Meet the yen before you land. See the cash you may carry, learn when cards work and avoid the awkward moment when a ticket machine wants coins.
Practical travel guidance, grounded in official Japanese sources.
Bring an internationally usable card and keep a practical yen reserve for smaller businesses, rural stops, some lodging and machines that still expect cash.
Cashless payment is common in cities and at major hotels, department stores, convenience stores and larger restaurants. Japan's official tourism guidance still recommends carrying cash, especially outside major urban areas. The useful answer is card plus enough yen to keep the day moving.
Japanese yen notes are easy to tell apart once you know their colours and landmarks; the 2024 ¥1,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 designs add a fresh look to the familiar wallet.
Japan's 2024 notes pair influential figures with subjects such as the Great Wave, wisteria flowers and Tokyo Station; the less-common 2,000 yen note keeps Shureimon Gate in the set. Cash by Country artwork is an original, simplified interpretation and is not legal tender.
Choose your currency. JPY stays locked to this guide.
Start with the question you actually need answered. Each guide uses official sources and connects the practical advice to the money you will see in your hand.
Recognize the denominations, colors, motifs and the coins with holes.
Open guide 02 Pay with confidenceKnow where cards are easiest, where to find international ATMs and what to check before accepting a conversion.
Open guide 03 Pack your walletPlan the period between ATM visits instead of carrying the cost of your whole trip.
Open guide 04 New in your handMeet the 2024 series, its designs, security features and the older notes that remain valid.
Open guide 05 Tap into JapanTurn one tap into train fare, vending-machine money, convenience-store change and more.
Open guide 06 Skip the awkward tipPay the bill with confidence, understand the rare exceptions and show appreciation without creating confusion.
Open guideOfficial sources cover Japanese currency, payment habits and international ATM access.
