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What can I do with extra coins in Japan?

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?




Handling leftover coins in Japan is a common traveler's challenge, but 2026 offers several smart solutions. The most popular is the "Pocket Change" kiosks found at major airports (Narita, Haneda) and hubs like Shibuya. These machines allow you to dump your mixed coins and convert the value into electronic money, such as Amazon gift cards, iTunes credit, or refills for your Suica/Pasmo transit cards. If you have 1-yen or 5-yen coins that vending machines won't accept, you can use them at convenience stores (Konbini) by feeding them into the automated payment machines at the counter. For a unique souvenir, use your 100-yen coins at Gachapon machines for high-quality collectible toys. Finally, most Japanese airports have "Unicef" or local charity donation boxes near the security gates specifically for travelers to offload their final remaining yen before departure.

People Also Ask

Coins from 1 to 500 Yen are legal tender in Japan. Bureaux de change and Banks outside Japan will not accept Japanese Yen coins for exchange.

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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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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!

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The best way to get Japanese cash is from an ATM in Japan (do not buy yen before coming to Japan as the rate will be terrible). You can use your home bank card with many Japanese ATMs. 7-11 ATMs are the easiest to use and accept the most foreign cards.

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