Credit, debit and prepaid cards of international brands are generally accepted throughout the country. There will be instances where stores may not display the symbols of the cards they accept, so ask the salesperson if you can use your card.
People Also Ask
The Takeaway. In Japan, you'll use a Suica (or Icoca) card for local transport and most small purchases, and a credit card for big purchases (hotels etc). But you still need Japanese cash for places that don't take cards.
Many taxis accept payment by credit card, and an increasing number accept payment by IC card, such as Suica. Stickers on the door often indicate accepted payment methods. When paying in cash, try to avoid paying small amounts with large bills. Tipping is not done in Japan.
The likelihood that credit cards are accepted decreases in small cities and towns, and thus it is advisable to keep cash at hand when visiting rural areas. Cash is often the only way to pay for small entrance fees at tourist sights, smaller restaurants and small shops. Many lockers also require coins.
Many taxis accept payment by credit card, and an increasing number accept payment by IC card, such as Suica. Stickers on the door often indicate accepted payment methods. When paying in cash, try to avoid paying small amounts with large bills. Tipping is not done in Japan.
Also, it can be difficult to use Japan's public transport system without cash, as you will almost always need it to recharge your IC card or to purchase a train ticket. That being said, I would say you should bring enough cash so that you have at least 10,000 yen of spending money per day.
You can avoid a credit card foreign transaction fee by either paying cash or using a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Most credit cards that do not charge a foreign transaction fee note it on their website, but you can also look at the credit card's terms and conditions page.
Credit cards are accepted at almost all hotels, ryokan (Japanese inns), hostels, and guest houses. You will pay by card when making an advance reservation.
Buy yen in the US by getting a travel money card, using a specialist foreign exchange service or your own bank, or picking up cash at the airport. The fees you pay for each service can vary widely, so do compare a few, looking carefully at both the commission charges and the exchange rates available.
DON'T: PAY TIPSJapan does not have a tipping culture and drivers neither expect nor accept money in excess of the fare displayed on the meter. They will not accept haggling either. Cash is the safest way to pay, though an increasing number of taxis now also take IC cards like Pasmo and Suica as well as credit cards.
Shorts, jeans, and camisoles are perfectly fine to wear as long as you don't plan on attending religious sites. While denim isn't a popular fashion choice for those beyond their teen years, black jeans are more acceptable due to their versatile nature.