash for small daily transactions. See the Suica guide for setup.
Tipping
Do not tip in Japan, not at restaurants, not in taxis, not for guides. Tipping is not part of Japanese service culture and can cause discomfort. Pay the bill amount exactly.
Tax
Japan’s consumption tax is 10 percent (8 percent for food and beverages eaten off-premises). The displayed price at most shops is tax-inclusive. Some duty-free shops quote pre-tax prices for eligible visitors showing a foreign passport.
Tax Refund for Tourists
Foreign visitors can claim consumption tax refunds on purchases over 5,000 yen at registered tax-free shops. Show your passport at the register. The refund is processed immediately, and the tax is deducted. You may be required to declare the items at departure if asked. Most major department stores and electronics retailers are tax-free eligible.
How Much Cash to Carry
Daily recommendation: 20,000 to 30,000 yen. This covers meals, transport, cash payments, temple admissions, and unexpected cash-only situations for a full day.
Before major travel days (Shinkansen, day trips): Top up to at least 20,000 yen at a 7-Eleven the night before.
For rural areas or traditional inns (ryokan): Carry more. Rural Japan is significantly more cash-dependent than Tokyo.
See the Japan travel budget guide for daily cost estimates across all categories.
