Japanese Currency 現金

Money in Japan

It may be surprising to learn that many Japanese keep large amounts of cash on them, but we advise you to do the same for your stay.

A huge paradox for a country where the elderly cling to their smartphones, where technology is ubiquitous, yet Japan is still a cash-based society.

A paradox ensured through the safety of the country, but also the fact that traditionally most transactions, even big ones (leases, guarantees, contracts) are paid in cash. It is not uncommon that travelers are taken aback by this upon arriving in Japan,so it is important that you prepare for your visit.

The Japanese unit of currency is the Yen or en represented by the symbol ¥ and the code JPY. Japanese banknotes and coins are issued by the Bank of Japan in Tokyo.

Japanese Cash - Bill notes

The 10,000 yen note has a portrait of Yukichi Fukuzawa (1835-1901), the Meiji Period scholar on the front and the reverse has an illustration of the famous Phoenix from Byodo-in Temple in Uji, near Kyoto, which also features on the 10 yen coin.

The 5,000 yen note features Ichiyo Higuchi (1872 -1896), Japan's first important female writer of the Meiji era. On the reverse are irises from a byobu folding screen by Ogata Korin (1658-1716), which flower in the 5th month (may), hence the connection. The previous series featured Inazo Nitobe (1862-1933), the author of Bushido - The Soul of Japan, on the front.

The 2,000 yen note is rarely seen in circulation and did not prove popular after its introduction in 2000 to celebrate the millennium. The 2,000 yen note features the Shureimon Gate in Naha, Okinawa on the front and an image of a scene from The Tale of Genji and the author Murasaki Shikibu on the lower right corner.

The latest 1,000 yen note (Series E) issued in 2004 has Noguchi Hideyo (1876-1928), the bacteriologist on the front and an image of Mt Fuji, Lake Motosu and cherry blossoms on the reverse. The previous series of notes issued from 1984-2004 had the novelist Soseki Natsume (1867-1916) on the front and two Red-crowned cranes on the reverse.

Japanese Cash - Coins

Japanese coins are for 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen. The weight of the coins increases with value.

The 1 yen coin, is said to float in the foam of a beer or even in a glass of water as it is the lighted coin at 1 gram.

The 5 yen coin has a hole in the middle and a design that represents rice (agriculture), water (fisheries) and industry.

The 10 yen coin has an image of the Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in, in Uji.

The 50 yen coin also has a hole in the middle and depicts the imperial chrysanthemum.

The 100 yen coin is silver in color and shows cherry blossoms on the obverse.

The 500 yen coin is also silver in color and depending on fluctuations in exchange rates of the yen the 500 yen coin is often the highest valued coin in the world. The obverse design features the paulownia. The coin has been the target of counterfeit in the past and for a time the Korean 500 won coin could be passed off in Japanese vending machines.

How to get your Japanese Yen?

If you find you're running low on money, you can easily obtain cash from an ATM. However, the difficulty can be finding a compatible one.

Many Japanese bank ATMs do not accept international cards. In addition, many ATMs close at 7pm, or around 5pm on weekends. Fortunately, there are alternatives.

Japanese convenience stores (konbinis) often have an ATM inside: this is usually the case with 7/11, which in addition to being open 24/7, the machines accept most international cards. Many of these konbinis also offer to exchange your coins for bills through automatic terminals. The Japan Post Office also accepts many overseas cards.

To use traveler's checks, they will ideally have to be in yen, euros, or dollars. Otherwise, they may be unusable.

Japanese Money Etiquette

Japanese etiquette dictates that when traveling by taxi or visiting temples and shrines, you must avoid paying for purchases in large denominations. The same goes for small shops, which will not necessarily have enough change. For taxis however, do also be careful not to give all your small change to the driver: this is frowned upon since it's considered disrespectful. If you can, it is best to give the exact amount.

Japan is the country of accuracy, and it is common for cashiers to give you time to count the exact amount when making a purchase. This is also one of our survival tips: get rid of your change as much as possible, and try to give the exact change if you do not wish to come away with a purse full of 1 yen coins.

As for bills, it's essential not to offend anyone by taking them out of your pocket like a used tissue. Throwing your money on the counter is also very rude. Many shops have a small tray on the counter for you to put the money on rather than handing it over directly, and any change will be returned on the same tray. The customer may be king, but in Japan, you must still be respectful and have good manners.

Tips are systematically refused, even for pizza delivery, as it can even be seen as insulting. But in general, the Japanese know that the habits of tourists are not the same, so do not panic if you forget!

Japan Currency Museums

There are a number of currency museums in Japan dedicated to the history of money in the country.

These include the Bank of Japan Currency Museum a short walk from Mitsukoshi-mae Station B1 Exit on the Tokyo Metro's Hanzomon Line or Nihonbashi Station A1 Exit on the Tozai Line; the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Money Museum in Nagoya, a walk from Amagasaka Station on the Meitetsu-Seto Line and the Bank of Japan Museum in Otaru, Hokkaido.