Cash, Cards and ATMs in Tokyo: A Money Guide for Visitors
A practical Tokyo money guide covering cash, credit cards, IC cards, ATMs, coins, receipts and payment etiquette.
Tokyo is modern and increasingly cashless, but cash is still useful. Visitors who assume they can use a credit card everywhere may be surprised by small restaurants, temple stalls, coin lockers, older shops or local ticket machines. The best money strategy is balanced: carry a card, use an IC card or mobile payment where practical, and keep enough yen for small situations.
Withdraw cash after arrival from a reliable ATM, often found at airports, post offices and major convenience stores. Do not withdraw your entire trip budget at once unless necessary. Tokyo is safe, but losing a wallet full of cash is still painful. A modest reserve of yen lets you handle ramen shops, local cafés, shrine offerings, small souvenirs and emergencies.
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, department stores, many restaurants, electronics shops and major attractions. Visa and Mastercard tend to be the safest options, while acceptance of other cards varies. Inform your bank before travel if needed and keep a backup card separate from your main wallet. Some payment terminals ask you to choose local currency or your home currency. In many cases, paying in yen and letting your own bank convert is better, but check your card terms.
IC cards are useful for more than trains. You may be able to pay for vending machines, convenience stores and small purchases with the same card you use for transport. This reduces coin clutter and speeds up daily movement. However, do not put all your money into a transit card unless you are sure you can use or refund the balance conveniently.
Coins are common in Japan. Carry a small coin pouch or use coins regularly at vending machines and small shops. When paying cash, place money on the tray if one is provided rather than pushing it directly into staff hands. Take your receipt unless you are clearly offered a choice.
For tax-free shopping, keep your passport and payment records organized. The more expensive your purchases, the more important it becomes to track receipts, store rules and airport procedures. A calm money system prevents last-day confusion.