Bank Cards and Payment Methods: how it works in Japan — first-hand
Short answer
NFC payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted at major Japanese retailers if you specify 'Touch' at checkout. Despite this, always carry yen as many smaller boutiques and vendors remain cash-only. If using UnionPay, you may need to pad your 4-digit PIN with zeros if it is initially rejected.
From real experience
For non-Russian issued bank cards in Japan, NFC payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay are widely accepted at convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven) and retail chains.
When paying, use the term 'Touch' to indicate NFC intent. Some small retail boutiques may still be cash-only. Note that while digital wallets are effective, carrying yen remains necessary for small shops or specific vendors.
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UnionPay cards have a 60-70% acceptance rate in Japan.
For some banks, if a PIN is rejected, inputting the 4-digit PIN with two leading or trailing zeros to make it 6 digits may resolve the issue. Always carry cash as a backup.
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Experiences with using Kyrgyz Visa cards in Japan confirm their functionality.
However, the prevalence of 'cash only' establishments necessitates carrying some cash as a backup, even when reliable foreign cards are available.
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A new Russian bank, PJSC CB 'Center-Invest', not under EU or Japan sanctions, has begun issuing UnionPay cards.
The first cards are expected in late July. These cards are intended to be functional in Japan.