---
title: 'Adyen Vs KOMOJU Vs Unlimit: 7 Best Payment Gateways In Japan (2026)'
description: 'Compare 7 payment gateways in Japan: Adyen, KOMOJU, Unlimit and more, ranked on local methods, onboarding, settlement and payouts for global merchants.'
url: 'https://www.unlimit.com/blog/payments/payment-gateway-japan/'
image: 'https://cdn.unlimit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/22115211/payment-gateway-japan-thumbnail.webp'
language: en
published: '2026-10-22T13:00:46+00:00'
modified: '2026-10-22T13:00:53+00:00'
categories:
  - Payments
---

> The index of this site for AI agents is at https://www.unlimit.com/llms.txt

# Adyen Vs KOMOJU Vs Unlimit: 7 Best Payment Gateways In Japan (2026)

7 payment gateways and service providers in Japan ranked for businesses selling into Japan by method coverage, onboarding, licence, settlement, reach and payouts, verified October 2026.

## Key takeaways

- Adyen is number 1 at 7.7 / 10 for online stores, driven by its Japanese payment methods.
- KOMOJU (number 2) suits teams integrating by API, and Stripe (4) is aimed at enterprises. Both attach entity conditions to some methods.
- Unlimit is 3 of 7 at 7.6 / 10 and fits cross-border merchants entering Japan; its score is lower on regulatory licence.
- Entity rules matter: 6 of 7 ranked providers publish information on onboarding merchants based abroad. The underlying research did not verify a Japanese regulatory registration for any of the 7; this does not establish that they lack authorisation.
- Methods decide fit: 7 of 7 ranked providers publish their Japanese payment methods. Match cards, konbini and wallets to your buyers.
- Choose by entity rules, licence holder, settlement currency, one-integration reach, payouts and methods; no single provider suits every business.

## The short answer

Adyen (number 1, online stores), KOMOJU (number 2, teams integrating by API) and Unlimit (number 3, cross-border merchants entering Japan) lead this ranking of 7 payment gateways and service providers in Japan. Before signing, confirm the contracting entity and the authorisation required for its services.

## The ranking

The 7 best payment gateways and service providers in Japan, ranked by a weighted score out of 10 and verified October 2026.

| Rank | Provider | Best for | Price band | Score / 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adyen | Online stores | Mid | 7.7 |
| 2 | KOMOJU | Teams integrating by API | Mid | 7.6 |
| 3 | Unlimit | Cross-border merchants entering Japan | Mid | 7.6 |
| 4 | Stripe | Enterprises | Mid | 7.5 |
| 5 | GMO Payment Gateway | Online stores | Mid | 6.2 |
| 6 | PAY.JP | Teams integrating by API | Mid | 5.6 |
| 7 | SB Payment Service | Cross-border merchants entering Japan | Mid | 4.2 |

*Price bands: Low means published card rate of 2.9% or less per transaction, with no monthly fee (no entry in this list). Mid shows published card rate above 2.9%, a published monthly fee, or quote-based pricing. High reflects enterprise contract or interchange++ pricing with a setup fee or a monthly minimum (no entry in this list). Scores: Unlimit scoring rubric, see How this was scored. Source: providers’ pricing pages, October 2026.*

## What is a payment gateway in Japan (and how is it different from a payment service provider)?

An online payment gateway is the checkout software that securely passes payment details from a website or app to a processor or acquirer and returns the transaction result. It connects checkout to payment processing, as explained in Unlimit’s guide on [what a payment gateway is](https://www.unlimit.com/blog/payments/payment-essentials-what-is-a-payment-gateway-and-how-it-works/).

The difference is scope: a payment service provider (PSP) can supply the gateway together with payment processing, access to payment methods and settlement. In Japan, those methods may include cards, konbini cash payments and Pay-easy online banking. When comparing providers, distinguish the gateway’s checkout connection from the wider services and merchant requirements included in a PSP’s offer.

## How this was scored

Each provider is scored out of 10 on 11 weighted criteria, each criterion against the best provider in the comparison, which scores 10; the publisher is scored by the same process and its position is not edited.

Published by Unlimit. Unlimit is number 3 on this list and is scored on the same rubric as every other entry.

Only providers serving Japan online were scored. Price bands reflect published rates or, where none are published, the pricing model, so a merchant’s quote may differ. The publisher of this payment service provider list is ranked in it, and the list is not professional advice.

| Criterion | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Local method coverage | Which of the market’s cards, local card schemes, instalments, wallets, bank transfers and cash methods the provider accepts online. | 18% |
| Developer experience | API documentation, hosted checkout, SDKs and plugins available for integration. | 10% |
| Pricing transparency | Whether the provider publishes its rates and fees, and how much of its pricing is published. | 8% |
| Settlement & FX | How the merchant receives its own funds: settlement timing, local and foreign settlement currencies, multi-currency accounts, FX handling and the accounts it can settle to. | 12% |
| Regulatory licence | Licence or authorisation verified in the regulator’s public register, not by the provider’s own claim. | 12% |
| Non-resident onboarding | Whether a merchant without a local entity, local tax ID or local bank account can open an account to accept payments in the market, and on what conditions. | 14% |
| Multi-market reach | How many named markets the provider accepts payments in, and whether one integration, account or contract covers the market together with other named markets. | 12% |
| Payout capability | Whether the provider sends payouts to third parties such as sellers, partners and customers, by API or in bulk, to which methods, including cards and instant local rails, and in which markets and currencies. | 4% |
| Local acquiring | Whether the provider acquires card payments in the market itself, under its own licence or principal card-scheme membership, or through partner acquirers. | 4% |
| Support & reliability | Published support channels, status information, security certification, and incidents or sanctions. | 4% |
| Recurring & card-on-file | Subscription and recurring-payment APIs, stored-card tokens, network tokens, card-data updates and the import of tokens from another provider. | 2% |

*Sources: every provider fact was checked against the provider’s own pages or filings in October 2026; market figures carry their source and date inline.*

## Where Unlimit fits

For a merchant selling into Japan, Unlimit is number 3 of 7. Its regulatory-licence score reflects that the underlying research did not verify a Japanese registration for its contracting entity; it does not establish that Unlimit lacks authorisation. The company operates as global financial infrastructure that supports cross-border commerce for businesses, consumers and AI agents.

Unlimit states that it offers more than 1,000 payment methods worldwide ([Unlimit home page](https://www.unlimit.com/)) and gives access to over 150 currencies across more than 200 locations. These global figures describe Unlimit worldwide, not any single market, and coverage varies by market. Unlimit’s payment methods are published in its [documentation](https://integration.unlimit.com/api-reference/3a07b2e28ab37-get-payment-and-payout-methods), and Unlimit enables them for each merchant during onboarding.

Businesses incorporated outside Japan can accept payments from customers in the country through one Unlimit API integration, without a company, office or bank account in Japan. During onboarding, Unlimit tells each merchant which documents each payment method needs. If Unlimit does not hold a licence itself, it processes payments through licensed partners and settles in the currency agreed with the merchant. Going live starts in a sandbox, and a live account follows the tests ([sandbox guide](https://integration.unlimit.com/doc-guides/cgtiu0ngcy3zq-sandbox-integration));

Unlimit states it is a PCI DSS Level 1 Certified Service Provider ([processing page](https://www.unlimit.com/payment-processing/)). Its documentation describes [scheduled subscription payments](https://integration.unlimit.com/doc-guides/7eutcovzdvrqi-scheduled-subscription-payments) and [one-click payments](https://integration.unlimit.com/doc-guides/117tf2l35yzf7-b-one-click-recurring-payments). It also documents pay-ins and payouts separately: the [Get payment and payout methods](https://integration.unlimit.com/api-reference/3a07b2e28ab37-get-payment-and-payout-methods) endpoint returns payment\_methods and payout\_methods for the current merchant terminal, including cards and alternative methods; payout\_methods\_only can request just the payout list. Pay-ins collect customer purchases, whereas payouts send funds to recipients such as sellers or customers. These terminal-specific capabilities are distinct from settlement of a merchant’s own sales proceeds and do not guarantee every method or payout destination in Japan; confirm enabled methods and countries during onboarding.

Unlimit fits cross-border merchants adding PayPay, konbini and card payments to one API integration. Before signing, merchants should confirm the contracting entity, any local processing partners and the authorisation required for the agreed services.

Start accepting payments in Japan and globally with one integration

[Talk to sales](https://www.unlimit.com/contacts/)

## Every entry

Each entry in this payment service provider comparison gives one strength and one criticism, with the provider’s score, price band and best-for segment.

### Adyen

- Verdict: Adyen suits online stores in Japan that want many Japanese payment methods and can work from one company account; payouts carry local-bank rules.
- Best for: Online stores.
- Price band: Mid. Interchange plus plus pricing, no Japan rates published, setup and monthly fees not stated ([pricing page](https://www.adyen.com/pricing)).
- Company: Adyen states it is backed by US, UK and EU banking licenses ([home page](https://www.adyen.com/)).
- Strength: Its [Japan guide](https://www.adyen.com/payment-methods-guides/asia-pacific/japan) lists Visa, Konbini, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Pay-easy online banking and UnionPay as popular payment methods in Japan.
- Criticism: Before signing, ask which Adyen entity holds the licence for acquiring card payments in Japan and check it in the regulator’s public register, because the licence holder is accountable for the funds.
- Use cases: Per its [integration checklist](https://docs.adyen.com/online-payments/integration-checklist), a merchant must apply for a live account. One company account holds merchant accounts as sub-accounts, with no account type limited to local business accounts.
- Risk signals: Per its [currency documentation](https://docs.adyen.com/account/supported-currencies), a local payout needs a local bank account in a country using the currency as legal tender, and other accounts are paid by SWIFT; BRL, INR, MYR, MXN and AED are local-bank only with no SWIFT option, and JPY is not on that list.
- Score: number 1 of 7, 7.7 / 10, verified October 2026.

### KOMOJU

- Verdict: KOMOJU suits API-led teams outside Japan that mainly want konbini, wallets and bank transfer, since the card route depends on a Japanese registration.
- Best for: Teams integrating by API.
- Price band: Mid. Published per-method percentage rates, a flat fee per overseas payout, no setup or monthly fees ([Japan payment methods page](https://en.komoju.com/payment-methods/japan/)).
- Company: It is a payment gateway whose [homepage](https://en.komoju.com/) says merchants choose from more than 65 payment methods at checkout and names South Korea and Brazil as further markets.
- Strength: The provider states that merchants can launch in Japan without a local entity with konbini payments at five chains (Family Mart, Lawson, Mini Stop, Daily Yamazaki and SeicoMart), PayPay, au PAY, MerPay, Pay Easy, Furikomi bank transfer and Paidy ([comparison page](https://en.komoju.com/cross-border-payment-solutions/komoju-vs-stripe/)).
- Criticism: Ask which Japanese acquirer and licence stand behind the card gateway before signing, because the licence holder is answerable for card settlement.
- Use cases: It states that it gives international merchants access to Japanese payment options without needing to set up a company in Japan first ([comparison page](https://en.komoju.com/cross-border-payment-solutions/komoju-vs-stripe/)); real payments need a Live mode application, after which the store is screened and supporting documents may be requested ([documentation](https://docs.komoju.com/)).
- Risk signals: Konbini at 7-Eleven requires a local entity ([comparison page](https://en.komoju.com/cross-border-payment-solutions/komoju-vs-stripe/)), the credit card method needs a merchant registered in Japan ([supported payment types](https://docs.komoju.com/en/docs/introduction/core-concepts/supported-payment-types)), and bank transfer lists a Japan-only merchant entity restriction ([bank transfer page](https://en.komoju.com/payment-methods/japan/domestic-bank-transfer-japan/)).
- Score: number 2 of 7, 7.6 / 10, verified October 2026.

### Unlimit

- Badge: Publisher’s entry
- Verdict: Unlimit suits companies expanding into Japan from abroad that want one integration for local methods.
- Best for: Cross-border merchants entering Japan.
- Price band: Mid. No published rates.
- Company: Unlimit’s [Japan payment processing page](https://www.unlimit.com/en-jp/payment-processing/) says one API integration covers card processing and local payment methods wherever customers are, and that merchants can work with a single provider across Latin America, Africa, India and Asia-Pacific. Unlimit’s [guide to the best payment gateways for e-commerce businesses in 2026](https://www.unlimit.com/blog/payments/best-payment-gateways-for-e-commerce-businesses-in-2026/) adds that merchants using Unlimit avoid the burden of setting up local entities.
- Strength: Unlimit lists the Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners and Discover cards, Apple pay and Google pay, the PayPay and PayPal wallets, PayEasy online banking and Konbini cash payments for Japan ([Japan coverage](https://www.unlimit.com/coverage/apac/japan/)).
- Criticism: Ask Unlimit which licensed local partner or entity processes its Japanese payments and where that party appears in the regulator’s public register, because the licence it holds decides who answers for the funds.
- Use cases: Marketplaces can use Unlimit’s [global payouts service](https://www.unlimit.com/payouts/) to pay sellers and partners through supported cards, bank transfers, e-wallets and local payment rails. Its [Japan processing page](https://www.unlimit.com/en-jp/payment-processing/) also describes instalment checkout: the merchant’s shoppers can split a purchase into payments, with instant approval and 0% interest advertised for eligible plans. These are shopper payment terms; confirm the available methods, eligibility and Japan-specific conditions during onboarding. Merchants can also send payment links through social media, messaging or email.
- Risk signals: Before launch, agree in writing which currency Unlimit settles in and how soon, so that settlement terms for Japan are fixed. Unlimit enables the Japanese payment methods for each merchant during onboarding.
- Score: number 3 of 7, 7.6 / 10, verified October 2026.

Start accepting payments in Japan and globally with one integration

[Talk to sales](https://www.unlimit.com/contacts/)

### Stripe

- Verdict: Stripe suits enterprises in Japan that already hold a Japanese entity, tax ID and bank account and want documented settlement terms.
- Best for: Enterprises.
- Price band: Mid. Published per-method percentage rates, custom pricing for large volumes, no card rate verified ([pricing page](https://stripe.com/en-jp/pricing)).
- Company: Stripe’s [support article](https://support.stripe.com/questions/stripe-service-provider-in-japan) states that its service in Japan is provided through Stripe Japan, Inc., registered in Japan.
- Strength: Per its [Konbini article](https://support.stripe.com/questions/enabling-konbini-payments-for-japan-based-stripe-accounts), funds from Konbini payments are available after 4 business days, and its [Japan guide](https://support.stripe.com/questions/getting-started-with-stripe-a-guide-for-users-in-japan) states that the default payout schedule is manual, with the first payout available 7 days after the first payment.
- Criticism: Stripe states that opening an account outside the primary business country needs a legal entity registered there, a tax ID and a physical bank account in that country. Its [support article on account requirements](https://support.stripe.com/questions/requirements-to-open-a-stripe-account-in-another-country) does not name Japan. A merchant without a Japanese entity should confirm with Stripe before applying, as it may be unable to open an account.
- Use cases: A retailer can offer Japanese shoppers PayPay’s QR wallet and Konbini cash payments at more than 34,000 convenience stores through Stripe. Its [Japan pricing page](https://stripe.com/en-jp/pricing/local-payment-methods) also presents bank transfers for large, one-off purchases such as B2B invoices. These options address wallet users, cash-preferring shoppers and business buyers; merchant and method eligibility still apply.
- Risk signals: Konbini activation requires a website readable in Japanese and a Specified Commercial Transactions Act disclosure linked on the top page, covering business address, a landline support phone number, price and refund policies ([Konbini article](https://support.stripe.com/questions/enabling-konbini-payments-for-japan-based-stripe-accounts)).
- Score: number 4 of 7, 7.5 / 10, verified October 2026.

### GMO Payment Gateway

- Verdict: GMO Payment Gateway suits Japanese corporations and sole proprietors that want many payment methods and buy now pay later options under a Japanese contract, not foreign companies without one.
- Best for: Online stores.
- Price band: Mid. Quote-based, individual quotes on request ([PG Multi-Payment Service page](https://www.gmo-pg.com/en/service/mulpay/)).
- Company: Its [company profile](https://www.gmo-pg.com/en/corp/company/) lists it as a business operator concluding contracts handling credit card numbers, Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry License No. 130.
- Strength: The [service list](https://www.gmo-pg.com/en/service/issue/payment/) names credit card payment, CVS Payment, Pay-easy, PayPay, Rakuten Pay, AEON Pay, FamiPay, d Payment, au PAY, Softbank payment, bank transfer by virtual account, account transfer, cash on delivery, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal and China UnionPay, and [PG Multi-Payment Service](https://www.gmo-pg.com/en/service/mulpay/) lets merchants operate more than 30 types of online payment method.
- Criticism: Per its [multi-currency service](https://www.gmo-pg.com/en/service/mulpay-multicurrency/) page, foreign currency credit card payment is introduced only by a contract between a Japan domestic corporation and GMO-PG or the credit card company. A merchant without a Japanese corporation cannot use that service.
- Use cases: The atokara buy now pay later service allows instalments of up to 36 times with V Point accumulation and use, and GMO Payment After Delivery lets the buyer pay after receiving the goods ([service list](https://www.gmo-pg.com/en/service/issue/payment/)).
- Risk signals: Epsilon by GMO is an e-commerce online payment service for sole proprietors. PG Multi-Payment Service is a separate service for corporations ([service overview](https://www.gmo-pg.com/en/service/)).
- Score: number 5 of 7, 6.2 / 10, verified October 2026.

### PAY.JP

- Verdict: PAY.JP suits Japan-based engineering teams that want a card and PayPay API and will build their own cart.
- Best for: Teams integrating by API.
- Price band: Mid. Card rate from 2.59 %by plan, flat PayPay rate, JPY 250 transfer fee, no fixed or setup fees ([features page](https://pay.jp/introduction)).
- Company: PAY.JP’s [help article](https://help.pay.jp/ja/articles/5000866-%E3%81%AF%E3%81%98%E3%82%81%E3%81%AB%E3%81%8A%E8%AA%AD%E3%81%BF%E3%81%8F%E3%81%A0%E3%81%95%E3%81%84-%E5%B0%8E%E5%85%A5%E3%82%92%E3%81%94%E6%A4%9C%E8%A8%8E%E4%B8%AD%E3%81%AE%E4%BA%8B%E6%A5%AD%E4%B8%BB%E6%A7%98%E3%81%B8) states that BASE is its parent company.
- Strength: It provides two API versions, v1 and v2, each with its own reference ([help article](https://help.pay.jp/ja/articles/5000866-%E3%81%AF%E3%81%98%E3%82%81%E3%81%AB%E3%81%8A%E8%AA%AD%E3%81%BF%E3%81%8F%E3%81%A0%E3%81%95%E3%81%84-%E5%B0%8E%E5%85%A5%E3%82%92%E3%81%94%E6%A4%9C%E8%A8%8E%E4%B8%AD%E3%81%AE%E4%BA%8B%E6%A5%AD%E4%B8%BB%E6%A7%98%E3%81%B8)), a Checkout library loaded with a script tag ([v1 Checkout](https://docs.pay.jp/v1/checkout)) and an iOS SDK initialised with the merchant’s public key ([v1 iOS SDK](https://docs.pay.jp/v1/mobileapp-ios)).
- Criticism: PAY.JP’s [help article on eligibility](https://help.pay.jp/ja/articles/3438177-%E5%80%8B%E4%BA%BA-%E5%80%8B%E4%BA%BA%E4%BA%8B%E6%A5%AD%E4%B8%BB-%E3%81%A7%E3%82%82%E5%88%A9%E7%94%A8%E3%81%A7%E3%81%8D%E3%81%BE%E3%81%99%E3%81%8B-%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%E3%81%AA%E6%9B%B8%E9%A1%9E%E3%81%AF%E3%81%82%E3%82%8A%E3%81%BE%E3%81%99%E3%81%8B) states that corporations and individuals can apply and does not mention foreign merchants. A sole proprietor needs a business start notification (kaigyo todoke) or an equivalent document at review. A foreign merchant should ask PAY.JP whether it can apply before building on the API.
- Use cases: Its [features page](https://pay.jp/introduction) states that it supports main payment methods such as credit card payment and Apple Pay, and its [help article on payment methods](https://help.pay.jp/ja/articles/3438175-%E5%88%A9%E7%94%A8%E5%8F%AF%E8%83%BD%E3%81%AA%E6%B1%BA%E6%B8%88%E6%89%8B%E6%AE%B5%E3%82%92%E6%95%99%E3%81%88%E3%81%A6%E3%81%8F%E3%81%A0%E3%81%95%E3%81%84) lists VISA and Mastercard, JCB, Amex, Diners and Discover cards, Apple Pay and PayPay.
- Risk signals: PAY.JP does not currently provide payment methods beyond that list: convenience-store, bank-transfer and carrier methods are not provided. A store whose buyers use konbini needs another provider ([help article on payment methods](https://help.pay.jp/ja/articles/3438175-%E5%88%A9%E7%94%A8%E5%8F%AF%E8%83%BD%E3%81%AA%E6%B1%BA%E6%B8%88%E6%89%8B%E6%AE%B5%E3%82%92%E6%95%99%E3%81%88%E3%81%A6%E3%81%8F%E3%81%A0%E3%81%95%E3%81%84)).
- Score: 6 of 7, 5.6 / 10, verified October 2026.

### SB Payment Service

- Verdict: SB Payment Service suits businesses that want konbini, wire transfer and Chinese-visitor wallets from one Japanese provider.
- Best for: Cross-border merchants entering Japan.
- Price band: Mid. No published rates, fees given in the merchant portal ([support article on fees](https://support.sbpayment.jp/first-guide/5031/)).
- Company: Its [support article](https://support.sbpayment.jp/first-guide/5031/) names its operating company as holding a qualified invoice issuer registration, which is a tax registration and not a financial licence.
- Strength: The provider lists credit card payment for the five major international brands, convenience-store payment at stores nationwide and general wire transfer paid at banks, post offices and convenience stores among its online payment services ([methods page](https://www.sbpayment.jp/en/service/asp/payment-method/)).
- Criticism: Before signing, a merchant based abroad should ask SB Payment Service which entity contracts with it and which documents are needed, because eligibility decides whether it can accept payments at all.
- Use cases: Its [methods page](https://www.sbpayment.jp/en/service/asp/payment-method/) also lists Alipay Plus for Southeast Asian and Chinese users, WeChat Pay for inbound customers and foreigners living in Japan, and prepaid cards that customers can buy at convenience stores nationwide.
- Risk signals: Payment fees and initial and monthly costs are shown to merchants in the merchant portal, with no rates listed publicly ([support article on fees](https://support.sbpayment.jp/first-guide/5031/)). Request a quote before comparing cost.
- Score: 7 of 7, 4.2 / 10, verified October 2026.

## Go deeper

### Best for cross-border merchants entering Japan

Unlimit (number 3, 7.6 / 10) is the pick for a business entering Japan from abroad: a merchant based outside Japan gets cards, PayPay, PayPal, PayEasy and Konbini on its Japan coverage list, and a provider-wide blog post says merchants using Unlimit avoid setting up local entities.

### Best for online stores

Adyen (number 1, 7.7 / 10) is the pick for online stores in Japan: a store selling to Japanese shoppers can offer cards, UnionPay, Pay-easy, Konbini through the partner econtext and Rakuten Pay wallet payments, all listed in Adyen’s own Japan guide and documentation. Also consider GMO Payment Gateway (number 5, 6.2 / 10), whose CVS Payment is available 24 hours a day at convenience stores nationwide.

### Best for teams integrating by API

KOMOJU (number 2, 7.6 / 10) is the pick for API teams in Japan: a team creates a Payment directly or from a hosted Session, uses a Hosted Page that handles PCI compliance and 3D Secure, and starts in an immediate Test mode account with no approval. Also consider Stripe (number 4, 7.5 / 10), which ships a CLI, official SDKs and a sandbox.

### Best for enterprises

Stripe (number 4, 7.5 / 10) is the pick for enterprises in Japan: an enterprise gets standard technical support through documentation and support channels, optional paid support plans, PCI DSS compliance and a service provided in Japan through Stripe Japan, Inc.

### Which licence does a payment service provider need in Japan, and who holds it?

A provider’s authorisation sits with a named legal entity, and the entity on the merchant’s agreement can differ from the brand the merchant sees. Ask each provider for the contracting entity and the licence or registration it holds for Japan, then look that entity up in the regulator’s public register. A banking licence abroad or a tax registration on a provider’s own page does not show Japanese cover, so request the entity name in writing before signing.

### Can a business without a Japanese entity accept payments in Japan?

Whether a foreign company can open an account depends on the provider and on the method. A company abroad can set up its own Japanese company, use a local gateway with an account type for foreign companies, or use an international provider that works through licensed local partners, as outlined in a guide on [how businesses accept international payments](https://www.unlimit.com/blog/payments/how-businesses-accept-international-payments-a-complete-guide/).

### How to choose a payment gateway in Japan

- Check whether a live account opens for a company with no Japanese entity, tax ID or bank account; 6 of 7 ranked providers publish information on this, and the answer differs by method.
- Ask each provider which legal entity contracts with you and which authorisation its services require in Japan. Four of 7 publish licence information; the underlying research did not verify a Japanese registration for any of the 7. Treat this as an evidence gap and verify the relevant entity, rather than assuming it is unlicensed.
- Compare settlement currencies, payout timing and who bears FX (7 of 7 ranked providers publish settlement information), and fix the contract currency in writing.
- Confirm whether one integration covers Japan and your other markets (6 of 7 ranked providers publish information on reach), and test the payment service provider implementation in a sandbox.
- Ask which payout methods reach Japanese sellers and partners; 6 of 7 ranked providers publish payout information.
- Match the provider’s cards, konbini and wallets to the buyers you serve; 7 of 7 ranked providers publish their payment methods.

![The order of checks a buyer follows when comparing providers.](https://cdn.unlimit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/22115225/payment-gateway-japan-image-1.webp)*The order of checks a buyer follows when comparing providers.*

No single provider is best for every business, so weigh these steps against your own entity position.

Start accepting payments in Japan and globally with one integration

[Talk to sales](https://www.unlimit.com/contacts/)

## FAQs

**What is the best payment method in Japan?**The right payment method in Japan depends on the buyer, so a merchant selling into Japan should offer cards, konbini cash payments and wallets together. KOMOJU’s Japan page says konbini lets consumers pay cash at over 50,000 convenience store locations ([KOMOJU Japan page](https://en.komoju.com/payment-methods/japan/)), and Stripe’s pricing page puts Konbini reach at more than 34,000 stores ([Stripe Japan pricing](https://stripe.com/en-jp/pricing)).

**Which payment service providers are well known in Japan?**The ranking names Adyen at number 1, KOMOJU at number 2 and Unlimit at number 3 of 7 payment service providers serving Japan, followed by Stripe, GMO Payment Gateway, PAY.JP and SB Payment Service. GMO Payment Gateway’s merchant acquiring service lets merchants contract with multiple card brands in one contract ([GMO acquiring page](https://www.gmo-pg.com/en/service/mulpay-creditcard/)).

**How does Unlimit accept card payments for a business selling into Japan?**A business selling into Japan can have cards processed through Unlimit’s acquiring service, which a merchant should scope during onboarding. Its [payment processing page](https://www.unlimit.com/payment-processing/) states that it offers global card acquiring for debit and credit cards in multiple currencies and major card schemes, and that it accepts payments through local licenses and experts without intermediaries; neither sentence names Japan or a partner. Unlimit is number 3.

**Which payment service provider is best for a foreign business in Japan?**The provider that fits a foreign business depends on its entity, tax ID and bank account position, so compare account rules before features. Stripe’s Japan guide lists the corporate number among required business information ([Stripe Japan guide](https://support.stripe.com/questions/getting-started-with-stripe-a-guide-for-users-in-japan)), while KOMOJU states that merchants can accept Japanese bank transfer without opening a Japanese bank account ([KOMOJU bank transfer page](https://en.komoju.com/payment-methods/japan/domestic-bank-transfer-japan/)).

**Is using a payment service provider in Japan safe and legal?**Using a payment service provider in Japan is safe when the contracting entity holds the authorisation its activity needs and the merchant has checked it. A merchant can ask for the legal entity on the agreement and its licence or registration for Japan, look the entity up in the regulator’s public register, and request its card-data security certification before sending live traffic.

**Can a business based outside Japan accept PayPay payments?**A business based outside Japan can accept PayPay only through a provider that offers the wallet to foreign merchants, so it should get that confirmed in writing. Stripe’s Japan guide describes PayPay as QR code payments through Japan’s largest mobile payment service ([Stripe Japan guide](https://support.stripe.com/questions/getting-started-with-stripe-a-guide-for-users-in-japan)), and KOMOJU lists PayPay at 3.5 %per transaction and 9 %for digital downloads ([KOMOJU Japan page](https://en.komoju.com/payment-methods/japan/)).

**Can a merchant accept PayPal in Japan through a payment service provider?**A merchant can accept PayPal in Japan only where its provider lists it among the supported methods, so check the list before integrating. GMO Payment Gateway’s service list names PayPal alongside Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and China UnionPay ([GMO service list](https://www.gmo-pg.com/en/service/issue/payment/)), which shows that wallet lists differ between providers and each contract needs its own check.

**How does a merchant start accepting PayPay in Japan?**A merchant starts accepting PayPay by choosing a provider that supports it, enabling it in the account and agreeing the fee. PAY.JP’s help page states that PayPay payments are possible when the merchant uses its API v2, with a flat fee of 3.5 %for goods and services and 9 %for digital content on every plan, and consumption tax charged separately ([PAY.JP help article on fees](https://help.pay.jp/ja/articles/3438192-%E5%88%A9%E7%94%A8%E6%96%99%E9%87%91%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6%E6%95%99%E3%81%88%E3%81%A6%E3%81%8F%E3%81%A0%E3%81%95%E3%81%84)).

## Changelog

- October 2026, first publication: 7 providers screened, 7 ranked.
- October 2026, rubric weights locked before research.
- October 2026, rubric revised: weights for cross-border merchants, and each criterion scored against the best provider in the comparison.

## Explore this category

### Payment products

- [payment processing product page](https://www.unlimit.com/payment-processing/)
- [payment methods product page](https://www.unlimit.com/payment-methods/)
- [payouts product page](https://www.unlimit.com/payouts/)