Home » Latest Travel News of Japan » France, UAE, Nepal, Mauritius, Peru, Singapore and More Lead the Way as Indian Tourists Can Soon Make Payments Using UPI in Japan
Published on
October 19, 2025
With the rapid rise of digital payment systems, Indian tourists traveling to Japan will soon benefit from the seamless convenience of using their Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps, marking a significant milestone in cross-border transactions. France, UAE, Nepal, Mauritius, Peru, Singapore, and several other countries have already embraced UPI for Indian travelers, and Japan is now set to join this growing list. This move aims to make transactions easier, reduce the reliance on cash or foreign exchange cards, and provide Indian tourists with a familiar and secure payment method while exploring Japan. By offering UPI payments, Japan is not only enhancing the travel experience for Indian visitors but also positioning itself as a more accessible and tourist-friendly destination.
Indian Tourists to Make Digital Payments via UPI in Japan: A New Milestone for Cross-Border Transactions
India’s rapidly growing Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is about to make its debut in East Asia, with Japan becoming the latest country to integrate this innovative payment system. Indian tourists visiting Japan will soon be able to use UPI apps to make payments at select merchants across the country, thanks to a new collaboration between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and NTT DATA Japan, a subsidiary of the NTT DATA Group.
Revolutionising Payment Systems for Indian Tourists
The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a significant shift in the way Indian travelers can make payments abroad. Under the agreement, merchants across Japan who are connected to NTT DATA’s payment network will begin accepting UPI payments. This means that Indian tourists will be able to scan QR codes at participating stores and make payments directly from their UPI-enabled mobile apps. This initiative aims to streamline payments and reduce the reliance on cash or foreign exchange cards during travel.
For many Indian tourists, managing cash or carrying forex cards while traveling has always been a hassle. The introduction of UPI in Japan brings the convenience of digital payments to Indian travelers, allowing them to seamlessly pay for goods and services with just their smartphones. This development comes as part of a larger effort to make Japan a more attractive and accessible destination for tourists from India, who are increasingly visiting the country in large numbers.
A Booming Tourism Sector
The timing of this initiative couldn’t be more perfect. Japan has been experiencing a steady rise in the number of visitors from India, a trend that is expected to continue in the coming years. According to Travel and Leisure, over 208,000 Indian tourists traveled to Japan between January and August 2025, a notable increase in the volume of arrivals from India.
As the number of Indian tourists continues to grow, it’s essential that Japan’s tourism infrastructure adapts to meet their needs. The ability to make UPI payments will not only enhance the experience for Indian visitors but will also contribute to the overall development of Japan’s tourism ecosystem. By offering a payment method that is familiar and trusted by Indian travelers, Japan is positioning itself as an even more welcoming destination for tourists.
Expanding UPI’s Global Reach
This collaboration between NIPL and NTT DATA Japan also marks a significant milestone for UPI on the global stage. The introduction of UPI services in Japan will make it the first country in East Asia to adopt this payment system. Indian travelers have already been able to use UPI in several countries across the world, including France, the UAE, Nepal, Mauritius, Peru, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Qatar, and Bhutan.
The ability to use UPI across various international destinations makes it easier for Indian tourists to manage their expenses without the added worry of exchanging currencies or dealing with high international transaction fees. It also reflects the growing influence of India’s homegrown digital payment system, which has seen rapid adoption both within the country and abroad.
The Role of NTT DATA Japan and CAFIS
NTT DATA Japan operates CAFIS, Japan’s largest card payment processing network. This network connects banks, merchants, and ATMs across the country, making it a vital part of Japan’s financial infrastructure. The integration of UPI into this system will enable a smooth transition for Indian travelers, allowing them to use their existing UPI-enabled apps in Japan’s retail environment.
NTT DATA Japan’s extensive reach in the payment processing sector will ensure that the integration of UPI is as seamless as possible. The company’s expertise in digital payments and its extensive network of merchants and financial institutions will help ensure that UPI payments can be processed efficiently and securely.
Enhancing Cross-Border Financial Inclusion
The introduction of UPI in Japan is more than just a convenience for Indian tourists. It’s a step toward greater financial inclusion on a global scale. By enabling seamless cross-border payments, UPI is helping bridge the gap between countries with different financial systems. This collaboration reflects India’s growing influence in the global financial ecosystem, as well as the increasing role of digital payments in promoting economic inclusion.
For tourists, UPI offers an easy and secure way to make payments without worrying about carrying large amounts of cash or navigating the complexities of foreign exchange. This ease of access to digital payment systems is especially important for tourists from emerging markets like India, who may not always have access to traditional banking services while traveling abroad.
Indian tourists will soon be able to use UPI for payments in Japan, joining a growing list of countries like France, UAE, Nepal, and Singapore. This initiative aims to enhance convenience for travelers, reduce reliance on cash, and make Japan a more accessible and tourist-friendly destination.
The Future of UPI
Looking ahead, this partnership between NPCI International Payments and NTT DATA Japan is just the beginning. As UPI continues to expand its global footprint, it’s likely that more countries will follow Japan’s lead in adopting the system. For now, Indian tourists can look forward to a more convenient and secure way of making payments during their travels in Japan, further cementing UPI’s place as one of the world’s most accessible and innovative payment systems.
With more countries embracing UPI, the future of cross-border payments looks brighter than ever. For Indian tourists, this development means fewer hassles, more convenience, and a smoother travel experience, wherever they go.
