What credit card brands are used in Japan?

What credit card brands are used in Japan?

When I travel around Japan or just do everyday shopping here, I almost always rely on Mastercard or Visa. Honestly, if a place accepts credit cards at all, those two brands will work about 99% of the time. JCB, American Express, and Diners Club cards are accepted at some stores, but they’re definitely less common.

Are Mastercard and Visa accepted everywhere in Japan?

Almost everywhere that accepts credit cards will take Mastercard and Visa. Convenience stores, department stores, restaurants, even small shops in cities usually have no problem with these two. But when you head to more rural areas or very small businesses, sometimes they might only accept cash or no card at all. In those rare cases, Mastercard and Visa might not even come into play.

What about JCB, American Express, and Diners Club? Should I bring those cards too?

If you have a JCB card, that’s great because it’s a Japanese brand and some places prefer it—especially traditional shops or tourist spots. American Express and Diners Club are accepted mainly in bigger cities, nicer hotels, or upscale restaurants. But don’t count on them being accepted everywhere. When I travel, I usually bring a Mastercard or Visa as my main card and keep a JCB or Amex just in case.

Are there places in Japan where credit cards are rarely accepted?

Yes! Local markets, small ramen shops, family-run izakayas (casual pubs), and some temples or shrines often only take cash. Also, roadside stands or small souvenir shops in the countryside may not have card machines. Japanese people tend to carry some cash for these everyday small purchases. It’s still common to pay cash for things under ¥1,000 (about $7 USD), so it’s good to have some yen on hand.

Can I use contactless payment or mobile wallets in Japan?

Contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay are becoming more popular, especially in big cities. Many places that accept Visa or Mastercard will also accept these mobile payments, but it’s not as widespread as in some other countries yet. Personally, I use contactless payments mainly in Tokyo or Osaka, but when I’m in smaller towns, I switch back to cash or physical cards.

Any tips for tourists about credit card use in Japan?

Japanese stores often require you to enter your PIN or sign a receipt, so be ready for that. Also, some cards may charge foreign transaction fees, so check with your card issuer beforehand. If you want to avoid currency exchange hassles, using a Mastercard or Visa issued by a bank with low fees is the smoothest option. And don’t forget to carry some cash — many locals do, since cash is still king for small everyday purchases.

To sum up, Mastercard and Visa are your best bets for credit card use in Japan. JCB, American Express, and Diners Club are accepted in some places but less commonly. Cash is still widely used, especially outside big cities or in small shops. When I explore Japan, I always keep a Mastercard or Visa handy, a bit of cash, and sometimes a JCB card for variety. That combo keeps me covered almost anywhere I go!