Credit and debit card payments are widely accepted in Japan, and accepted without issues in nearly all restaurants, hotels, hostels, shops, restaurants, bars and supermarkets. However, cash remains the most popular method of payment in Japan. The UK Government’s travel advise recommends travelers to take cash with them on their travels to Japan, as you may have difficulty using credit and debit cards issued outside Japan.

When paying by card in Japan, be aware of currency conversion fees and bank fees for card payments abroad. ATM withdrawals in Japan will also incur costs, including currency conversion related ones: Your bank’s JPY to GBP exchange rate may be quite bad. This is how banks make money.

Before using your bank card for payments in Far East Asia, it’s certainly a good idea to contact your bank. This will avoid your card becoming blocked due to international transactions that your bank may find suspicious or fraudulent.

It’s certainly a good idea to bring Japanese Yen banknotes with you on your trip to Japan. Although credit cards and debit cards are very widely accepted, you may have difficulty using cards issued outside Japan.

Cash remains the most popular payment method in Japan. Spending cash will allow you to keep track of your expenditure and understand the amounts you’re paying, as Japanese bills may not always make sense.

Japan is a large country, and prices vary widely. But on average, prices in Japan are higher than prices in the UK. Based on averages prices, the cost of living in Japan is 25% higher than the cost of living in the UK.

A coffee in a cafe in Tokyo costs around ¥400 yen. For a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant you can expect to pay around ¥3000 yen per person.

Tipping is not done in Japan. It’s really as simple as that.