Money and payments guide

• Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry ¥10,000–20,000 cash for temples, small restaurants, markets and rural areas
• 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs reliably accept foreign cards
• IC cards and mobile wallets pay for trains, konbini and many shops
• Coins matter: keep ¥100 coins for lockers and shrines
• Always pay in yen if a card terminal offers a currency choice

Tax-free shopping

Visitors can buy goods tax-free (10% consumption tax) above ¥5,000 per store per day at participating shops — bring your passport. Japan is moving to a refund-at-departure system from November 2026, so check how it works for your travel dates.