For your trip to Japan: the right credit card
A credit card is essential for a trip to Japan. Which card is the best fit?
Eine Frau im Kimono mit Papierschirm vor dem Berg Fuji verdichtet die Faszination einer stilvollen Japanreise und macht den redaktionellen Mehrwert im Magazin AMEXperience sofort greifbar. Das Motiv steht für kultivierte Entdeckung, exklusive Reiseerlebnisse und genussvolle Momente zwischen Tradition, Gastfreundschaft und Kulinarik. Zugleich verweist es auf die passende American Express Kreditkarte als smarte Begleiterin für komfortables Bezahlen, wertvolle Reisevorteile und ein souveränes, premiumorientiertes Lebensgefühl.
Everything you need to know at a glance
A credit card is a convenient way to pay when traveling in Japan, particularly in cities, hotels, restaurants, shops, and on public transportation.
However, cash is recommended for rural areas, temple visits, and smaller shops or services. With an American Express credit card, travelers can pay at many participating merchants thanks to the JCB partnership and earn Membership Rewards points in the process.
The American Express Gold Card offers a solid package of travel insurance and selected benefits, while the Platinum Card provides frequent travelers with additional perks such as complimentary lounge access, hotel privileges, and more comprehensive travel benefits. Which card is best for a trip to Japan therefore depends primarily on how often you travel, your desired level of comfort, and your personal insurance needs.
Credit cards have become indispensable in Japan
Credit cards have become increasingly important in Japan in recent years. While the country was traditionally considered a cash-only society, credit cards are now an indispensable means of payment for both travelers and locals.
Especially in urban areas, you can pay with a credit card almost anywhere – whether at restaurants, ticket counters, or on public transportation. In 2025, credit cards were the backbone of digital consumption, accounting for 82.7 percent of all cashless payments.
Contactless payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay also work exceptionally well in Japan, provided you have a compatible credit card linked to the service. Only in rural areas of Japan and when entering some temples or Japanese gardens will you still need cash in certain cases. Therefore, it’s a good idea to always have a few yen on hand.
Paying with American Express in Japan
With an American Express credit card, you can pay contactlessly or with a PIN at nearly all four million JCB-accepting locations in Japan: thanks to a strategic partnership with Japan’s largest credit card company, JCB (Japan Credit Bureau). This is especially true in cities, hotels, restaurants, on public transportation, as well as in supermarkets and convenience stores.
In addition to widespread acceptance, there are numerous other reasons why you should bring your American Express credit card with you to Japan. The American Express Gold Card and the Platinum Card, in particular, are ideal travel companions, offering a wide range of benefits designed to enhance your travel experience.
The American Express Platinum Card, for example, includes travel insurance and useful additional benefits such as free access to airport lounges, as well as perks at hotels and when booking rental cars.
Arrive in Japan stress-free with American Express
Your journey to Japan begins at the airport – for example, in Zurich or Geneva. With the American Express Platinum Card, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to more than 1,800 airport lounges worldwide thanks to the included “Priority Pass” membership – holders of the companion card also have free access.
Instead of waiting at a crowded gate, enjoy alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, or a full buffet, along with free Wi-Fi, in a stylish setting. You’ll also receive the same privileges during layovers or before your return flight. At Tokyo Haneda International Airport, for example, you’ll have a choice of ten different Priority Pass lounges (as of 2026).
With the Gold Card, you also get lounge access; admission is free twice a year. Additional visits are available for USD 35 per visit, regardless of airline or travel class.
Earn hotel credits and more at Japanese hotels
Japan is home to numerous fantastic hotels, not just in Tokyo. Nearly 100 upscale properties are part of one of American Express’s two partner programs, The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts. With your Platinum Card, you’ll enjoy many attractive benefits there, such as:
- Free room upgrade (depending on availability)
- A credit of at least USD 100 for in-hotel expenses, such as at the restaurant or spa
- Early check-in and late check-out (depending on availability)
You can enjoy these benefits at the stylish “1 Hotel Tokyo” or the “Conrad Osaka,” where you’ll even receive a credit of USD 125 and a complimentary daily breakfast for you and your companion.
You can also take advantage of your Platinum Card in Japan at major hotel chains such as Radisson Hotels, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy. You’ll immediately receive premium status in their respective loyalty programs.
Traveling to Japan: How to ensure you’re fully insured
Japan often has different climatic conditions than what you’re used to in Switzerland. If you get sick during your trip and need to see a doctor or go to the hospital, this can result in high costs. Thanks to the Foreign Travel Medical Expenses Insurance included with your American Express Gold Card and Platinum Card, you’re financially protected when it comes to medical care.
Depending on your credit card plan, you also benefit from Travel Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance, Luggage Insurance, and Transport Accident Insurance.
Interesting fact: Coverage extends not only to the cardholders themselves but also, as a rule, to spouses living in the same household and children up to age 25.
Which American Express card should you take with you to Japan?
Travel benefits in Japan with American Express
The Platinum Card is your ideal travel companion for even more reasons. For example, Loss Damage Waiver for Rental Cars is already included for a road trip through Japan. This means you don’t need to purchase expensive supplemental insurance at the counter.
As a Platinum Card member, you’ll also receive an annual SIXT ride credit for transfers and rides – for example, directly from your destination airport in Japan to your hotel.
With American Express, you’re well-prepared for Japan
With an American Express credit card, you’ll enjoy benefits in Japan on many levels – whether it’s accommodations, transportation, or comprehensive insurance coverage. And you’ll even enjoy advantages when shopping, because with the Platinum Card or Gold Card, your purchases are insured against theft, burglary, robbery, and damage for 90 days after purchase.
While the Gold Card offers a solid insurance package along with other benefits for a reasonable annual fee, the Platinum Card is primarily aimed at frequent travelers and those who value the highest level of comfort, upscale hotels, and comprehensive coverage.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Thanks to its partnership with Japan Credit Bureau (JCB), Japan’s largest credit card company, the American Express card can be used virtually anywhere – especially in cities, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
With the included “Priority Pass” membership, Platinum Card members have access to numerous airport lounges worldwide.
American Express Cards are accepted worldwide. With the Gold Card or Platinum Card, you also enjoy numerous travel benefits, such as hotel perks and insurance. For transactions in foreign currencies or abroad, a fee of 1.75 percent (Platinum Card) or 2.5 percent (other cards) applies.
