Carry yen cash, because JNTO calls Japan very much a cash-based society, plus a Visa, JCB or Mastercard credit card. Use an unlocked phone for a local SIM or rent pocket Wi-Fi, and pack for the season you travel in. Declare cash above one million yen when entering or leaving.
At a glance
Currency
Japanese yen (JPY)
Cash
Very much a cash-based society, per JNTO
Cards
Visa, JCB, Mastercard most accepted
Customs declaration
Above 1,000,000 yen in cash and similar
Phone
Must be unlocked for a SIM card
Packing checklist
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Documents
Clothes and footwear
Personal and health needs
Electronics
Money
Money and forex (JPY)
Rules checked 22 Oct 2026
Japan uses the yen (JPY). JNTO says you can exchange currency on arrival at the exchange points in the arrivals halls of all major airports.
Cash and cards
JNTO says Japan is very much a cash-based society, so keep cash on you. Credit cards issued overseas work at affiliated stores, and Visa, JCB and Mastercard are the most widely accepted. Many places in rural areas, including hotels, may accept only cash, so check ahead and carry some cash when you go to the countryside.
ATMs and fees
JNTO says ATMs often charge for withdrawals, the charge can vary with the time of day, not all ATMs are open 24 hours, and ATMs in central areas may run out of cash. Japan Post Bank ATMs, mostly in post offices, and Seven Bank ATMs, mainly in Seven Eleven stores, work with overseas cards and offer English.
Backup plan
Carry enough cash for each day and a second card. JNTO notes that smartphone payment apps used overseas, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, sometimes cannot be used in Japan.
SIM / eSIM
JNTO says Japan's major international airports provide free Wi-Fi within their terminals, and hotspots are common in major cities. It recommends pocket Wi-Fi rental for travel beyond those hotspots. Before renting, check the provider's coverage for your actual route and the plan conditions; do not treat a rental as an everywhere-coverage guarantee.
Backup connectivity
JNTO lists pocket Wi-Fi rental at all major airports or booked in advance and delivered to your hotel, and travel SIM cards sold at airports and electronics stores. Your phone must be unlocked to use a SIM card. Check Wi-Fi at smaller hotels and ryokan, which may not offer it.
