Japanese Currency and Other Money Matters in Japan
The Japanese Yen
The Currency of Japan is Yen ¥ There is 1000, 5000 and 10000 paper bills and coins in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen denominations.*There is also 2000 Yen bill, but they are rarely used.
Japan is essentially a cash society
Large department stores and hotels will accept traveller's cheques and credit cards (VISA and MasterCard), but smaller businesses may only accept Japanese credit cards and not traveller's cheques: only Yen in cash So, consider carrying enough cash (Yen and not US, Euro or any other currency) for daily use.Tips and Tipping
Tipping for a purchased service is not customary and not expected in Japan. Bring along some cash in Japanese Yen to deal with unforeseen circumstances after arrival. Purchase medical insurance before you arrive in Japan - in medical emergencies can become very expensive.
Manekineko: Japanese Lucky Cats
Still be careful
Japan has a very low crime rate compared to all western countries. And, yes, there are many true stories of tourists losing their wallets and having them found and returned, intact; and with nothing missing and even returned to a tourist's hotel. But, always be aware of potential dangerous situations especially if you wander into unfamiliar areas of the city. There has been an increase in tourists travelling to Japan and like in all countries you are a target for a few undesirables lurking in the shadows.
You might have to carry large amounts of cash on your person depending on where you travel to in Japan, play it safe: wear a money belt close to your body with your passport and other essential documents and objects. Japan is safe, but not a land without common petty crimes like robbery and tourists are the main targets.
ATM's and Access to Cash (Yen)
Recently the ATM system in Japan is becoming more convenient for tourists in the downtown Tokyo area: more of them; staying open beyond 11:00 PM at night and enabling cash withdraws: currently, still an inconvenience. Post Offices have international ATM machines with instructions in English. ATM's can be also found at major Hotels and the larger department stores.Cash (Yucho) Access
Post Offices You can now withdraw money using your credit cards at Japan's post offices. Conveniently located, the Postal Savings' and Affiliated Banking Facilities' ATM has over 1,000 post offices in Japan. Click here to learn more...Seven-Eleven (7 /11) Stores You can also withdraw money with your ATM cards by day and by night at ATM services installed in Seven-Eleven Stores all over Japan. See here for detail...
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