Japan Travel: Complete Yen Exchange Guide 2025

Japan's Unique Money Landscape

Japan presents an interesting paradox for travelers: it is one of the world's most technologically advanced nations yet remains remarkably cash-dependent. While contactless payments have grown significantly since 2020, cash remains king for a surprising number of daily transactions. Understanding Japan's money ecosystem — from yen exchange to IC transit cards — is essential for a smooth trip.

With the yen hovering around 150 JPY per USD in recent years (making Japan significantly more affordable than a decade ago), now is an excellent time to visit. This guide covers everything you need to know about managing money in Japan.

Understanding the Japanese Yen (JPY)

Denominations

Coins:

Denomination	Appearance	Common Uses
1 yen	Lightweight aluminum	Rounding (you will accumulate many)
5 yen	Brass with center hole	Considered lucky, temple offerings
10 yen	Bronze	Vending machines, small purchases
50 yen	Nickel with center hole	Similar to 10 yen
100 yen	Nickel	Vending machines, 100-yen shops
500 yen	Bi-metallic (new design 2021)	Most valuable coin (~$3.33)

Banknotes (new designs issued July 2024):

Denomination	Portrait	Approximate USD
1,000 yen	Kitasato Shibasaburo	~$6.67
5,000 yen	Tsuda Umeko	~$33.33
10,000 yen	Shibusawa Eiichi	~$66.67

Based on approximate rate of 150 JPY = 1 USD

Note: Both old and new design banknotes are valid and circulate together. The new notes feature upgraded anti-counterfeiting measures and 3D holographic portraits.

Mental Math

At approximately 150 JPY to 1 USD, a quick mental shortcut is to divide by 150 or, more roughly, divide by 100 and then subtract one-third. For quick estimates, you can think of 1,000 yen as roughly $6.50-7.00.

Japan's Cash Culture

Why Cash Still Matters

Despite innovations like Suica cards and QR code payments, cash remains central to Japanese daily life:

Many small restaurants and ramen shops are cash-only
Temple and shrine entrance fees require cash
Festival food stalls and street vendors take only cash
Some rural ryokans (traditional inns) prefer cash
Coin lockers at train stations require coins or IC cards
Taxi drivers may prefer cash for smaller fares

Rule of thumb: Carry at least 10,000-20,000 yen ($67-133) in cash at all times, even in Tokyo.

The Rise of Cashless Options

That said, cashless payments have grown substantially. Major chains like Lawson, FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, and most department stores accept credit cards and IC cards. Tokyo and Osaka are significantly more card-friendly than rural areas.

Best Ways to Get Japanese Yen

Option 1: 7-Eleven ATMs (Recommended)

Japan's 7-Eleven convenience stores have ATMs operated by Seven Bank that reliably accept international Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, and Plus cards. With over 21,000 7-Eleven locations across Japan, you are never far from one.

Seven Bank ATM details:

Available: Most operate 24 hours (some close 12:00 AM - 5:00 AM)
Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and more
Withdrawal limit: Up to 100,000 yen per transaction
ATM fee: 110 yen per transaction (charged by Seven Bank)
Your home bank may charge additional fees

Other reliable ATM options:

Japan Post ATMs (post offices throughout Japan)
Lawson ATMs (AEON Bank network)
Citibank ATMs (limited locations in major cities)

Important: Most Japanese bank ATMs (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) do NOT accept foreign-issued cards. Stick to convenience store ATMs.

Option 2: Currency Exchange Before Departure

Exchanging at home gives you yen in hand when you arrive, eliminating the need to find an ATM upon landing. However, exchange rates at home-country banks and exchange services are typically 2-5% worse than mid-market rates.

Option 3: Airport Exchange in Japan

Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and other major Japanese airports have exchange counters with rates that are actually more competitive than many other countries' airports. The spread is typically 1-3% above mid-market, which is acceptable for an initial amount.

Option 4: Travelex and Exchange Bureaus

Travelex has locations throughout Japan, including major train stations. Rates are mediocre (3-5% spread) but convenient if you need cash in a hurry.

Option 5: Multi-Currency Cards (Best Overall Value)

Cards from Wise, Revolut, or similar services offer near mid-market rates with minimal fees. Use these for card-accepting merchants and ATM withdrawals to get the best overall exchange rate.

Method	Typical Cost Above Mid-Market	Convenience
Wise/Revolut card	0.3-0.6%	High
7-Eleven ATM	110 yen + home bank fee	Very High
Japan airport exchange	1-3%	High (on arrival)
Home country exchange	2-5%	Medium
Hotel exchange	3-8%	Low value

IC Cards: Your Best Friend in Japan

What Are IC Cards?

IC (Integrated Circuit) transit cards are rechargeable smart cards used throughout Japan's public transit network and increasingly for retail purchases. The two main cards are:

Suica — issued by JR East (Tokyo region)
ICOCA — issued by JR West (Osaka/Kyoto region)

Both cards are interchangeable and work across Japan's major transit networks.

Mobile Suica

Since 2023, visitors can add a Suica card directly to Apple Wallet on iPhones or Apple Watch (supported models with Japanese region capability). This eliminates the need for a physical card entirely.

How to set up Mobile Suica:

Open Apple Wallet
Add a transit card
Select Suica
Load an initial balance (1,000 yen minimum) via credit card

Where IC Cards Work

All JR trains and most private railways
Metro and subway systems
Most bus networks
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
Vending machines
Coin lockers
Many restaurants and shops

Recharging

Recharge at any train station ticket machine, convenience store, or automatically via your linked credit card (Mobile Suica only). Maximum balance is 20,000 yen.

What Things Cost in Japan (2025)

Food and Drinks

Item	Price (JPY)	Approximate USD
Convenience store onigiri	120-200	$0.80-1.33
Ramen (local shop)	800-1,200	$5.33-8.00
Gyudon (beef bowl chain)	400-650	$2.67-4.33
Sushi (conveyor belt)	100-500 per plate	$0.67-3.33
Sushi (mid-range)	2,000-5,000	$13.33-33.33
Izakaya dinner with drinks	2,500-5,000	$16.67-33.33
Bento (convenience store)	400-700	$2.67-4.67
Coffee (canned, vending machine)	130-160	$0.87-1.07
Coffee (cafe)	400-700	$2.67-4.67
Beer (convenience store, 500ml)	220-350	$1.47-2.33
Beer (izakaya)	400-700	$2.67-4.67

Transportation

Route/Mode	Price (JPY)	Notes
Tokyo Metro (single ride)	180-330	Distance-based
JR Yamanote Line (Tokyo)	150-210	Around central Tokyo
Shinkansen (Tokyo-Kyoto)	13,320	Unreserved; 14,170 reserved
7-day Japan Rail Pass	~50,000	Nationwide JR trains
Tokyo taxi (2km)	~730	Base fare
Airport Limousine Bus (Narita)	3,200	To central Tokyo
Narita Express (train)	3,070	To Tokyo Station

Accommodation

Type	Tokyo	Kyoto	Osaka
Hostel dorm	2,500-4,500	2,000-4,000	2,000-3,500
Capsule hotel	3,000-5,000	3,000-4,500	2,500-4,000
Business hotel	6,000-12,000	6,000-15,000	5,000-10,000
Mid-range hotel	12,000-25,000	15,000-30,000	10,000-20,000
Ryokan (traditional inn)	15,000-50,000	20,000-80,000	15,000-40,000

Prices per night in JPY

Daily Budget Estimates

Travel Style	Daily Budget (JPY)	Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker	5,000-8,000	$33-53
Budget	8,000-15,000	$53-100
Mid-range	15,000-30,000	$100-200
Luxury	30,000-80,000+	$200-533+

Practical Tips

Tax-Free Shopping

Visitors can claim a tax refund (10% consumption tax) on purchases over 5,000 yen at participating stores. Look for "Tax-Free" signs. You will need your passport. Electronics stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera, as well as department stores, commonly offer this.

Coin Management

Japan uses coins heavily, and you will accumulate them quickly. The 500-yen coin is valuable (about $3.33), so do not dismiss coins. Use them at vending machines, convenience stores, or donate them at temple offering boxes.

Splitting Bills

In Japan, it is common to pay at the register rather than at the table. Splitting bills between friends is socially acceptable — simply tell the cashier how each person wants to pay.

No Tipping

Japan has no tipping culture. Do not tip at restaurants, taxis, hotels, or for any service. Leaving money on the table may cause confusion, and staff may chase you down to return it.

Key Takeaways

Japan's cash culture means you need to plan ahead, but the system is remarkably efficient once you understand it. Use 7-Eleven ATMs for reliable cash access, set up a Mobile Suica for seamless transit and small purchases, and carry a mix of cash and a low-fee card for the best overall currency management.

Check the latest JPY exchange rates at hwanyul.com to plan your Japan travel budget.