Cash or card in Japan: what actually works?

Step by step

1. 01

   Where cards work

   City chains, konbini, stations, hotels, and large stores widely take card / IC / QR.

2. 02

   Where you still need cash

   Independent restaurants, stalls, small shrines, ticket machines, rural areas, and markets are still cash-first.

3. 03

   IC & QR

   IC cards like Suica are handy for small payments. QR apps like PayPay are also widespread.

4. 04

   Bottom line

   Lead with a card, but always keep a few man-yen in cash. That's the safe combo.

Next, you might wonder

• How much cash, and where to exchange?