Does Japan Take Credit Cards and What to Expect

So you're planning a trip to Japan and wondering if they take credit cards. The good news is that many places in Japan do accept credit cards, but there are some things you should know. Japan is slowly becoming more credit-card friendly, especially in larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

However, cash is still king in Japan, and you'll often find that cash is preferred over credit cards. In fact, some smaller shops and restaurants might not accept credit cards at all. So it's a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when traveling to rural areas or smaller towns.

You can expect to see a mix of credit card machines and cash-only signs at many businesses. Some restaurants and cafes might also have a minimum charge for credit card transactions, which can be around ¥500-¥1000.

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Credit cards are widely accepted in Japan, but getting one can be a challenge. Visa, Mastercard, and JCB are the most widely accepted cards in Japan, and you can apply directly to JCB or American Express.

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To get a credit card in Japan, you'll need to meet certain requirements, which include having a Visa to remain in Japan, a Japanese bank account, an inkan or personal seal, proof of address, and a certificate of employment.

Some merchants may refuse American Express because of the higher merchant fees, but JCB is generally accepted in places frequented by Japanese tourists outside of Japan. Anecdotally, Amazon cards, JCB cards, Rakuten, and American Express cards have a reputation to be easier to get.

If you're having trouble getting a credit card, you might consider applying for a co-branded card with a mileage program you already have. This could increase your chances of approval.

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In Japan, you can generally use credit cards at hotels, department stores, and some shops and restaurants.

Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, ryokan, hostels, and guest houses, and you'll often be asked to pay by card when making an advance reservation.

However, it's always a good idea to confirm with the establishment beforehand whether they accept credit cards, especially if they ask for onsite payment.

Cash is still king in many parts of Japan, especially at neighborhood restaurants, local markets, and in the countryside.

In fact, cash will probably be your only option when traveling in the Japanese countryside.

Japan has a unique approach to credit card usage, and it's essential to understand what to expect before your trip. Credit cards are not as widely accepted as you might think, especially outside of major cities and tourist areas.

Cash is still king in Japan, with 84% of people owning credit cards, but only 66% using them for electronic payments (Example 3). This means that many stores, especially individual-owned ones in the suburbs and countryside, prefer cash over credit cards.

You can use your credit card at most establishments selling high-end products, as well as at major stores and tourist areas in cities like Tokyo and Osaka (Example 5). However, some stores may not accept American Express or DinersClub cards, so it's always a good idea to check beforehand.

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Credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, ryokan, hostels, and guest houses, making it easy to pay for your accommodations (Example 7). However, some lodgings may only accept cash, so be sure to confirm their payment policies before making your reservation.

You can use your credit card to purchase Shinkansen tickets, but only for passenger, special-express, or unreserved seat tickets (Example 4). It's also worth noting that not all train stations have JR Ticket Offices that accept credit cards, so you may need to visit a major station to make a purchase.

If you're planning to use your credit card in Japan, it's a good idea to have a mix of cash and credit cards on hand, as you never know when you might need to pay with cash (Example 3). Major credit cards like VISA, MasterCard, and JCB are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to check with your bank to see if your card will work in Japan.

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Japan has a diverse range of alternative payment methods that are widely accepted, including cashless payment systems like Suica and Pasmo.

In Japan, cash is still king, but many businesses now accept mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. These services are widely accepted in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

If you're planning to travel to Japan, it's a good idea to load up your Suica or Pasmo card with some funds before you arrive, as it can be used to buy tickets on public transportation and make purchases at many shops and restaurants.

Prepaid and Gift cards are a great alternative to traditional credit cards.

You can pay money onto prepaid cards first, or buy a gift card with the amount already loaded.

We've tested prepaid cards ourselves, such as MobalPay and the Wise card.

For more information on prepaid cards and gift cards, see our guide to getting prepaid credit cards in Japan.

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If you're looking for alternatives to traditional credit cards, there are several options available. One popular alternative is mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, which use near-field communication (NFC) technology to make contactless payments.

These mobile wallets can be linked to your credit or debit card, making it easier to make transactions. Many merchants also offer rewards and discounts when you use these mobile wallets.

Some people prefer to use digital payment methods like PayPal or Venmo, which allow you to send and receive money online. These services often have lower fees compared to traditional credit cards.

Digital payment methods can be especially useful for online transactions or sending money to friends and family.

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