Should I take a lot of cash to 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.



People Also Ask

Overall, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day in Japan, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $150 to $250 per day. It's important to plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you.

MORE DETAILS

Japan is a cash society, but credit cards and debit cards are accepted in most places in Japanese cities. Establishments such as local restaurants, markets and rural inns (ryokans) are cash-only. In the places where you can use your card, you may have issues if your card doesn't have your name on the front.

MORE DETAILS

Payments using smartphones The most commonly accepted contactless payment smartphone apps or QR code payment methods are PayPay, LinePay, Rpay (Rakuten Pay) and MerPay.

MORE DETAILS

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. This will be enough to cover any transportation fees and cash-only establishments you visit, provided you also have your debit/credit card to cover the rest of your expenses (e.g. accommodation).

MORE DETAILS

Cash-based country For years, Japan was primarily a cash economy. People preferred physical banknotes over cashless transactions. In fact, back in 2021 cashless payments were just 15.1% of total transactions and only rising slowly. Comparatively, in the UK this statistic was 27% in the same year.

MORE DETAILS

In general, a meal at a local eatery or fast food chain can range from 500 to 1,000 yen (approximately $5-$10 USD), while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost 1,000 to 3,000 yen (approximately $10-$30 USD), and a high-end restaurant can cost upwards of 10,000 yen (approximately $100 USD) per person.

MORE DETAILS

Maybe - it depends on you. If you want to eat in higher end restaurants, or take the Bullet Train to a lot of other places, no. But if you don't mind buying things like Convenience Store sandwiches for dinner (like I do most nights) or eating in neighhborhood Tonkatsu or Katsudon restaurants, then it could be enough.

MORE DETAILS