Personal Finance Tips

Top payment methods in Japan: A guide on best ways to pay

Nicholas Chia

25.08.25

Read time 2 minutes

Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Japan? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.

Japan, with a population of around 123.29 million people, has a GDP of approximately 4.19 trillion, making it the 5th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).

The world's third-largest economy is driven by advanced manufacturing (automotive, electronics), services, and technology. It has strong trade integrations through the CPTPP and maintains crucial economic partnerships with the United States and China.


Country	Japan
Population	123.29 million
GDP (USD)	4.19 trillion
Global Ranking	5th
Currency	Japanese Yen (JPY)

What is the main payment method in Japan?

Japan remains a heavily cash-reliant society, where the physical Yen is valued for its reliability, speed, and cultural acceptance.¹ The most popular non-cash method is the credit card, which is widely used for online shopping and at retail stores.² The QR code payment market is highly competitive and growing, with services like PayPay, Line Pay, and Rakuten Pay using frequent promotions to drive adoption for in-store payments.

How to pay in Japan

Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Japan.

Payment method	Description	Type
Wise	Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies.	Online/in-person
Cash (Japanese Yen)	Japan has a strong attachment to cash, which is still a preferred and very widely used payment method for all types of transactions, valued for its reliability and acceptance.¹	In-person
Credit Cards (JCB, Visa, Mastercard)	Credit cards are a major payment method, especially for larger purchases and online. JCB is the dominant domestic card brand, alongside Visa and Mastercard.²	Online/in-person
E-Money & IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo)	IC cards like Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA are rechargeable smart cards used for transit but also for contactless payments at convenience stores, vending machines, and many other shops. They are extremely popular.³	In-person
QR Code Payments (PayPay, Line Pay, Rakuten Pay)	QR code payments have become extremely popular, with dozens of competing services. PayPay is a market leader, used widely for in-store and online payments.⁴	Online/in-person

Is PayPal available in Japan?

Yes, PayPal is accepted in Japan.⁵

Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card

Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.

You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.

And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.

Get started with Wise

*Wise is not a bank. The Wise Multi-Currency Card is issued by our sponsor Bank(s), member(s) FDIC. Fees and T&C apply. See https://growth-layer.live/%3C/a%3E for details.

Sources:

Japan National Tourism Organization - Money

JCB - Company Profile

JR-EAST - What is Suica?

PayPay - About Us

PayPal Japan

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.