Although Japan is known as the heart of technology, their payment habits are still quite traditional. Most tourists coming to the country can't help but ask, 'Do cards work?' The answer is usually, 'Yes, in some places, but it's beneficial to have cash on hand.' The fact that the Japanese people still prefer banknotes over digital payment surprises many.
So, why is that? Let's look at the reasons...
The trust in physical money in society is so strong that many people prefer to stay away from digital systems. Culturally, more value is given to tangible things.
Most small businesses still only accept cash. Especially in rural areas, card infrastructure is not widespread enough. Moreover, change is slow in Japan; if something becomes a tradition, it takes a long time to change it. Therefore, the spread of credit card usage is also quite slow.
Although digital payment systems have started to be used in some areas with the increase in tourism, the general picture is still in favor of cash.
The low rate of theft allows people to feel safe even when carrying large amounts of cash. Especially among the elderly population, it is a very common habit to save money at home.
This situation also limited the use of credit cards for many years. Even though the risk of digital fraud is low, the Japanese find it more reliable to give money by hand. When you go to Japan as a tourist, it is almost mandatory to carry cash with you. Because not every restaurant, shop or transportation service accepts cards.
The most important reason for this is the card commissions taken by banks. This situation especially reduces the profit for family businesses, so many places only accept cash. Therefore, when you pay in cash, you may encounter small discounts or heartfelt thanks.
Another advantage of cash is speed. In Japan, you don't have to deal with waiting for a card machine or opening an app during shopping. You hand over the money, and your transaction is completed. Moreover, carrying money with you is beneficial in terms of budget control. Seeing how much you spend by counting it with your hand prevents excessive shopping.
If you want to comfortably explore Japan's hidden treasures such as street food, small markets, or traditional shops, it's best to have some cash in your pocket.