Currency in Japan
The complete Japanese Yen (JPY) travel guide
The Japanese Yen (JPY) has been Japan's official currency since 1871 and is the third-most-traded currency globally. Issued by the Bank of Japan, banknotes come in ¥1,000, ¥2,000 (rare), ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 denominations, with coins in ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500. The Yen does not use decimal subunits — the smallest practical unit is ¥1.
Cash, cards, and ATMs in Japan
Japan is still a cash-first economy in many places — small restaurants (especially family-run izakaya), temples, shrines, traditional inns (ryokan), and rural businesses often refuse cards. Bring more cash than you would for Europe or the US. ATMs that accept foreign cards are reliably found inside 7-Eleven convenience stores (Seven Bank ATMs work 24/7 with most foreign cards) and at Japan Post Office branches. Major train stations and airports also have foreign-friendly ATMs. Avoid bank ATMs outside business hours — many shut off at 9 PM and don't restart until morning.
Tipping culture in Japan
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be considered impolite. Service charges are sometimes included at high-end restaurants and hotels (around 10–15%), but there is no expectation to leave additional cash. Attempting to tip a taxi driver, waiter, or hotel staff member will often result in your money being politely returned. The cultural assumption is that good service is the standard, not something requiring extra payment.
Best way to get Japanese Yen (JPY)
For the best USD-to-JPY or EUR-to-JPY rate, avoid airport currency exchange counters at Narita or Haneda — their spreads are typically 5–8% wider than mid-market. Multi-currency travel cards (Wise, Revolut) and major debit cards (Schwab in the US) deliver rates within 0.5–1% of mid-market. For larger amounts, the Travelex outlets in central Tokyo offer better rates than the airport, but still worse than Wise. If you need yen on arrival, withdraw ¥30,000–50,000 from a 7-Eleven ATM rather than exchanging cash.
Practical money tips for Japan
- •IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) are essential — they work on every train, subway, and bus in Tokyo, plus many convenience stores and vending machines
- •Tax-free shopping is available at major stores with a passport, but only on purchases of ¥5,000 or more in a single store on the same day
- •Most ATMs charge ¥100–220 per foreign withdrawal — withdraw larger amounts less often to minimize fees
- •Carry ¥10,000 in coins/small bills for shrine donations, vending machines, and small shops
- •The 100-yen shop (Daiso, Seria) is genuinely useful — quality is much higher than equivalent dollar stores
- •Card acceptance is improving in 2025–2026 but still lags Korea or China — never assume cash is unnecessary
- •JR Rail Pass purchases must be exchanged within 90 days of issue date; check expiry carefully
Common money scams to avoid in Japan
Japan has very low tourist-money fraud compared to other major destinations. The main risks are confusion-based rather than malicious: bars in Roppongi and Shinjuku sometimes have unadvertised cover charges (otoshi, around ¥300–600 for a small appetizer you didn't order). Some Kabukicho bars employ touts who promise cheap drinks then bill ¥30,000+ — never enter a bar with an aggressive street tout. Currency exchange at non-bank kiosks in tourist areas occasionally posts misleading rates (e.g., showing the "buy" rate when you're selling). Always check both rates before transacting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use US dollars in Japan?
No. JPY is the only accepted currency in Japan for retail transactions. Some luxury hotels in Tokyo will accept USD but at terrible rates. Convert before you go or use an ATM on arrival.
How much cash should I bring to Japan?
For a 7-day trip with hotels prepaid, budget ¥10,000–15,000 per day in cash (~$70–100) on top of card spending. Restaurants, transit IC cards, and temples will take most of it. Bring more if you plan to use ryokans, rural areas, or shop at smaller stores.
Do convenience stores accept foreign credit cards?
Yes — all 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart stores in Japan accept Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. Discover and JCB cards work at the widest range of merchants. Apple Pay is now widely accepted at convenience stores and chain restaurants.
When is the best time to convert USD to JPY?
USD/JPY moves on the US–Japan 10-year yield spread. Watch for BoJ rate decisions (eight per year) and Fed FOMC meetings — sustained yield-gap widening or narrowing produces the biggest multi-week moves. There is no single "best day" — just avoid converting during US holiday weekends when liquidity thins.
Is there a limit on yen I can bring into Japan?
No personal limit, but amounts over ¥1,000,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on entry per Japanese customs law. Failure to declare can result in confiscation. The limit applies to total cash/bearer instruments, not just yen.
Convert to and from JPY
Other country currency guides
Exchange rates refresh hourly from Frankfurter (European Central Bank reference data). Travel money information was compiled in 2026 and reflects current cash/card culture, tipping norms, and common scam patterns.