And while a lot of larger chains take credit cards, some don’t. That really depends. It has been increasing, though. Sometimes they only work with domestic versus foreign cards. We’ve had too many hit and miss experiences with this, so it really depends.

Japan tried going cashless before and they had a giant credit crash, that’s why they are mostly a cash society. To be honest, I like not being able to use my card here except at the ATM. It helps me budget and control my spending because I can see exactly how much money I have instead of just swiping plastic. Plus, Japan is a much safer country, so as long as I don’t do anything stupid, I have never feared losing my money. While walking around Japan you may see some things that look out of place. Usually it’s because people have dropped something. Another person will come along, pick it up, and usually place it somewhere more visible in the same place and then just leave it, that way the owner can come and retrieve it later. I’ve seen Japanese people pick up a bill or two from the bus, or on the ground, even if it’s just a 1000 yen note, they always give it to the driver or someone of authority in the area. They are very honest people, it’s quite refreshing.

Paying using an app on your phone is interesting, but if it doesn’t work then you can pay almost any bill at a Conbini. You just give the cashier they slip and they take your payment, stamp the slip and give part of it back as proof. Nice and fast. Plus, Conbinis are everywhere so it’s never hard to find one.