Hello everyone! Cashless life in Tokyo is actually easier than you might think.
In 2024 Tokyo, you can use cashless payments almost everywhere, from convenience stores to taxis. The best part is that payment terminals now support English, Chinese, and Korean!
Recommended Payment Methods
Check out the Top 3 Most Convenient Payment Methods! Japan has finally been moving away from cash payments, and QR code and touch payments are becoming super popular. They’re really handy, so why not try them out!
1. Transit IC Cards (Suica/PASMO)
2. QR Code Payments (PayPay, LINE Pay)
3. Credit Card Touch Payments
Particularly, Welcome Suica is a 28-day limited card with no deposit required and no refund procedures needed – super convenient! You can use it for trains, buses, and shopping!
Foreign tourists can register for the Welcome Suica card upon arrival at JR East Travel Service Centers or designated vending machines in Narita and Haneda airports. They only need their passport to purchase the card, which comes pre-loaded with funds.14
Funds can be added to the Suica card at ticket machines, convenience stores, and ATMs. Cash is primarily used for recharging, but you can use mobile payment options with specific devices.15
The Suica card can be used by tapping it against card readers at train stations, vending machines, and many shops that accept IC payments across Japan.14
Tourists can identify merchants that accept the Suica card by looking for signs indicating acceptance of IC cards, or simply by asking staff if they accept Suica payments when shopping.16
about Suica
Where to use:
Trains & Buses
Convenience Stores
Restaurants
Vending Machines
Drug Stores
Easy to charge at station ticket machines with English display available!
Mobile Payment Apps
PayPay is Japan’s largest QR payment app. Easy registration for foreign tourists.
https://paypay.ne.jp/
Setup Steps
Download the app
Register with passport information
Link credit card
Ready to use!
Cashless payment services integrated with “PayPay”
Visitors from 11 countries and regions can now make cashless payments using PayPay’s QR codes in Japan.
According to SoftBank’s calculations in November 2023, approximately 70% of visitors to Japan can now pay for food, drinks, souvenirs, accommodation and more with QR codes placed at the premises of “PayPay” merchants.
It deserves mentioning that payments can only be made at places where customers scan QR codes with their smartphones to make payments (the “user scan method”).
Tokyo’s cashless system is more convenient than you might imagine! With Welcome Suica as your base, combined with PayPay and credit cards, you can handle most payments. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a comfortable Tokyo tour.
