UPI Payment Integration in Japan Set to Simplify Spending for Indian Tourists

A New Chapter in Cross-Border Payments for Indian Tourists in Japan

The payment experience for Indian tourists visiting Japan is about to get a significant upgrade with the impending introduction of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance in Japan. Thanks to a collaboration between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and NTT DATA Japan, Indian travellers will soon be able to make payments using their familiar UPI apps at various merchant locations across the country. This integration promises faster, seamless checkouts and a more convenient stay for visitors, while opening new opportunities for Japanese merchants.

Collaboration That Bridges Nations Through Technology

The partnership between NIPL, the international wing of India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and Japan’s leading IT service provider, NTT DATA, marks a groundbreaking step in digital payment expansion. NTT DATA operates CAFIS, the largest card payment processing network in Japan, making it a key player to bring UPI to local businesses.

Through this collaboration, both companies will work to enable UPI payment acceptance at NTT DATA-managed merchant points across the country. This means Indian tourists will soon simply scan QR codes with their UPI apps and pay directly—a method that Indians know well and rely on every day back home.

Why This Matters for Indian Visitors and Japanese Merchants

UPI acceptance is a game-changer for visitors who otherwise would rely on cash or foreign cards with potentially higher fees and slower processing. The new system offers faster payment processing and a smoother shopping experience, which can boost satisfaction during their stay.

For business owners, linking their payment systems with UPI means access to the vast and growing segment of Indian tourists—more than 200,000 visited Japan in just the first eight months of 2024, an increase of over 35% from the previous year. This expansion means merchants can connect with a wider customer base eager to spend conveniently and securely.

Key Benefits of UPI Arrival in Japan

• Efficiency: Swift transactions for a hassle-free checkout process.
• Accessibility: No need for currency exchange or foreign credit cards.
• Familiarity: Indian tourists use apps they’re already comfortable with.
• Business Growth: Japanese merchants see a new influx of customers.
• Cross-border Convenience: Simplifies digital payments beyond national borders.

Indian Tourism Trends in Japan

This rapid growth in visitor numbers highlights the timeliness of UPI’s introduction, catering to a highly mobile and tech-savvy audience. A hassle-free way to pay aligns perfectly with the expectations of modern travelers.

From Payments to Transfers: A Seamless Travel Experience

While UPI adoption shores up the payment landscape for Indian tourists in Japan, the travel journey isn’t just about transactions—it’s also about getting there and moving around effortlessly. Platforms like LocalsRide.com provide an excellent complement to such innovations by offering a broad range of transport services. Whether it’s booking a reliable taxi, airport transfer, or choosing the exact car model and driver based on ratings and reviews, LocalsRide offers transparency and flexibility unmatched by traditional aggregators.

This empowerment makes it easy for tourists to plan every leg of their trip—from the airport to the hotel, sightseeing spots, and back. Picking the best rideshares and transfers with clear pricing means smooth travel and no last-minute surprises on fares.

What Industry Leaders Say

Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO of NPCI International, emphasized that this foundational MoU with NTT DATA is critical to enhancing the digital payment experience and simplifies cross-border spending. His words reflect the ambition to see UPI become a trusted global payment method.

Masanori Kurihara, Head of Payments at NTT DATA Japan, noted the milestone in expanding payment options for inbound Indian tourists and the mutual benefits for merchants and visitors.

Why It’s Worth Paying Attention To

The integration of UPI payments into Japan’s retail and service sectors highlights the broader trend of tourism evolving with technology. At a glance, this development is a win-win—reducing friction in payments while opening doors for economic benefits on both sides.

Of course, even the best reviews and digital feedback cannot replace the experience of trying these services firsthand. On platforms like LocalsRide, travelers can hire a verified car with a licensed driver, ensuring peace of mind, fair pricing, and a vehicle that meets their needs—whether a private sedan, SUV, or a larger seater with room for luggage.

The convenience and affordability offered empower travelers to make the most informed choices without breaking the bank or suffering disappointment. With clear information on prices, service quality, and available vehicles, the traveler is in the driver’s seat—literally and figuratively. Book now or get the best offers on LocalsRide.com.

Looking Ahead: Transforming Travel and Tourism

This new integration of UPI payments could positively influence global tourism trends by making cross-border transactions smoother for a large segment of international travelers. Although this development primarily impacts Indian visitors to Japan, it sets a precedent for similar innovations elsewhere that will reshape digital payments in tourism worldwide.

LocalsRide continues to monitor such trends closely, staying ahead in offering services that align with travelers’ evolving needs. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.

Resumen

The soon-to-arrive UPI payment acceptance in Japan represents a significant leap for Indian tourists, making transactions smoother and more familiar. The partnership between NPCI International Payments Limited and NTT DATA Japan paves the way for billions of Indian travelers to use their trusted UPI apps at merchant outlets throughout Japan. This development enhances convenience and promotes business growth for local merchants, aligned with increasing tourist numbers.

In addition to payment facilitation, services like LocalsRide.com enrich travel experiences by offering detailed options for transfers, taxis, and private rides with transparent pricing and verified providers worldwide. Travelers seeking seamless trips, from airport pickups to city tours, can benefit from the platform’s extensive vehicle choices and user-friendly app, enabling exact matches between customer needs and available services.

As travel becomes ever more interconnected and tech-driven, integrating payment ease with reliable, customizable transport options is key to crafting memorable, hassle-free journeys for tourists everywhere.