💴 Cash Strategy
Starting Position
¥400,000 cash on hand for 4 people across 12 days = ~¥33,000/person/day.
That’s a comfortable float. You will likely not exhaust it. This page is for if you do need more, and for knowing how to use what you have.
Daily Cash Reality
| Category | Typical Daily Cost |
|---|---|
| Ramen / casual lunch | ¥900–1,500/person |
| Izakaya dinner | ¥3,000–5,000/person |
| Transit (IC card) | ¥500–1,500/day |
| Temple/museum entry | ¥500–1,500/day |
| Coffee + snacks | ¥500–1,000/day |
| Total per person, average day | ¥7,000–12,000 |
High-spend days (USJ, JDM car day, kaiseki dinner, watch purchases) will spike significantly above this. Balance those with lower-spend recovery days.
When Japan Is Cash-Only
Never assume a card will work at:
- Small ramen shops and local izakaya
- Temple entrance fees and smaller shrines
- Street food stalls (Kuromon Market, Dotonbori stalls, Hozenji Yokocho)
- City buses (Osaka, Kyoto local buses)
- Some taxis (most now accept cards, but not all)
- Coin lockers at stations
- Vending machines
Visa and Mastercard are increasingly accepted at hotels, department stores, chain restaurants, and larger shops. Don’t count on it elsewhere.
If You Need More Cash — Best ATMs
1. 7-Eleven ATMs (セブン銀行ATM) ← Best Option
- Available 24/7 inside every 7-Eleven convenience store
- Accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus — international cards reliably
- Clear English interface
- Withdrawal limit: typically ¥50,000–100,000 per transaction
- Fee: ~¥110–220 per withdrawal (Japanese side) + your bank’s foreign transaction fee
2. Japan Post ATMs (ゆうちョATM)
- At all post office locations
- Reliable for international cards, English interface
- Hours: typically 8:00 AM–9:00 PM; some 24/7
3. Airport ATMs
- HND and KIX airports have reliable international ATMs at arrival halls
- Good to withdraw a small amount on arrival if needed
Avoid
- Standard bank ATMs (Mizuho, SMBC, MUFG) — frequently do not accept foreign cards without advance setup
- Random ATMs inside small shops
Distributing Your Cash
Carry-on only means everything is with you. Smart distribution:
- Don’t keep all cash in one person’s bag or one wallet
- Each person carries their day’s spending money
- Remaining reserve spread across bags (not all in one)
- Hotel room or hotel safe for anything above daily float (if available)
Card Backup
Even if cash is primary, carry at least one international credit card per person:
- Visa and Mastercard accepted at most hotels, large restaurants, train ticket machines
- American Express: lower acceptance in Japan — useful as backup only
- Notify your bank before departure to prevent fraud holds
JDM Car Day — Cash Required
Fun2Drive takes a ~¥1,000 deposit by card but balance on the day is cash only. Budget separately for this.
See: JDM Car Day
Tipping
Do not tip in Japan. Ever. It is not customary and can cause genuine awkwardness. The service is exceptional because it’s expected to be — not because of tips.