Regional hot spring towns (温泉街) attract visitors with steam and stone streets. While preserving their old-world charm, many spas and gift shops support cashless checkouts. We guide you on preparing for a cashless trip to hot springs.

Cashless Adoption at Hot Springs

• Public Baths (外湯): Most modern ticket machines accept card taps, or host QR codes at reception.
• Traditional Inns (Ryokan): Virtually 100% accept credit cards and smartphone wallets at check-out.
• Souvenir Shops: QR payments are highly prevalent, letting you purchase local crafts without handling coins.

Action Steps for Your Onsen Walk

1. Buy a Waterproof Phone Pouch: Keep your phone safe from splashes when walking between public foot baths.
2. Top Up Transit IC Cards: Essential for boarding rural shuttle buses into the mountain valleys.
3. Pack a Minimal Coin Case: Legacies like old beverage machines or roadside egg stands still require 100 JPY coins.