Small, independently run restaurants — ramen shops in particular — are still often cash-only.
Why cash only
Ticket machines themselves are often cash-only, and for fast-turnover shops, avoiding card fees and extra equipment is common.
What to have ready
- Carry some coins and 1,000 yen notes
- Check the door or counter for a "Cash Only" sign
- Large notes (10,000 yen) sometimes can't be used in the ticket machine
Cashless payment is slowly becoming more common, but it's worth checking before you walk in.