Cash is King in Japan (Still True in 2025?)

By David Wright · Published September 12, 2025
Japanese yen notes and coins on a counter
Cash still rules daily life in Japan—always keep some yen in your wallet.
Did you know? Even in 2024, about 80% of consumer payments in Japan were still made in cash.

Japan is famous for its efficiency and tech, yet it remains a society where cash dominates. As a traveler, this has real implications: if you rely only on credit cards or mobile pay, you’ll quickly run into trouble.

Why cash still matters

  • Small shops & restaurants: Many neighborhood eateries and family-run ryokan accept only yen.
  • Rural Japan: Outside big cities, cash is often the only option.
  • Backup during outages: Typhoons, quakes, or system glitches can disable card networks—cash always works.

How much should you carry?

For a short-term visitor, carrying ¥20,000–30,000 (≈USD $130–200) is a safe baseline. Japan is extremely safe, and locals regularly carry larger sums without worry.

Where cards and apps do work

  • Hotels, department stores, and most chain restaurants.
  • Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart).
  • Transport via Suica/Pasmo in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
Pro tip: Use Japan Post ATMs (found in every town) to withdraw yen with foreign cards at the best rates.

Bottom line: Japan may be a tech powerhouse, but cash is still your passport to smooth daily travel. Keep yen handy, and you’ll never be caught off guard.