/en/tags/travel-preparation/Recent content in Travel-Preparation on Your Guide to Regional Cashless Services and Local Reward CampaignsHugo -- gohugo.ioenFuttsun PayThu, 07 May 2026 14:45:00 +0900/en/area-guide/preparation-for-enjoying-a-cashless-trip-to-local-hot-spring-towns/Thu, 07 May 2026 14:45:00 +0900/en/area-guide/preparation-for-enjoying-a-cashless-trip-to-local-hot-spring-towns/<img src="/img/thumbnail/cashless-trip-local-hot-spring-towns-en.png" alt="Featured image of post Preparation for Enjoying a Cashless Trip to Local Hot Spring Towns" /><p>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.</p> <h2 id="cashless-adoption-at-hot-springs">Cashless Adoption at Hot Springs </h2><ul> <li><strong>Public Baths (外湯)</strong>: Most modern ticket machines accept card taps, or host QR codes at reception.</li> <li><strong>Traditional Inns (Ryokan)</strong>: Virtually 100% accept credit cards and smartphone wallets at check-out.</li> <li><strong>Souvenir Shops</strong>: QR payments are highly prevalent, letting you purchase local crafts without handling coins.</li> </ul> <h2 id="action-steps-for-your-onsen-walk">Action Steps for Your Onsen Walk </h2><ol> <li><strong>Buy a Waterproof Phone Pouch</strong>: Keep your phone safe from splashes when walking between public foot baths.</li> <li><strong>Top Up Transit IC Cards</strong>: Essential for boarding rural shuttle buses into the mountain valleys.</li> <li><strong>Pack a Minimal Coin Case</strong>: Legacies like old beverage machines or roadside egg stands still require 100 JPY coins.</li> </ol>