TRAINS,
SUICA,
CASH &
JAPAN TIPS
JAPAN
EASY
Japan is easy to travel once you understand a few small systems.
Trains are efficient, IC cards make everyday movement simple and major cities increasingly accept international credit cards.
But Japan is not completely cashless. Small bars, independent businesses and many gay massage services can still depend heavily on cash.
A little preparation can save a lot of confusion.
JAPAN
RUNS ON
TRAINS.
In Tokyo and Osaka, trains and subways will probably become your main form of transportation.
JR + SUBWAY + PRIVATE RAILWAYS
Japanese cities use multiple railway operators. You may transfer between JR, subway systems and private railway companies during a single journey.
FOLLOW THE LINE COLOR
Large stations can look intimidating, but line colors, station numbers and English signage make navigation much easier than it first appears.
CHECK BEFORE YOU MOVE
Use your preferred navigation app to check the platform, departure time, transfers and final train before leaving.
LAST
TRAIN.
Japan’s trains do not normally run all night.
If you are drinking in Shinjuku Ni-chome, Doyama or another nightlife district, check your last train before the night gets busy.
Miss it and your choices may become: taxi, walk, stay out, or wait for the first train in the morning.
The exact last train depends on the line and destination, so never rely on one universal time.
SUICA
/ PASMO
Tap in. Tap out. Keep moving.
Prepaid IC cards such as Suica and PASMO make everyday travel much easier.
You can use compatible IC cards across many train, subway and bus systems throughout Japan.
They can also be used at many convenience stores, vending machines and other participating businesses.
TICKET GATES
LOCAL BUSES
CONVENIENCE STORES
MACHINES ACCEPT IC
SUICA
ON YOUR
iPHONE.
Welcome Suica Mobile makes the system even easier for iPhone users.
JR East’s Welcome Suica Mobile allows eligible international visitors to issue and top up a Suica on a compatible iPhone.
It can then be used for transport and many everyday purchases wherever compatible Suica / IC payment is accepted.
Smartphone compatibility differs by device and service. Android travelers should check current compatibility before arriving and may find a physical IC card more practical.
CARRY
CASH.
Japan is increasingly cashless. It is not completely cashless.
Major hotels, department stores, convenience stores and many restaurants accept international cards.
But independent bars, smaller restaurants, neighborhood businesses and other small establishments may still prefer or require cash.
Do not wait until the moment you need it. Keep some Japanese yen with you.
GAY MASSAGE?
BRING CASH.
Most gay massage services in Japan operate on a cash-only basis.
This is especially important because many gay massage services are small independent businesses rather than large spa chains.
Do not assume that Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Suica or another cashless method will be accepted simply because you can use it elsewhere in Japan.
Before your appointment, check the payment method with the provider and withdraw enough Japanese yen in advance.
CHECK THE PRICE
Confirm the total fee before traveling to the appointment.
ASSUME CASH
Unless the provider clearly states otherwise, prepare Japanese yen.
WITHDRAW FIRST
Do not expect to find an ATM after arriving at a private treatment location.
CARD.
IC.
CASH.
GREAT FOR BIGGER PLACES
International credit cards are widely accepted at major hotels, department stores, shopping centers and many restaurants.
GREAT FOR SMALL PURCHASES
Suica, PASMO and compatible IC cards are especially convenient for transport, convenience stores and vending machines.
YOUR BACKUP
Cash remains essential for some small businesses, local bars, independent services and places where foreign cards are not accepted.
FIND
AN ATM.
You usually do not need to carry your entire travel budget in cash.
ATMs at major convenience stores and Japan Post Bank can be useful for travelers using eligible overseas cards.
Acceptance, withdrawal limits and fees depend on your card and the ATM.
If you have a massage appointment, small-bar night or countryside trip planned, withdraw cash before you need it.
KONBINI
The Japanese convenience store is almost part of the travel infrastructure.
7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson are everywhere in major cities.
Beyond food and drinks, convenience stores may offer ATMs, toilets, ticket services, parcel services and everyday travel essentials.
BASICS
+ COFFEE
ESSENTIALS
NO
TIPPING
NEEDED.
Japan does not have a general tipping culture. In restaurants, hotels, taxis and most everyday services, simply pay the amount you are charged.
MOVE WITH
THE CITY.
BASIC
JAPAN
TIPS
FEW PUBLIC BINS
Public trash cans can be surprisingly difficult to find. Be prepared to carry small items of trash until you find an appropriate bin.
LOOK DOWN
Homes, ryokan, some restaurants and other spaces may require you to remove your shoes. Follow the floor level and what other people are doing.
WAIT YOUR TURN
Japan loves an orderly line. Stations, restaurants, attractions and elevators often have clear queue systems.
SIMPLE IS ENOUGH
You do not need fluent Japanese. A greeting, a thank you and a translation app can take you a long way.
USEFUL AFTER MIDNIGHT
Taxis can save your night after missing the last train, but long journeys can become expensive. Check the distance first.
BUILDING + FLOOR MATTERS
Gay bars, massage rooms and small businesses are often hidden inside multi-floor buildings. Save the full address and floor number.
NIGHT OUT
CHECKLIST
TAP IN.
CARRY YEN.
GO EXPLORE.
Japan becomes easy surprisingly quickly. Learn the train system, keep an IC card ready, carry some cash and check the small details before you go out. Then stop worrying and enjoy the country.