How to Handle Money in Japan: The Smart Traveller’s Guide to Cash, Cards and Culture

So, I'm off to Japan in November! The land of neon skylines, Zen gardens and sushi so fresh it could wink at you! If you've also got Japan in your sights then please read on!

Japanese Yen notes and coins

First Things First: The Yen 101

Japan runs on Japanese Yen (¥ or 円) 

Notes: ¥1,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000

Coins: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500

💡 Quick math for Aussies: ¥100 ≈ $1 AUD. So ¥1,000 = about $10. ¥10,000 = roughly $100.

If you can divide by 100, you’re golden.

💸 The Great Japanese Cash Obsession

Japan might be tech crazy, but it’s also stubbornly traditional when it comes to money. Cash is still king, especially once you leave the cities.

You’ll need cold, hard yen for:

• Fish markets and street stalls 🐟

• Shrines, temples and tiny souvenir shops 🎎

• Countryside cafes 🍡

• Local buses and some taxis 🚕

💬 Pro-tip: When you pay, you’ll often see a little tray. Pop your notes and coins there, it’s polite, not weird.

🏧 Where to Find Your Yen

Not all ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards, but these ones are your best mates:

• 🏪 7-Eleven ATMs – open 24/7, English menu, takes Visa, Mastercard, Amex.

• 🏤 Japan Post Bank ATMs – super reliable, also in English.

• 🏠 Lawson & FamilyMart – they have ATMs too.

⚠️ Avoid small regional bank ATMs unless you like being rejected in Japanese.

💡 Withdraw in chunks (¥20,000–¥30,000 = $200–$300) to save on fees. Japan is incredibly safe, no one’s eyeing off your wallet.

💳 Cards & Digital Wallets

Most big hotels, restaurants and department stores take cards. Markets, eateries and old-school ryokans… not so much.

You’ll be fine with:

• Visa / Mastercard almost everywhere big.

• Apple Pay and Google Pay sometimes (depends who you bank with).

• PayPay is Japan’s local fave — but you need a Japanese account.

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🚉 Your Secret Weapon: The IC Card

This is where things get easy. Grab a Suica, PASMO or ICOCA card — rechargeable transport cards that double as tap and go wallets.

You can use them for:

• Trains, subways, and buses

• Vending machines (yes, even for hot coffee in a can)

• Convenience stores

• Some market stalls

👉 Add one to Apple Wallet if you have an iPhone — you can top it up digitally with your Aussie card.

🧾 How Much Cash You’ll Actually Need

Travel Style	Daily Cash (approx.)	Why
City slicker (Tokyo/Osaka)	¥5,000–¥10,000	Most places take card
Market hopper / small towns	¥15,000–¥20,000	Cash rules here
Fancy ryokan stay	¥30,000+	You’ll want to tip fate, not staff (tipping’s not a thing)

And yes, carry a coin purse, it’s not just for grandmas. You’ll be swimming in ¥100 and ¥500 coins.

🐟 Fish Market Fun: What to Expect

Those famous markets — Tsukiji, Nishiki, or your local seaside stalls are cash-only territory. Here’s what you’ll likely spend:

Treat	Price Range	Payment
Scallop or crab skewer	¥500–¥800	Cash
Sushi tray	¥1,000–¥2,000	Cash
Fresh juice or sake shot	¥300–¥600	Cash
Souvenir chopsticks	¥500–¥2,000	Cash
Sit-down sushi bar	¥2,000–¥5,000	Cash or Card (ask first)

💡 Bring ¥1,000 notes and a handful of coins — stalls rarely break big bills.

🧭 Deadset Tips to Keep It Simple

✅ Withdraw from 7-Eleven when you land✅ Keep ¥10,000 in small notes handy✅ Tap IC card whenever possible✅ Use cash for food, taxis, temples✅ Save your card for hotels and big shops✅ No tipping — your smile and politeness is enough.

Writer’s note:  Drop your own yen hacks below — I’d love to hear where you found the best cash exchange or the weirdest vending-machine purchase.