What is the most popular way to pay in Japan?

Okay, so, what’s the deal with paying for stuff in Japan? Well, you might be surprised, because even though Japan is super high-tech, cash is still a HUGE thing there! I mean, seriously.

I remember when I went a few years ago, I was all ready to use my credit card for everything, thinking I’d be so modern and efficient. But, nope! So many smaller shops and restaurants, especially the older, more traditional places, just preferred cash. And honestly, I kind of loved it? There’s something… I don’t know… comforting about handling physical money.

But why, right? Why in this age of Apple Pay and digital wallets is cash still so popular? Well, a big part of it is that Japan has an incredibly low crime rate. People just don’t worry as much about getting robbed, so carrying a wallet full of bills isn’t as scary as it might be in other places.

And I think it’s also a cultural thing. There’s a level of trust there, and maybe even a bit of a preference for the tangible. I mean, have you ever seen how carefully they handle money in Japan? It’s almost like a little ritual! They give and receive money with such respect. It’s really interesting.

So yeah, while there are definitely other options, and you can use cards in some places, if you’re heading to Japan, definitely make sure to have plenty of yen on hand. Trust me, it’ll make your life a whole lot easier, and you’ll feel like you’re really experiencing the culture! And who knows, maybe you’ll even start to appreciate the charm of cash a little more yourself. I know I did!