Money in Japan:
Cashless is default, Yen is mandatory.
By 2026, Japan has moved rapidly toward a cashless society. However, Yen is still an "essential backup" for traditional experiences and rural exploration.
General guidance only — entry requirements change frequently. Verify with official Japanese government sources before traveling.
1. How much Yen should you carry?
The Cashless Traveler
You prefer Apple Pay, Suica, and Cards.
Recommended Backup:
¥10,000 – ¥20,000
Keep this for the "just in case" moments.
The Explorer
You like rural areas and local small shops.
Daily Budget:
¥3,000 – ¥5,000
Per person. Withdraw as you go from ATMs.
2. Still "Cash Only" in 2026
Shrines & Temples
Amulets (Omamori) and fortune slips (Omikuji) are 99% cash.
Old Ticket Machines
Street-side Ramen and Soba shops often use cash-only machines.
Rural Bus & Taxi
While cities use Suica, mountain or island transport may not.
Laundromats & Lockers
Older coin-op machines strictly require ¥100 coins.
Festival Stalls (Yatai)
Street food at festivals is almost always a cash transaction.
Local Markets
Old-school stalls in markets like Tsukiji still prefer Yen.
Small Gardens
Entry fees for some public historic sites remain cash-only.
3. Your Payment Strategy
Don't use your traditional bank card to withdraw Yen — the fees can cost you 3–7% extra. We recommend using a travel card for the best mid-market rates.
Wise Card
- ✓ Best for holding multiple currencies (JPY, USD, EUR, etc).
- ✓ No-fee ATM withdrawals up to ¥30,000/month.
Revolut
- ✓ Best for instant currency exchange in the app.
- ✓ Higher free ATM limits on premium plans.
4. ATMs & Banknotes
The King of ATMs: 7-Bank
Found inside every 7-Eleven. They support almost all international cards, have multi-lingual menus, and are open 24/7.
New vs. Old Banknotes
The new 2024 series notes (Eiichi Shibusawa, etc.) work everywhere. Old notes (Yukichi Fukuzawa, etc.) are valid but may fail in old vending machines or parking meters. Use old notes at convenience store registers instead.
5. Smart Coin Management
The "Go-en" Tradition
The ¥5 coin has a hole. It is pronounced "Go-en," which also means "good luck/connection." Use it for offerings at shrines!
The Self-Checkout Trick
Dump your loose coins into the self-checkout machine at supermarkets. It will calculate the total and return the minimum number of coins as change.