Japan - Money
Currency & Money
Japanese Yen (JPY; symbol ¥). Notes are in denominations of ¥10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ¥500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.
MasterCard, Visa and other major credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and towns. American Express and Diners Club cards are also accepted in some bigger stores. A pin number may be required to process the transaction. The Japan Post Bank, Seven-Eleven convenience stores and international banks accept foreign credit cards.
Japan Post Bank ATMs at main branches of the Post Office accept foreign cards Mon-Sat 0005-2355, and 0005-2100 on Sundays and holidays. ATMs at Seven-Eleven stores also accept foreign cards and are accessible 24 hours. International banks accept foreign credit or debit cards, but these are hard to find outside of major cities.
Japan has a strong cash culture, and it is usual to see people carrying large amounts of cash with them because of the low crime rate. It is only recently that credit cards have begun to become more popular. However, travellers may still encounter difficulties with foreign credit cards.
Travellers' cheques are no longer popular, but they can still be exchanged at most major banks and at some exchange services. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers' cheques in US Dollars.
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding ¥1,000,000 or equivalent must be declared.
Do you have any Feedback about this page?
© 2025 Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission, click here for information on Columbus Content Solutions.
You know where