The Complete Guide for Foreign Travelers
Planning a trip to Japan?
While it’s one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, Japan’s payment culture may surprise you.
This guide will help you navigate where and how you can use credit cards in Japan — and when cash is still essential.
Where Are Credit Cards Accepted in Japan?
As of 2023, about 63% of merchants in Japan accept credit cards. That means nearly two out of three shops, restaurants, and services support card payments, especially in urban areas and tourist hubs.
Places where credit cards are commonly accepted:
- Hotels and modern-style ryokan
- Department stores and shopping malls
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, etc.)
- Chain restaurants and cafés
- Supermarkets and electronics stores
- Train station kiosks and major museums
💡 In urban areas, you can expect smooth card payments at most of these places.
Places where cards may not be accepted:
- Small, family-run restaurants or local shops
- Street vendors and souvenir stalls in tourist areas
- Traditional inns (ryokan) and religious sites (temples/shrines)
- Businesses in rural or remote areas
- Some taxis (though many now support cards)
💡 Acceptance can vary, even within the same category. If in doubt, check for card logos near the entrance or ask before ordering.
What Types of Cards Work Best?
Visa and Mastercard are the most universally accepted brands in Japan.
JCB, Japan’s own card network, is accepted almost everywhere domestically.
American Express (AMEX) also works well in many stores, especially because of a partnership with JCB. In fact, many shops that accept JCB will also accept AMEX.
💳 Author’s note: I personally use AMEX as my main card in Japan and have never encountered a store that accepts credit cards but refused AMEX.
How to Use Your Credit Card in Stores
In most cases, simply showing your card to the cashier is enough — especially in supermarkets or small local shops. You don’t need to say anything in Japanese or English.
Depending on the store and the system used:
Contactless (tap-to-pay) is becoming more common
You may need to sign or enter a PIN
For small purchases, authentication may not be required
Real Travel Tips: My Experience in Japan
- I use my credit card for almost everything — from convenience stores and cafés to train tickets and hotels.
- However, when traveling to rural areas or small local eateries, I’ve encountered cash-only policies more often.
- One time, a restaurant displayed card logos at the entrance, but their card reader was temporarily out of order, and I had to use a nearby convenience store ATM to get cash.
- Another time, a shopping mall’s card terminals went down system-wide, and staff politely asked customers to wait or pay in cash.
💡 Tip: Always carry some cash just in case cards are not accepted or the machine is out of order.
When Things Don’t Go As Planned – My Real Card Experiences in Japan
While credit cards are widely accepted in Japan, things don’t always go smoothly.
Let me share some real-life situations I’ve experienced — and what I did to handle them.
🟠 The Machine Was “Out of Order” After I Ate
I once visited a large chain restaurant in a major city. They had credit card logos displayed at the entrance, so I assumed everything was fine.
After finishing my meal, I handed over my card at the register — but the staff told me their card reader was out of order. I hadn’t brought much cash with me and started to panic.
Luckily, there was a convenience store just next door. I went inside, withdrew cash from the ATM, and came back to pay.
It was a bit of a shock, but everything worked out thanks to the nearby ATM.
🟠 System Down at a Shopping Mall
Another time, I was shopping at a major mall in Osaka. An announcement came over the speakers:
“Credit card payments are currently unavailable due to a system issue. Please wait or pay in cash.”
It wasn’t just one shop — the entire card system in the building was down. Some people had to put things back or leave the store.
Since I always keep a small amount of yen on me just in case, I was able to pay in cash and continue my day.
💡 Tip: Keep some cash on hand, even in big cities. Machines can break. Systems can fail.
✅ Final Thought
Japan is safe, helpful, and convenient — but even with modern systems, card payments can fail for reasons you can’t control.
If you’re prepared with:
- A reliable international card (Visa/Mastercard)
- Knowledge of where to find an ATM (convenience stores, post offices)
- A small backup stash of cash
…you’ll be just fine.
Plan Your Trip with Confidence
Credit cards are increasingly accepted across Japan — but not everywhere.
By knowing where they work and when to carry cash, you’ll travel with less stress and more freedom.
