Key Takeaways
- UPI payments coming to Japan through NPCI-NTT DATA partnership
- Indian tourists can scan QR codes using familiar UPI apps
- Deal signed on Tuesday to simplify digital payments
- Over 208,000 Indian tourists visited Japan Jan-Aug 2025 (36% growth)
Indian tourists visiting Japan will soon enjoy the convenience of UPI payments, thanks to a strategic partnership between NPCI International and Japan’s NTT DATA. The agreement, signed on Tuesday, aims to simplify digital payments for the growing number of Indian travellers to Japan.
How UPI Payments Will Work in Japan
Under the memorandum of understanding, UPI will be accepted at merchant locations managed by NTT DATA. Indian tourists can make payments by simply scanning QR codes with their familiar UPI apps, providing a seamless and secure payment experience similar to what they use in India.
“The MoU lays the foundation for a strategic alliance and marks a significant step towards UPI acceptance in the Japanese market, enhancing the payment experience for Indian tourists,” NPCI stated.
About NTT DATA’s Payment Infrastructure
NTT DATA operates CAFIS, Japan’s largest card payment processing network that connects merchants, banks, and ATMs nationwide. The collaboration will integrate UPI into this established ecosystem, significantly expanding payment options for Indian visitors.
Global UPI Expansion
UPI is currently accepted in several international markets including:
- Bhutan
- France
- Mauritius
- Nepal
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- UAE
- Qatar
Official Statements
Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO of NPCI International, said, “This partnership is a major step toward enhancing the digital payment experience for Indian travellers. It also reflects our ambition to expand UPI globally and establish it as a trusted international payment system.”
Masanori Kurihara, Head of Payments at NTT DATA Japan, added, “This collaboration is an important milestone in offering more payment choices for inbound Indian travellers. Enabling UPI will simplify shopping and payments while helping Japanese merchants grow their business.”
Growing Indian Tourism in Japan
Between January and August 2025, over 208,000 Indian tourists visited Japan, representing a significant 36% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This surge highlights the growing importance of India-Japan travel connections and the increasing need for convenient digital payment options.
With this development, Indian travellers to Japan will soon enjoy familiar, fast, and secure UPI payments, making their shopping and travel experiences significantly smoother.
