Do you need a coin pouch in Japan?

Cash + Coin Purse It's also good to note that 500 Yen and smaller are all given in coins. To avoid weighing down your wallet, we recommend bringing along an extra coin purse to put all of the loose change you may obtain. These coins are also very handy for vending machines and also arcades, as well as gacha machines!



In 2026, a dedicated coin pouch remains one of the most useful accessories for any traveler in Japan. Despite the rapid growth of "cashless" payments via IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo) and mobile apps, Japan is still fundamentally a cash-heavy society, especially once you leave the major metropolitan hubs. Many traditional ramen ticket machines, small-town taxis, local shrines, and "Gachapon" capsule toy machines accept only coins or small bills. Japanese currency includes a high volume of coins: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and the very common ¥500 (worth about $3.50 USD). Because these coins have significant value and accumulate quickly, a standard slim Western wallet will often become bulky and difficult to close within just a day of sightseeing. Carrying a small, separate coin purse prevents you from fumbling through loose change while a queue forms behind you and ensures you always have the exact change needed for buses or temple entry fees. Many tourists find that by the end of their trip, the coin pouch has become their most frequently used item, second only to their passport.

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Carrying a purse for your Japanese coins throughout your stay in Japan is a good idea since the value of them (and weight in your wallet) soon adds up. While the 10,000 yen note is equivalent to around 100 dollars, the note is generally accepted even if buying something small.

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LEFT OVER JAPANESE COINS: WHAT TO DO WITH THEM
  1. Use them! ...
  2. The convenience stores contactless payment system. ...
  3. Vending machines. ...
  4. 100 yen shops. ...
  5. Put it on your PASMO or SUICA cards. ...
  6. Towards the end of your trip?


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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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Cash, credit and debit cards are all accepted, with credit cards and cash the most relevant. Since a credit card is your best choice for a significant amount of your spending, a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card provides lots of value.

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Though use of credit cards and e-currency has increased in recent years, Japan is still largely a cash-based society. The national currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥). It's best to get some cash converted before you leave home so you have change handy to catch the train to your destination once you arrive.

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Also, it can be difficult to use Japan's public transport system without cash, as you will almost always need it to recharge your IC card or to purchase a train ticket. That being said, I would say you should bring enough cash so that you have at least 10,000 yen of spending money per day.

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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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100,000 yen should be sufficient, excluding your accommodations, transportations and theme park admissions, unless you're expecting to buy an expensive souvenir. I would carry a credit card for peace of mind.

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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 is a cash society, but credit cards and debit cards are accepted in most places in Japanese cities. Establishments such as local restaurants, markets and rural inns (ryokans) are cash-only. In the places where you can use your card, you may have issues if your card doesn't have your name on the front.

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