Can you use English money in Japan?

Bills come in 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen (very rare), 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen denominations. Coins come in 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen denominations. Foreign currencies are not accepted for payments in Japan, except perhaps at major international airports.



No, you cannot use English money (Pounds Sterling) for daily transactions in Japan; the only legal tender is the Japanese Yen (¥). While Japan has modernized significantly by 2026, it remains a society where "cash is king," especially in smaller shops, temples, and rural areas. While major hotels and department stores in cities like Tokyo and Osaka will accept international credit cards, you will need Yen for everything else. You can exchange your Pounds for Yen at "Travel Money" bureaus in major airports (Narita, Haneda) or, more conveniently, withdraw Yen directly from 7-Eleven (7-Bank) or Japan Post ATMs, which generally offer competitive exchange rates. It is highly recommended to use a card with "zero foreign transaction fees" for these withdrawals to avoid the high costs associated with traditional currency exchange booths.

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For example, if you are traveling from the U.S., wait to exchange your dollars for yen until you have arrived in Japan. However, you will get the most favorable rates for yen in Southeast Asian countries rather than in Japan.

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A Few Final Notes and Links While credit cards are become more widely accepted in Japan, cash is still king in Japan. Don't assume that you can use a credit card in small stores, restaurants and accommodations, particularly “mom and pop” places. Always carry sufficient Japanese cash as a backup.

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If you can, its always worth arriving into Japan with some yen already in your pocket. We'd suggest having enough yen before arrival to cover the first few days of your trip, so you don't have to be worrying about currency conversion when you should be enjoying your first taste of this amazing country.

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That's certainly a comfortable budget as long as you aren't expecting to eat many fancy meals or do a lot of drinking or clubbing. You can probably save some money with strategic use of transit passes (see summaries on Japan Guide or elsewhere). You should look into the Grutto Pass.

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Tipping in Japan is not expected, and attempts to leave a tip will almost certainly be turned down (a potentially awkward moment). In Japan, it's thought that by dining out or drinking at a bar, you are already paying the establishment for good service.

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When travelling in Japan, a person will likely come across many of the following banknotes: 1,000 yen – This roughly equates to an American $10 bill and is the lowest value of any Japanese banknote in circulation. This bill is typically used by office workers to pay for lunch.

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Most phones purchased as unlocked in the USA or any other country will work in Japan. Those purchased under contract with a local carrier such as T-Mobile, AT&T, or others will not work unless you have an international plan which can be very expensive. Does T-mobile work in Japan?

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The likelihood that credit cards are accepted decreases in small cities and towns, and thus it is advisable to keep cash at hand when visiting rural areas. Cash is often the only way to pay for small entrance fees at tourist sights, smaller restaurants and small shops. Many lockers also require coins.

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You may be surprised at how many places accept cash only, so it's a good idea to bring enough currency or withdraw money when you arrive, especially if traveling with a large group. Most major Japanese banks accept international cards at their ATMs. Post office ATM are another option.

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Japan ATM Withdrawal Fees Fees for withdrawing cash from ATMs in Japan are typically 1-3% of the transaction amount.

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Japan. Traveling to Japan may seem unattainable for most Americans due to the high airfare prices. But many don't realize that lodging, the cost of food, and the yen all highly favor anyone with the U.S. dollar. 1 USD equates to 143 JPY.

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Yes, drinking water from taps in Japan is safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water in Japan. Metro train stations have public water fountains, but otherwise these can be hard to find (this is the land of vending machines after all).

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A standard fee for a one-way Tokyo to Kyoto ticket is around 160 USD during peak seasons and 100-120 USD off peak, although the price heavily depends on such factor as what travel class you prefer or do you purchase a ticket with reserved or unreserved seats.

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