Money in Japan: Cash, Cards and How to Withdraw Yen

Japan is famously safe and convenient, but its payment habits can surprise first-time visitors. A little preparation goes a long way.

Cash still matters

Cashless payment is growing fast, but cash is still important, especially at small restaurants, local shops, temples and shrines, and in rural areas. Carry some yen with you at all times.

Withdrawing yen with a foreign card

Two networks are known for reliably accepting overseas cards:

• 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs — found in almost every 7-Eleven convenience store, with an English menu.
• Japan Post Bank ATMs — found at post offices and some other locations.

These usually offer an English interface and accept major international cards. Check your own bank's foreign-withdrawal fees before you travel.

Cards and QR payments

• Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, department stores and chain restaurants.
• IC cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.) are handy for small purchases at convenience stores and vending machines.
• QR-code apps such as PayPay are common, though many require a Japanese account.

Tax-free shopping — the rules change on 1 November 2026

Short-term visitors can shop free of Japan's consumption tax (10%, or 8% on food and non-alcoholic drinks) at licensed tax-free stores. Always carry your actual passport — a photo or photocopy is not accepted.

Until 31 October 2026 (current system)

• Minimum spend of ¥5,000 before tax, at the same store on the same day.
• Goods are split into general goods (clothing, electronics, souvenirs) and consumables (food, drinks, cosmetics, medicine). Consumables are capped at ¥500,000 per trip and are sealed in a special bag that must stay unopened until you leave Japan.
• The tax is deducted or refunded at the shop, so you pay the tax-free price on the spot.

From 1 November 2026 (new refund system)

• You pay the full tax-inclusive price in the shop and claim the refund when you leave Japan.
• The general goods / consumables split is abolished, the ¥500,000 cap is removed, and the sealed-packaging rule disappears — so you can actually use what you buy while you are still travelling.
• The ¥5,000 minimum stays. Purchases must be made within 90 days of your departure, and you must be carrying the items with you when you leave.
• At the airport you complete the procedure at a customs terminal (or via Visit Japan Web) before you check in, then the refund is paid by the method the store arranged.

In practice: keep every tax-free receipt, and never put tax-free purchases into checked baggage before finishing the customs procedure. Confirm the current details on Japan Customs' or the National Tax Agency's official site close to your trip.

No tipping

There is no tipping culture in Japan. Good service is standard, and leaving extra money can cause confusion. A polite thank-you is all that is expected.

In short: keep some cash on hand, know where the 7-Eleven and post office ATMs are, and you will rarely be caught out.