For first-time travelers to Japan, the most common question before departure is about payment methods.
"Can I just bring my card?" vs. "Should I exchange a lot of cash?"
I also searched for a long time with this dilemma on my first trip to Japan.
But when you actually go, it's really confusing.
Convenience stores accept cards, but when I went into a soba shop, they said "Cash only." Vending machines only take coins, and street takoyaki stalls don't take cards either.
On days with a lot of luggage, having a handful of coins, a card, and my phone was really frustrating.
Nowadays, with travel cards (Travelog, Travel Wallet, etc.) and QR payments like Kakao Pay and Naver Pay, there are too many options, making it even more confusing.
But if you break it down, it's surprisingly simple. You just need to know which payment method is right for each situation.
So, in this article, I've summarized four payment methods for Japan travel (cash, travel card, IC card, QR Pay) comparison, the difference between Travelog vs. Travel Wallet, how much cash to bring, and where cards are not accepted, all based on practical experience.
If you read this once before you go, you won't get lost with payments even on days with a lot of luggage.
📑 Table of Contents
- How Japan's Payment Environment Differs from Korea's
- Four Payment Methods at a Glance
- Travelog vs. Travel Wallet: The Decisive Difference
- How to Use IC Cards (Suica, ICOCA)
- Kakao Pay and Naver Pay QR Payments
- How Much Cash Should You Bring?
- Places That Don't Accept Cards: Know Before You Go
- Optimal Payment Method by Situation
- Solving the Coin Accumulation Problem
- Payment Method Checklist Before Departure
💳 How Japan's Payment Environment Differs from Korea's
Korea and Japan have completely different payment cultures.
| Item | Korea | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Card Payment | Almost all stores | Varies by store |
| Cash Usage Frequency | Low | Still high |
| QR/Pay Payment | Kakao/Naver Pay, etc. commonplace | PayPay-centric, limited for foreigners |
| Transit Card Usage | T-Money payment possible | IC card nationwide network + in-store payment |
| Vending Machines | Many accept cards | Cash/IC card centric |
| Small Businesses | Card payment mandatory | Many places accept cash only |
| Coin Usage | Rarely used | Everyday |
💡 Key Point: In Japan, "payment methods vary by store"
In Korea, one card is enough for payment anywhere, but in Japan, the accepted methods vary by store.
- Convenience stores: Almost all cards, QR, IC cards, cash possible
- Department stores, chain stores: Cards all OK
- Private restaurants, markets: Many places accept cash only
- Vending machines: IC card or cash
- Street vending machines: Coins + 1000 yen bills only
💡 Changes After COVID-19
After COVID-19, cashless payments have also rapidly spread in Japan.
- Convenience stores, chain restaurants, drugstores → Card payments almost all OK
- Tokyo, Osaka city center → Over 90% accept cards
- However, privately run restaurants, markets, and small ryokans still prefer cash
💡 Special Notes for Foreign Travelers
- PayPay (Japan's #1 QR) → Requires a Japanese bank account, difficult for foreigners to use
- Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Toss Pay → Usable at Alipay+ affiliated stores
- JCB credit card → Most widely accepted in Japan
- Contactless credit card → Some public transportation also possible (separate gates)
On my first trip to Japan, I went thinking "cards will be accepted everywhere like in Korea," but I was surprised when convenience stores accepted them, but a soba shop said "cash only." That's when I realized the importance of combining payment methods.
🎯 Four Payment Methods at a Glance
Four main payment methods used in Japan.
| Method | Pros | Cons | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash (Yen) | Accepted everywhere | Heavy, coins accumulate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Travel Card | No fees, favorable exchange rates | Limited merchants | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| IC Card (Suica, etc.) | Transit + convenience store all-rounder | Requires top-up, deposit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| QR Payment (Kakao/Naver Pay) | Only need phone | Limited acceptance | ⭐⭐⭐ |
💡 Recommended Combination (Practical)
The most common combination for travelers:
- 1 Travel Card (for main payments)
- 1 IC Card (Suica or ICOCA, for transit + small amounts)
- 20,000-30,000 yen cash (for small businesses, mainly 1000 yen bills)
- Kakao/Naver/Toss Pay (QR as backup)
With this combination of four, you can pay anywhere in Japan.
💡 Recommended Combination for Days with Lots of Luggage
To keep your hands free when carrying a suitcase:
- Integrate IC card + QR Pay into 1 phone
- Keep travel card in a small card wallet
- Leave cash at the hotel and carry only the minimum
On days with a lot of luggage, I only carry my phone + 1 travel card. I add my IC card to Apple Pay on my phone to handle everything with just my phone.
💎 Travelog vs. Travel Wallet: The Decisive Difference
This is the biggest dilemma among Korean travelers.
🥇 Travelog (Hana Card)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Payment Network | Mastercard or UnionPay |
| Free ATM | Seven-Eleven (25,000 nationwide) |
| Exchange Currencies | 58 countries |
| Exchange Rate Discount | 100% |
| Account Linkage | Hana Bank account required |
| Withdrawal Limit | $6,000 per day / $10,000 per month |
| Popularity | #1 for Japan travelers |
Pros:
- Seven-Eleven ATMs are everywhere in Japan → Very convenient for cash withdrawals
- 100% exchange rate discount, best value for money
- Many Korean travelers to Japan use it
Cons:
- Requires opening a Hana Bank account if you don't have one
- Travel Wallet may be more advantageous for some countries outside Japan
🥈 Travel Wallet
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Payment Network | Visa |
| Free ATM | AEON ATM (4,600 nationwide) |
| Exchange Currencies | USD, EUR, JPY no fees, some others with fees |
| Account Linkage | All bank accounts |
| Withdrawal Limit | $400 per transaction / $1,000 per day / $2,000 per month |
| Withdrawal over $500/month | 2% fee |
| Special Feature | Fukuoka Subway transit card compatible |
Pros:
- Can be linked to any bank account
- Direct boarding on Fukuoka subway possible
- More advantageous for Southeast Asia travel
Cons:
- AEON ATMs are hard to find (many in city outskirts)
- Low withdrawal limit ($2,000 per month)
- 2% fee for withdrawals over $500 per month
🥉 Toss Bank Foreign Currency Account
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Exchange Fee | Lifetime free |
| Payment Network | Toss Check Card (Mastercard) |
| Feature | Automatic top-up if insufficient funds |
| Airport ATM | Free ATM locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo |
Pros:
- Lifetime free exchange fees
- No worries about insufficient balance with automatic top-up
- Airport free ATM guidance service
Cons:
- Requires checking partner ATMs for withdrawals
- Limited ATM network in Japan compared to Travelog/Wallet
🏅 Shinhan SOL Travel & Kookmin Travelers
- Shinhan SOL Travel: Overseas payment + ATM withdrawal combined $10,000 per day / $20,000 per month, airport lounge benefits
- Kookmin Travelers: Usable at Seven-Eleven ATMs, 2 free withdrawals per day / 10 per month
💡 BEST Choice for Japan Travelers
1st: Travelog - Seven-Eleven ATMs are the most common in Japan, making cash withdrawals overwhelmingly convenient
2nd: Toss Bank - Lifetime free exchange fees
3rd: Travel Wallet - Recommended for those going to Fukuoka
💡 Recommended Combination
The safest combination:
- Main: Travelog
- Backup: Travel Wallet or Toss Bank
- Carry two cards in case one is lost
I carry Travelog + Travel Wallet (2 cards). I use AEON ATMs when Seven-Eleven ATMs are not visible, and if neither is available, I withdraw from a regular ATM even if it means paying a fee. Having a backup gives me peace of mind in case a card is lost.
🚇 How to Use IC Cards (Suica, ICOCA)
Japan travel's all-purpose key. Integrated transit + payment.
🎴 Types of IC Cards
| Card | Issuing Region |
|---|---|
| Suica | Tokyo, Kanto (JR East) |
| PASMO | Tokyo, Kanto (Private Railways) |
| ICOCA | Osaka, Kansai (JR West) |
| PiTaPa | Osaka, Kansai |
| Kitaca | Hokkaido |
| TOICA | Nagoya |
| manaca | Nagoya |
Compatible nationwide - You can buy a Suica in Tokyo and use it in Osaka.
💳 What You Can Do with an IC Card
- Ride trains and buses (nationwide)
- Pay at convenience stores (Seven-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, etc.)
- Pay at vending machines
- Pay at restaurants (most chain stores)
- AEON Mall, Don Quijote, and other shopping malls
🌸 Regular Suica vs. Welcome Suica
| Item | Regular Suica | Welcome Suica |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Green (Penguin) | Red (Cherry Blossom) |
| Target | Residents, long-term stays | Short-term travelers |
| Deposit | 500 yen | None |
| Validity Period | Unlimited | 28 days |
| Balance Refund | Possible | Not possible |
Recommended for travelers: Welcome Suica (No deposit, no refund process)
Recommended for long-term residents: Regular Suica
📱 Add to Apple Pay/Google Pay
You can add an IC card to your iPhone or Android:
- iPhone: Add Suica, PASMO, ICOCA in Apple Wallet
- Android: Add Suica in Google Pay
- Top-up with credit/debit card
- No card issuance process, can be issued instantly
💡 How to Top Up an IC Card
- Top up at JR station vending machines (cash or IC card)
- Top up at convenience store counters (cash only)
- Top-up units: 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 10,000 yen
- Maximum top-up amount: 20,000 yen
💡 Contactless Credit Cards (Separate Gates)
Some subways now allow direct boarding with contactless credit cards:
- Indicated at separate gates
- No top-up required
- However, it's a different terminal from the IC card terminal, so don't get confused
I added ICOCA to my iPhone and use my phone for all payments on Osaka subway, convenience stores, and vending machines. Just tap my phone without taking out my wallet, it's really convenient.
📱 Kakao Pay and Naver Pay QR Payments
Surprisingly useful payment methods for Korean travelers.
🎯 Available Pay Services
| Pay Service | Status | Where to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Kakao Pay | Launched in Japan | Alipay+ stores |
| Naver Pay | Partially affiliated | Alipay+ stores |
| Toss Pay | Alipay+ linked | Alipay+ stores |
💡 What is an Alipay+ Store?
Korean payment apps can be used at stores with the Alipay+ sign in Japan:
- Airport duty-free shops
- Convenience stores (Seven-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
- Drugstores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Don Quijote, etc.)
- Department stores (Isetan, Daimaru, etc.)
- Chain restaurants (Yoshinoya, Sukiya, etc.)
📲 How to Use (Kakao Pay Standard)
- Open KakaoTalk app
- Kakao Pay menu → Barcode Payment
- Tell the store staff "Alipay" or "QR Payment"
- Staff scans barcode
- Payment complete (immediately converted to Korean Won)
💡 Advantages of QR Payment
- No need to take out card (just phone)
- No coin/change handling
- Exchange rates similar to travel cards
- Payment details immediately confirmed via KakaoTalk
💡 Limitations of QR Payment
- PayPay is difficult for Koreans to use (requires Japanese bank account)
- Privately run restaurants rarely accept it
- Cannot be used where there is no Alipay+ sign
- Fewer affiliated stores in rural areas/small cities
💡 Recommended Usage
- Travel card for main payments
- QR Pay as backup for frequent convenience store/drugstore use
- Use QR when you don't want to deal with change
I often use Kakao Pay at convenience stores and drugstores. Payment takes only 5 seconds, and I get a receipt via KakaoTalk immediately, which makes managing my expenses easy.
💴 How Much Cash Should You Bring?
This is a really confusing part. Too little is inconvenient, too much is heavy.
💰 Recommended Cash Amount (Based on 3 nights, 4 days)
| Travel Style | Recommended Cash per Person |
|---|---|
| Card-centric | 20,000-30,000 yen |
| Balanced | 30,000-50,000 yen |
| Cash-preferred | 50,000-80,000 yen |
| Rural/Traditional focus | 80,000-100,000 yen |
5,000-10,000 yen per person per day is a general guideline.
💡 Exchange vs. Local ATM Withdrawal
Exchange in Korea:
- Plenty of time before departure
- Can compare exchange rates
- However, disadvantageous if you don't get exchange rate discounts
Local ATM withdrawal:
- Free withdrawal with travel card
- Good exchange rate discounts
- Convenience store ATMs are 24 hours
Recommendation: Exchange some in Korea + ATM if needed locally
💡 Recommended Bill Composition
For 30,000 yen exchange for 3 nights, 4 days:
- 20 x 1,000 yen bills (20,000 yen) - most commonly used
- 1 x 5,000 yen bill (5,000 yen)
- 0-1 x 10,000 yen bill (only for making change)
Key: Maximize 1,000 yen bills!
⚠️ Few places accept 10,000 yen bills
Small restaurants or shops may refuse 10,000 yen bills due to lack of change:
- Street stalls
- Small cafes
- Markets
- NO 10,000 yen for small payments
💡 Korea → Japan Exchange Tips
- Hana Bank mobile exchange (free when using Travelog)
- Toss Bank foreign currency account (lifetime free exchange fees)
- Airport exchange offices have the worst rates (best to avoid)
- Utilize bank exchange rate discount coupons
💡 If You Run Out of Cash in Japan
Use Seven-Eleven ATMs:
- Open 24 hours
- English/Korean support
- Free withdrawals with Travelog/Kookmin Travelers
- Can withdraw in 10,000 yen units
I only exchange 30,000 yen for a 3-night, 4-day trip and use Seven-Eleven ATMs if I run out. No need to carry heavy cash.
🚫 Places That Don't Accept Cards: Know Before You Go
This is really important. Places where cards are not accepted.
❌ Typical Places That Don't Accept Cards
1️⃣ Traditional Markets
- Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market
- Osaka: Kuromon Market
- Kyoto: Nishiki Market
- Many individual stalls accept cash only
2️⃣ Street Food
- Dotonbori takoyaki stalls
- Shinjuku yakitori
- Okonomiyaki stalls
- Small payments are almost always cash
3️⃣ Privately Run Restaurants
- Small ramen shops (especially ticket vending machine restaurants)
- Local soba/udon shops
- Old-established restaurants
- No card terminals at all
4️⃣ Small Ryokans/Guesthouses
- Family-run ryokans
- Rural guesthouses
- Hostels
- Must confirm payment method before check-in
5️⃣ Shrines/Temples
- Entrance fees
- Omamori (charms)
- Goshuin (stamp books)
- All cash
6️⃣ Vending Machines (Most)
- Street vending machines
- IC card or cash only
- Do not accept 1 yen/5 yen coins
🗾 Regions with Particularly Many Places That Don't Accept Cards
- Kyoto Sannenzaka near Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Most traditional shops are cash only
- Tokyo Shinjuku alley ramen shops/izakayas - Ticket vending machines
- Dotonbori street food stalls - Cash only
- Small cities/rural restaurants - Almost no cards
💡 How to Check if Cards Are Accepted
Check stickers at the store entrance/counter:
- VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX logos
- iD, QUICPay, PayPay signs
- Alipay+ sign (QR payment possible)
- AEON, Rakuten, Credit Saison, etc. Japanese card company logos
🗣️ How to Ask in Japanese
- "Kurejitto ka-do tsukaemasuka?" (クレジットカードつかえますか?)
- = Can I use a credit card?
- "Ka-do de onegaishimasu" (カードでお願いします)
- = Card, please
- "Ishi ka-do" (ICカード)
- = IC card (Suica, ICOCA, etc.)
I once went to a ramen shop in a Shinjuku alley in Tokyo and was flustered because I couldn't insert my card into the ticket vending machine. These places definitely require cash. As you go to smaller cities, more places won't accept cards, so bring cash.
🎯 Optimal Payment Method by Situation
The right answer for common situations during your trip.
🛒 Convenience Stores (Seven-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
All methods possible OK:
- Travel Card ✅
- IC Card ✅
- Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Toss Pay ✅
- Cash ✅
Recommendation: Travel Card or IC Card (fast)
🍜 Chain Restaurants (Yoshinoya, Ichiran, Sushiro, etc.)
- Travel Card ✅
- IC Card ✅
- QR Pay some ✅
- Cash ✅
Recommendation: Travel Card
🍱 Privately Run Restaurants
- Travel Card ❌ (most)
- IC Card ❌
- QR Pay ❌
- Cash only
Recommendation: Pay with 1,000 yen bills
🚇 Trains/Subways
- IC Card (Suica, ICOCA) ✅
- Contactless Credit Card ✅ (some)
- Travel Card ❌ (mostly not accepted)
- Cash: Purchase single-use tickets
Recommendation: IC Card (add to Apple Pay/Google Pay)
🚌 City Buses
- IC Card ✅
- Cash ✅
- Card ❌
Recommendation: IC Card (no change handling)
🥤 Vending Machines
- IC Card ✅ (most)
- Cash ✅
- Card ❌
- QR ❌ (some possible)
Recommendation: IC Card (to avoid 1 yen change from 1,000 yen bills)
🛍️ Department Stores/Shopping Malls
All methods possible:
- Travel Card ✅
- JCB Card ✅ (lounge and other benefits)
- IC Card ✅
- QR Pay ✅
- Cash ✅
Recommendation: Travel Card (for large amounts)
🛕 Shrines/Temples
- Cash only (most)
- Small amounts (300-500 yen)
Recommendation: Save up 100 yen coins
🏪 Drugstores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Don Quijote, etc.)
All methods possible:
- Travel Card ✅
- QR Pay ✅ (Alipay+ applicable)
- IC Card ✅
- Cash ✅
Recommendation: QR Pay (many point refund events)
🏨 Hotels
- Travel Card ✅
- Credit Card ✅
- Cash ✅
Recommendation: Travel Card (convenient for deposit handling)
🪙 Solving the Coin Accumulation Problem
Every Japan traveler's dilemma. Coins endlessly accumulate in your pocket.
💡 Why Do Coins Accumulate?
Japanese prices include consumption tax, so:
- Awkward prices like 348 yen, 528 yen, 1,073 yen
- If you only pay with 1,000 yen bills like in Korea, change piles up
- 5 yen and 1 yen coins are the biggest headache
🎯 How to Use Up Coins
1️⃣ Vending Machines
- Put all your coins into beverage vending machines
- Primarily use 100 yen coins
- However, machines do not accept 1 yen or 5 yen coins
2️⃣ Small Payments at Convenience Stores
- When paying, offer coins to the staff first
- Something like, "I'll use these first."
3️⃣ IC Card Top-up
- Can top up with a mix of coins and bills in 1,000 yen units
- Process coins all at once
4️⃣ Shrine/Temple Offerings (Saisen)
- 5 yen coins (ご縁 = sounds like "good fortune")
- Throw 100 yen coins
5️⃣ Coin Exchange Machines (Airports)
- Some airports have coin exchange machines
- Haneda, Kansai airports, etc.
- Convert change to Korean Won or donate
💡 Coin Purse is Essential
- Bring a small coin purse separately
- Prepare it in Korea beforehand
- Can also buy at Daiso
⚠️ Beware of 1 Yen and 5 Yen Coins
- Vending machines do not accept them
- Ticket vending machines do not accept them
- Can only be used when paying directly to staff
- Use them up at airport exchange machines on your last day
💡 Reduce Coins by Using Cards/QR
The most realistic solution:
- Use card/QR for smaller amounts
- Under 1,000 yen = Card/IC Card/QR
- Avoid getting 1 yen coins from the start
At first, I ignored coins, and on my last day, I had almost 100,000 won worth of coins, which was so heavy. Now, I pay even small amounts with my IC card, so I hardly get any coins.
📋 Payment Method Checklist Before Departure
✅ Get a travel card (recommended 1 week before departure)
✅ If using Travelog, open a Hana Bank account
✅ Prepare an IC card (add Suica to Apple Pay/Google Pay)
✅ Activate overseas payment for Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Toss Pay
✅ Exchange 20,000-30,000 yen cash for 3 nights, 4 days (mainly 1,000 yen bills)
✅ Bring a coin purse
✅ Prepare 1 backup card
✅ Check Japanese ATM locations for your card issuer in advance (app)
✅ Memorize Japanese payment phrases ("Kurejitto ka-do tsukaemasuka?")
✅ 1 credit card for hotel deposits
📚 More Detailed Official Information
Official information related to Japan travel can be found below.
- JNTO Japan National Tourism Organization Official Korean Website
- Visit Japan Web (Japan Entry Procedures)
JNTO is the official Japanese government tourism website, providing information on all aspects of Japan travel, transportation, and cashless payment in Korean. Visit Japan Web is an entry declaration and customs declaration pre-registration service operated by Japan's Digital Agency, which can significantly save time upon entry. It's a good idea to check it out before you depart.
💳 At the Payment Counter
Japan travel payments are surprisingly simple once you know them.
- Main payment → Travelog (utilize Seven-Eleven ATMs)
- Transit + small amounts → IC card (Suica, ICOCA, added to Apple Pay)
- Convenience stores, drugstores → Kakao/Naver Pay for quick payments
- Private restaurants, shrines → Cash (mainly 1,000 yen bills)
- Cash amount → 20,000-30,000 yen for 1 person, 3 nights, 4 days
On my first trip to Japan, I exchanged 100,000 yen in cash and didn't even use half of it. Now, I handle almost everything with 1 travel card + IC card (phone) + Kakao Pay. Cash is just for emergencies, about 20,000 yen.
On your next trip to Japan, try carrying just your phone + 1 travel card on days with a lot of luggage.
Convenience stores with IC cards, restaurants with travel cards, and streets with cash — using different methods for different situations is a small trick for Japan travel.
At the payment counter, finding the right combination for you will make payments really fast.