Should I bring yen to Japan?

Generally there is no need to buy Japanese yen in your home country before your trip, as you will most likely pay a higher commission (about 3%) and a worse exchange rate than you would get at the airports, banks, or ATMs in Japan.



Yes, you should absolutely bring Japanese Yen (JPY) to Japan in 2026. While the country has made significant strides toward becoming a cashless society, especially in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, Japan remains remarkably cash-centric compared to the US or Europe. You will need physical yen for temple and shrine entrance fees, smaller traditional restaurants, local street food stalls, and public lockers. Furthermore, many transit cards (like Suica or Pasmo) often require cash to top up at station kiosks. While credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, and convenience stores, having a "reserve" of cash is vital for traveling in the countryside or visiting local markets. In 2026, a good strategy is to carry about 10,000 to 20,000 yen at all times for emergencies and small purchases, while using a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card for larger expenses. ATMs in 7-Eleven stores (7-Bank) are the most reliable way to withdraw cash using international cards if you run low.

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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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Generally there is no need to buy Japanese yen in your home country before your trip, as you will most likely pay a higher commission (about 3%) and a worse exchange rate than you would get at the airports, banks, or ATMs in Japan. There are three ways to obtain yen in Japan for approximately 1% cost.

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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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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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5,000 yen – Comparable to an American $50 bill, this may be the one you use to pay for dinner and drinks at a well-known restaurant or izakaya. 10,000 yen – Essentially a $100 bill. Present this bill when paying for the whole family to eat.

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Japan has a reputation as an expensive place to travel to, but it's an image that doesn't hold up on the ground. With a little strategy, a visit can be very reasonable – budget-friendly, even. Many of the country's major sights, for example, cost nothing, and free festivals take place year-round.

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Luckily, it's a very safe country (one of our favorite things about Japan), and the biggest risk is probably losing or misplacing your cash. Regardless, of course, be smart and take reasonable precautions if carrying large sums of money.

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

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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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Re: Is $3000 USD enough to visit Tokyo? 1400 is what i've spent on a 22 days trip to Japan (excluding hotels, flights, shinkansen, etc). So, yes, 3000 should be more than enough, even if you have a high lifestyle.

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