Planning a trip to Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka is exciting, but if you bring the wrong card you quietly lose money on every purchase. Extra foreign transaction fees, bad exchange rates and missed promotions can easily add up to hundreds of dollars over a full Japan itinerary.
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Choosing Your Japan Credit Card
Most basic US credit cards charge an extra fee when you pay in a foreign currency. That fee is usually around two to three percent of the purchase amount. On a $3,000 trip to Japan, that is $60 to $90 gone for nothing. On top of that, some cards earn very weak rewards on travel and dining, especially overseas. Others have stronger travel perks, but still charge fees when you pay in Japanese yen.
Good Japan Credit Card
- Zero foreign transaction fees on purchases in Japan
- Strong rewards on categories like travel, hotels and dining
- Wide acceptance on common networks such as Visa or Mastercard
person holding white POS machine Via Unsplash (by Clay Banks)
Japan Credit Card Comparison
When you compare cards, the first filter is simple. If a card charges foreign transaction fees, remove it from your Japan travel wallet.
Card | Network | Approx. annual fee (USD) | Typical rewards | Best for Japan trips |
Chase Sapphire Preferred | Visa | 95 | 5x points on travel via Chase Travel | Strong Japan travel card for flights, hotels and dining |
Chase Sapphire Reserve | Visa | 795 | 8x on travel via Chase Travel | Premium option for frequent Japan and international travelers who can use lounge access and large travel credits. |
Capital One Venture Rewards | Visa | 95 | 2x miles on every purchase | A "use everywhere in Japan" card; good as either main or backup Japan credit card. |
Capital One Venture X Rewards | Visa | 395 | 2x on all purchases | High value premium card for heavy travelers who want strong rewards on Japan flights and hotels. |
American Express Gold Card | Amex | 250 | 4x points at restaurants worldwide | Great Japan dining card |
The Platinum Card from American Express | Amex | 895 | Strong travel perks, lounge access, hotel status; earns Membership Rewards on global spend | Suited to premium flyers to Japan who value lounges and hotel perks more than simple cash back. |
Bank of America Travel Rewards | Visa | 0 | 1.5x points per dollar on all purchases, no annual fee | Good backup Japan credit card with simple rewards. |
Apple Card | Mastercard | 0 | Up to 3% Daily Cash with select merchants, 2% with Apple Pay, 1% with physical card | Handy Japan credit card if you like Apple Pay or instant cash backs. |
Tokyo Hotels
5 star
Great811 Reviews
Central Tokyo Tokyo|2.87km from city center
Hotel staff are friendly, helpful and attentive. The bell boy who helped me with bringing my luggages to the room was very friendly and helpful, spoke good English too. Though not all staff spoke good English, they tried their best to assist me. Their service standard is consistent throughout.
The room and the toilet was spacious and clean.
There were 4 restuarants that I could go to for breakfast. The Garden Lounge which served buffet breakfast has a wide selection of food and drink. Most importantly the food was yummy!
I enjoyed looking at the beautiful garden with waterfall view as I was seated by the window during breakfast.FromAU$225
Great1357 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.49km from city center
The hotel's location is excellent. You can see Tokyo Tower from the lobby building. It's also very close to Ginza, which is great for shopping. Plus, the convenience store and coffee shop downstairs are really good. It's super convenient to get anywhere from here.FromAU$257
Amazing2232 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.66km from city center
This is a century-old, five-star hotel in Tokyo with a rich history, and I booked it specifically for that reason, staying for two nights. As expected, the service was top-notch; my luggage was delivered directly to my room. The public areas are fully carpeted, adding a real sense of grandeur. Breakfast was delicious with plenty of choices. It's also conveniently located near Yurakucho Station, just be mindful of the exit.FromAU$380
Great3501 Reviews
Suidobashi/Tokyo Dome Tokyo|3.75km from city center
This was my third stay, and the hotel's location is fantastic, right inside the amusement park. Suidobashi Station is also incredibly convenient for transportation.
The hotel is huge and very busy, but the price is quite reasonable. Given the volume of guests, it's understandable that the front desk staff might struggle to keep up. However, the self check-in/check-out machines are a nice addition.
There are a couple of hardware issues:
① The elevators are very slow. Even with separate high and low zones, during peak check-out times in the morning, you might have to wait for several elevators before you can get down. I feel like the algorithm could be optimized.
② The rooms are advertised as over 30 square meters, but they don't feel that big – more like 25 square meters. It's hard to even lay a large suitcase flat. This is probably difficult to change.
The biggest disappointment this time was that the Tokyo Dome City Attractions were closed due to ***. I tried to cancel my reservation a few days in advance, but it wasn't allowed, which felt a bit inflexible.FromAU$140
Great2111 Reviews
Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.41km from city center
I recently stayed at the Prince Park Tower Tokyo and found the room to be spacious with a fantastic view. Although the decor is a bit dated, the cleanliness was impressive, and the service was exceptional. The staff were incredibly friendly, which made my stay even more enjoyable.
If you're looking for a quiet and serene getaway in the bustling city of Tokyo, this hotel is definitely worth considering. The beds were comfortable, contributing to a restful experience.
One of the highlights of the hotel is its proximity to Tokyo Tower and a nearby temple, both offering great sightseeing opportunities. Additionally, the hotel is surrounded by a large, beautiful garden that adds to the tranquility of the area.
However, the location is somewhat isolated, with not much in the immediate vicinity. The only convenience store is a Lawson in the basement, which closes at 11 PM. There isn't a nearby 7-Eleven, and room service also ends before then, which can be a challenge for business travelers like me who often have to navigate time differences and late-night schedules.
On a positive note, the amenities offered are excellent, including quality skincare products and plush bath towels and robes. Overall, it’s a good hotel in a quieter area, perfect for those looking to unwind.FromAU$311
Business travel
Very Good1175 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.29km from city center
Convenient location, room size is reasonable compared to other hotels in Tokyo, less than 2 mins walk to Ginza Central Street.FromAU$114
Great1059 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.44km from city center
Super clean hotel. Centralized location is the key. Proximity to the train stations, attractions, f&b, and shopping.FromAU$177
Great687 Reviews
Odaiba Tokyo|4.77km from city center
International level of service, never doubt. Good service, comfortable stay and good breakfast provided.FromAU$173
Great1807 Reviews
Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.05km from city center
It was my first time in Japan. I picked this hotel because of the views and it didn't disappoint! It was a beautiful stay and I felt safe. Staff are very friendly and always on hand to help, nothing is ever too much. The comments about it being old-fashioned, tbh it looks vintage style like the 1930s which is a cool vibe which I loved. Vintage style elevators. I'd say if you love vintage you'd love this hotel. I booked an extra night because I felt comfortable staying here.FromAU$196
Very Good427 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.34km from city center
Location: Extremely convenient—within walking distance to Ginza and both the Ginza & Asakusa subway lines. There is also a direct train from Narita Airport to the hotel, and it’s an easy walk to the airport limousine bus station in the Ginza area. Room: As typical for Tokyo hotels, the room is compact, just enough for 2 people and 2 suitcases (not side by side). Despite the size, the hotel provides everything you need—even small extras like borrowing a hair curler. Noise & Comfort: The most impressive aspect was the noise control. Even though my room was next to the elevator and facing the road, it was very quiet. Double curtains blocked outside light completely, creating a peaceful, dark environment perfect for uninterrupted sleep. The only downside was the bed, which felt a bit hard, and the pillows, which were small and not very fluffy. Service: The staff were very helpful and responded promptly to queries via direct message, which made the stay smooth and comfortable. Overall, this hotel offers excellent convenience, thoughtful amenities, and a quiet environment for rest, with only minor room comfort issues.FromAU$136
Family friendly
Very Good4400 Reviews
Shinagawa Tokyo|5.46km from city center
Location wise, Shinagawa prince hotel located near the Shinagawa station, so you are basically can travel anywhere without any hassle, reallyy JR lines (Yamanote Line) even Natrita Express and Shinkansen all passing by this station.
The hotel it self is pretty big, they have so many tower (i stayed in Annex Tower) there are so many things to do inside this hotel, there is a bar, a cinema, shopping centre, a 7-11, a bowling area, aquarium, you name it 😄.
The room i booked also pretty spacious, it can fit 3 people and our big luggage. With a great view toward the city (the are a huge window). The aminities is pretty ok (hotel standard) they also offer a drip coffee (which taste really good) that they refill every day (you can ask more if you want).
And the price for a night at this hotel is quite a steall it is not the cheapest hotel in tokyo nor the most expensive one. Overall i enjoyed my stay there and didn’t regret spending my money to stay there. Would definitely come back again to this place.FromAU$115
Amazing404 Reviews
Shibuya Tokyo|6.16km from city center
Wonderful hotel that goes above and beyond for families traveling with children. From the child amenity kits and pajamas for our toddler to the crib and diaper pail for our infant we felt that every need was met which made for a really comfortable trip. The 7eleven in the hotel was the icing on the cake! We also were able to utilize the Poppins onsite daycare although this is run independently and you should book well in advance of your trip as only 1 day that we requested was available for booking. Would definitely stay again and highly recommend.FromAU$494
Amazing161 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.59km from city center
Truly deserving of its 'top 1 in Tokyo' ranking! From the moment we walked in until we left, every staff member greeted us with a gentle smile and a soft 'hello.' The swimming pool and gym are absolutely top-notch. Breakfast is à la carte; the Japanese option was just okay, but the American breakfast was quite good. An unforgettable experience that made me want to stay longer!FromAU$2,483
Great402 Reviews
Central Tokyo Tokyo|3km from city center
An absolutely wonderful hotel, a garden villa that's exquisitely beautiful. With the cherry blossoms in bloom, everything was so pleasant and peaceful. Hotel New Otani is fantastic. The room service was exceptional, so heartwarming and attentive. Warm, and truly felt like a home away from home.FromAU$256
Amazing409 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.57km from city center
This was my first time staying at The Peninsula Tokyo, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we began corresponding with the hotel before arrival, the team made it clear that this was going to be a special stay.
I had reached out in advance as this was an important trip for our family, and the team – especially Ms. Kim – went above and beyond to help organise everything smoothly. Every detail was handled with care, and it really set the tone for our visit.
Throughout our stay, every interaction made us feel genuinely welcome. The lobby team, the staff at Peter, and housekeeping were all consistently warm, professional, and attentive. Small gestures, friendly smiles, and a real willingness to help turned a simple hotel stay into a collection of memories we will cherish for a long time.
This trip has made The Peninsula Tokyo our new fav stay in the city. There is a wonderful sense of warmth and hospitality here, and you feel that everyone is truly invested in making your stay as special as possible. We are already looking forward to returning on our next visit to Tokyo.FromAU$1,241
Hot spring
Great786 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.31km from city center
Great spot to spend your nights when you’re in Tokyo! Room is not very spacious but it’s enough if you’re not spending a lot of time here during the day.FromAU$90
Very Good85 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.84km from city center
Very quiet area, great for alone time and relaxation. Onsen was great but was abit disappointed that there is only one.FromAU$1,455
Very Good211 Reviews
Shinjuku Area Tokyo|5.44km from city center
I absolutely *loved* our stay here. From the rooftop onsen, with a fabulous views across Tokyo, to the lovely little extras (like the free ice-cream after the onsen, and 10pm treats). The entrance and lobby are just beautiful, a calm oasis after the madness of Tokyo. The location is perfect - far enough away from the busiest streets to be quiet at night, but close enough to be in the thick of things. Our road had a wonderful izakaya, a fantastic ramen place, and a gem of a breakfast cafe on it, as well as the obligatory 7-elevens, and was very close to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardens. Our room was tiny, but we knew this making the booking - I would advise paying close attention to the room size, so that you know what you're getting when you make the booking. There are much larger rooms available, for a higher price. The difference in room size could make a big difference to your stay, if you have a lot of luggage (which we didn't). I will absolutely stay here again, next time I'm in Tokyo.Very Good741 Reviews
Ueno/Asakusa Tokyo|5.55km from city center
The hygiene at this hotel is impeccable. When you arrive you are not allowed to wear any shoes inside the hotel and you clean your suitcase before entering. The room is a good size, with a strong shower in the bathroom. Bed and pillow is quite hard but it didn't affect my sleep. I loved the onsen area. They have onsen, cold bath and a mineral bath as well as a sauna. It was great to use this after a day of walking. The only downside was breakfast, there is a good range and I did eat some of the food. However, I just felt like when I'd read reviews online it was praising the breakfast. For me though, I thought it was avergae. I didn't think it was worth the money. The hotel is a good location not too far from some of the metro lines and has a number of restaurants and supermarkets close by. Would definitely consider staying here again. The hotel is good value for money.FromAU$125
Amazing493 Reviews
Tokyo|5.86km from city center
It’s not in central business additives in Tokyo but that’s exactly what I liked about this hotel/ resort. True under-stated old time charm luxury, elegance, and fine living. Our suite was spacious and kept spotless clean. I’m very pleased with all staff members’ attentiveness and professionalism, high quality of service and they should feel proud of themselves for preserving such generations/ wealth of history and mission. This is a blessed piece of land that inhabits beautiful plantation. This is one of the best travel stays and I feel grateful to have picked this choice of exploration. 2 nights’ stay is not enough to fully enjoy all the facilities and venues in this massive estate, I need to come back!FromAU$342
Gym
Great481 Reviews
Shinagawa Tokyo|4.74km from city center
The hotel isn't right next to a subway station, but the shuttle bus service is super convenient, running every 15 minutes to and from Meguro Station. It pretty much covers all your transportation needs. It wasn't until after we checked out that we realized they'd upgraded our room type! It was definitely bigger, and we could easily spread out three 28-inch suitcases, which was really handy. The only downside was that the facilities felt a bit old. Even though it had been renovated, there was still an unpleasant smell from the sink drain in the bathroom.FromAU$399
Amazing339 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.35km from city center
Spacious room and bathroom for one person. Great view of Tokyo Station and the trains coming and going. Quiet room but if you are bothered by train noises, you may want to request room on the Marunouchi side of the hotel. Staff were friendly amd helpful, giving me detailed info on the airport bus upoj request. Hotel laundry was also returned promptly.FromAU$351
Great4091 Reviews
Shinjuku Area Tokyo|6.73km from city center
1. **Facilities:** The hotel has a main building and a south building. If you're sensitive to noise, definitely book a room on the 30th floor or higher in the main building. Rooms below the 30th floor haven't been renovated, so they have old facilities and poor soundproofing. On my first night, I stayed on the 29th floor. The room was old, and the gap under the door was huge, so there was basically no sound insulation. Any noise in the corridor could be heard, which meant I didn't get any rest all night. The duvet was also a Japanese style, like a 'sandwich cookie' – sheets on the top and bottom with the duvet in the middle, unlike our usual duvets with a proper cover. The bathroom also had the old Japanese style where the sink and tub were crammed together, and you had to stand inside the tub to shower. The next morning, I asked the front desk to change rooms, and I got one on the 31st floor, which was completely different from the 29th! The room was larger than the 29th-floor one, newly renovated, and had a wet and dry separation in the bathroom, meaning the sink and shower area were separate. The shower area even had both a shower and a soaking tub. The shower gel and shampoo were all L'Occitane brand, and the duvet had a proper cover. Most importantly, the soundproofing was much, much better! So take my advice: when booking, make sure to ask the front desk for a new room, as I feel there might be some preferential treatment given that many Westerners book this hotel.
2. **Transportation:** There's a direct shuttle bus from Haneda Airport to the hotel entrance. The bus attendant will help you with your luggage, so you don't have to carry it yourself, which is perfect for travelers with large suitcases. The return trip is the same, and this was one of the reasons I booked this hotel. However, it's worth noting that the earliest hotel shuttle to the airport on the return trip is at 8 AM. If you have an early flight, you'll need to go to the Shinjuku Bus Terminal to catch a bus to the airport. I had a 9 AM flight that day, so I had to go to the Shinjuku terminal. Luckily, the hotel isn't too far from the Shinjuku terminal, about a 15-minute walk. I asked the hotel staff to call a taxi for me, which cost around 1000 yen. For the subway, the closest station is Shinjuku, about a 10-minute walk to the entrance.
3. **Dining:** There's a 7-Eleven convenience store downstairs from the hotel. If you don't want to eat breakfast at the hotel, you can cross the street opposite the hotel entrance and walk for about 3 minutes to find a cafe for breakfast. Since the building above is offices, many local office workers choose to eat there. The coffee and food are decent, and the prices are reasonable. I recommend trying the pork cutlet sandwich – it's delicious.
**Cleanliness:** I have to admit, the cleanliness was excellent, whether in the old 29th-floor room or the 31st-floor room. It was consistently top-notch, meeting five-star standards. Even though the old room was dated, it wasn't dirty. I specifically checked the bathtub for stains, and there was no dust in the crevices of the bedside tables, on the TV remote, or on the air purifier – all those little spots you don't usually notice. So, cleanliness-wise, it's definitely okay.FromAU$285
Great683 Reviews
Ginza Tokyo|0.79km from city center
This hotel is truly heartwarming. It's located in Hibiya Park, very close to Shimbashi Station. The lobby on the 18th floor offers expansive views and feels bright and grand. We were given a room on the 27th floor, and we could even spot the tip of Tokyo Tower from our window. The room layout was well-designed and fully equipped, including a Japanese shower/bathtub. Although not huge, there was enough space to open two 24-inch suitcases. The twin beds were both 1.2 meters wide, a bit soft, but very comfortable to sleep on. There were plenty of breakfast options, including sashimi rice bowls, and you could help yourself to soft drinks in the lounge. Most of the guests were Westerners, and the staff's English was fluent, making communication smooth. The service was superb! Since our stay coincided with my daughter's birthday, we received a meticulously handwritten card from the hotel staff! We also got a birthday gift, and all our requests for the room were met. I would definitely stay here again on my next visit to Tokyo.FromAU$210
Great341 Reviews
Shinjuku Area Tokyo|7.08km from city center
As much I would love to write 100% positive there was one thing I was not satisfied about. Despite being Loyal Hilton member I request for higher floor which is the least they could do but they put me on lowest possible. Beside that hotel and rest of the stuff was top notch. Definitly good pick while in TokyoSwimming pool
Amazing218 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.09km from city center
This was my second stay at the station hotel, and it's incredibly convenient for transit. Upon arrival at Tokyo Station, you can walk towards the Marunouchi South Exit where a small door directly accesses the hotel, so you don't even need to go outside. This time, I booked the hotel's basic 36-square-meter room. The room had a peculiar smell, which I suspect might have been due to the humidity during the rainy season, making my stay feel uncomfortable. The room's location wasn't ideal either; it overlooked some equipment with absolutely no view. The 40-square-meter room type I stayed in before was much better. However, the hotel service and breakfast were, as always, excellent.FromAU$638
Great688 Reviews
Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.69km from city center
Great location located near Tokyo Tower! Some rooms even have a view of Mount Fuji if you’re lucky🤩
Super comfortable room with everything you need, the hotel even has a lounge with free snacks and drinks every evening. Breakfast was really good too, especially recommend the curry rice!!
Staff were all really friendly and helpful, and would provide information about transportation etc. Great stay!FromAU$172
Great683 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.74km from city center
If 100 is a perfect score, this hotel has its pros and cons. The convenient location and room size both deserve a 90. The shower water pressure and the service from most of the staff are at least an 80. However, you can clearly hear the subway from the room, and even with the small window handle adjusted up or down, the noise persists. During my two-night stay, one night I couldn't fall asleep until the subway stopped running in the middle of the night. The next morning, I was woken up by the noise around 7 AM. I groggily recorded a video, but my phone's microphone near the bed didn't capture it well. The actual sound is about one to two times louder than what's in the video. The room also didn't provide earplugs, which is quite unbearable – I'm deducting 70 points for this. There were noticeable marks on the room walls and the bathroom floor, so I'm taking off another 50 points. The carpet is old and somewhat damaged, and the room looks dingy. For a room that costs over 1500 per night, this warrants another 60-point deduction. So, this is a hotel with overly distinct pros and cons.FromAU$231
Great1258 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|2.31km from city center
The location is fantastic! It's right outside the subway exit, so you don't have to worry about getting wet if it rains. There's also a bus stop directly across the street with services to both Narita and Haneda airports, which is a huge plus. It makes getting around incredibly convenient. The hotel offers dedicated English service, which is excellent. While the facilities are a bit dated, they do have a currency exchange machine for Japanese Yen, and the breakfast is also very good.FromAU$252
Amazing133 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.32km from city center
This hotel is conveniently located right next to Tokyo Station and a luxury shopping mall, making it super easy to get around and shop. The hotel entrance and lobby are a bit small, so you really have to look for it. If your room faces the central station, you might get some noise, even on higher floors. The staff are very welcoming, and there are even some who speak Chinese, providing professional and friendly service. Both the Italian and Japanese restaurants are excellent, though you'll need reservations. The turndown service also comes with unique little snacks, which is a nice touch. This is my second time staying here, and I still think it's well worth it.FromAU$958
Breakfast
Great248 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.36km from city center
A very clean hotel with a great location — Lawson, Family Mart, 7/11, and plenty of cafés are nearby, plus the metro is within walking distance. The staff was very kind; thank you for helping me send my suitcase to Osaka. The room was nice, the bathroom was clean, and in the lobby there’s complimentary coffee, lemon water, and a few other drinks (I don’t quite remember 🫣). The only downside was the window facing a wall 🥲. I didn’t complain, but it did leave a bit of an unpleasant impression. Overall though, it’s a good hotel.FromAU$132
Great975 Reviews
Roppongi Tokyo|3.16km from city center
Stayed at remm Roppongi with my husband and we truly enjoyed it. The hotel is stylish, cozy, and perfectly located near Roppongi Station. The room was spotless, the bed was super comfortable, and the massage chair made our nights extra relaxing. A great place to rest after exploring Tokyo.FromAU$88
Great184 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.41km from city center
We had a lovely time at The Royal Park Canvas Ginza 8. It had great location and the room was a good size, more than enough for our family of 3. Staff were friendly and attentive to our needs. We truly enjoyed our stay and would definitely return. Thank you for the warm hospitality.FromAU$258
Great1051 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.13km from city center
Excellent location, room size is standard for Tokyo, great amenities - in the room and at the lobby. Everything you needed was provided. Toothbrushes, water, slippers and even a skin care set, all in premium packaging and quality. In the lobby, a whole area is set up with complimentary drinks (coffee/tea/water) and for you to rest/work before you leave. Also, late check-out is available but at 2000 Yen per hour.FromAU$147
Very Good845 Reviews
Haneda Airport/Kamata Tokyo|13.45km from city center
It was a good choice to stay if you need to be close to the Haneda airport. The best thing they have free shuttle to the airport (as early as 4am), so that's a great bonus (first come first served), the shuttle seats around 10ppl. 2 station from the airport line. The room was actually a nice decent size for a hotel, a seperate eating ,table area with kitchenette . No noise from the planes at all. It was just an overnight stay , so no complains , good choice for the price.FromAU$92
Japan Credit Card Promotions and Deals
Finding Japan credit card promotions
Japan credit card: Amex offers
- In the American Express app or website, there is an Offers tab. Cardmembers can add promotions such as
- Spend a certain amount at a participating hotel chain and get a statement credit
- Extra Membership Rewards points for bookings made with specific travel agencies or brands
- Suggest that readers search their Offers list before departure for terms like hotel, travel, airlines, Tokyo, Japan or names of big chains they plan to use.
Japan credit card: Bank Promotions
- Many banks including Chase, Bank of America and others have their own “offers” section in the app, where you can activate merchant specific cash back deals. These sometimes include hotels, airlines and international brands that operate in Japan.
Japan credit card: Co-branded airline and hotel promotions
- If a traveler holds a co branded airline card or hotel card, tell them to check their email or the benefits page for
- Bonus miles or points on international routes
- Extra rewards for stays in Asia Pacific or Japan properties
- Targeted offers for booking through specific channels
Japan credit card: Apple Card Daily Cash
- Apple Card gives enhanced Daily Cash at certain merchants and services, and a higher rate when using Apple Pay. Even if those merchants are mainly US based, readers should know they will still earn Daily Cash when using Apple Card or Apple Pay in Japan, without foreign transaction fees.
A close-up shot of a hand offering a blue debit card for payment. Via Pexels (by Pixabay)
Where Japan Credit Cards Work
Places where Japan credit cards are accepted
- International and local hotels, especially in major cities
- Department stores, malls and big electronics retailers
- Chain restaurants, cafés, coffee shops and fast food
- Supermarkets and convenience stores such as 7 Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart
- Larger tourist attractions, museums and theme parks
Japan credit card services accepted
- Visa and Mastercard most widely
- JCB and American Express at many medium and large merchants
- Discover sometimes through its connection with the JCB network, though not universally
Places where Japan credit cards do not work
- Small family run restaurants and bars
- Local markets and street food stalls
- Small ryokan, minshuku and traditional guesthouses
- Shops and inns in rural regions, mountain villages and remote onsen towns
- Some shrines, temples and older attractions, especially for small donations or charms
See all attractions
247720 booked
Japan Credit Card FAQs
Which Japan credit card should I bring from the US?
Bring at least one credit card with no foreign transaction fees, solid rewards on travel and dining, and wide acceptance such as a Visa or Mastercard travel card. Add a second no foreign transaction fee card from a different issuer as backup. If you already use Apple Card or a similar product, it is a good third option.Does Apple Card work well as a Japan credit card?
Apple Card runs on the Mastercard network and has no foreign transaction fees. It earns Daily Cash on all purchases and more when you use Apple Pay. It works well in many modern shops and chains, but not every merchant in Japan accepts contactless, so you should also carry another physical card and some cash.Do American Express cards charge foreign transaction fees in Japan?
Some consumer American Express travel cards such as Platinum, Gold and Green do not charge foreign transaction fees, but other Amex products may. You must check the exact card you hold. Even if your Amex card is fee free, acceptance is generally narrower than Visa and Mastercard outside major urban and tourist areas.How can I find promotions for my Japan credit card?
Sign into your card apps and check sections like Amex Offers, bank offers, or rewards dashboards before you travel. Activate any deals that mention travel, hotels, airlines or specific brands you plan to use. These offers often give statement credits or extra points on top of your usual rewards when you spend in Japan or on Japan related bookings.