Common questions

Most travelers carry ¥10,000–¥20,000 at a time for daily spending, topping up as needed rather than carrying a large amount all at once.

Waiting until you land usually works out better — rates at your home airport are typically less favorable than what you'll find in Japan.

In big cities, cards are widely accepted. Outside them, cash still wins at markets, small izakaya, and older shops.

Small izakaya, traditional markets, some shrines and temples, and shops in rural areas are the most likely to be cash-only.

It depends on convenience versus rate — staffed counters are easiest to find, while self-service machines and city exchange shops tend to offer better value.

Banks aren't always the best option — dedicated exchange counters and machines often move faster and can be just as competitive.

They work almost identically nationwide, so the easiest choice is whichever is sold at the station you arrive at.

Yes — most convenience stores, vending machines, and many shops accept IC card payments, not just trains and buses.

Japan uses ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500 coins, plus ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 notes, with a new note series introduced in 2024.

Not every ATM accepts foreign cards, but a growing number do, including those at convenience stores and post offices.

Seven Bank (inside 7-Eleven stores) and Japan Post Bank ATMs are generally the most reliable for foreign cards.

Almost never — tipping isn't part of the culture, and in some situations offering one can cause confusion.

Confirm your card works abroad, notify your bank of travel, and decide how you'll get cash on arrival before you go.

Look for a convenience store or post office ATM — both are widely available and usually accept foreign cards.

Unusually good rates offered by unofficial street changers, and unstaffed kiosks with no visible licensing, are the main ones to avoid.