If you are planning a trip to Japan and one of the biggest questions for many travelers is how much yen to bring to Japan? Even though many places in Japan now accept credit cards and digital payments, carrying cash is still important. Small restaurants, local shops, temples, street markets and many places in the country only accept cash, so it is a good idea to carry some yen with you every day.
The amount of yen you need to carry depends on some simple things like how many days you are staying, which places you plan to visit, how much you like to spend or if you want to pay mostly with cash or credit card. If you bring less cash then you need to spend more time at an ATM to withdraw cash. Also, it is not safe to carry too much cash with you.
From this guide you will learn how much yen you should bring to Japan, daily budgets and travel styles. This will help you plan your trip and your money better, and enjoy your trip without worrying about money.
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Why Cash Is Still Important in Japan
Japan is famous for its modern technology but cash is still important in many places. Big hotels, department stores, shopping malls and major train stations mostly accept international credit cards, but many small businesses only take cash, and in some places they accept cash only.
You need to carry cash for some places like local restaurants, small cafes, traditional hotels, street food shops, temples, local buses, shops in the countryside, coin lockers, some taxis and vending machines
Carrying cash with you is easy and helpful in some places where they don’t accept cards. It is more helpful if you are visiting places outside big cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto where many small businesses won’t accept credit cards.
How Much Yen Should I Bring to Japan for Different Trip Lengths
How much cash you need depends on how much you spend each day and what you spend money on.
Weekend Trip
If you are visiting Japan for just 2 or 3 days then bringing around 20,000 to 40,000 yen in cash is usually enough. You can use this cash for local transportation and small everyday purchases.
This amount is usually enough if you pay for your hotel and most shopping with a credit card.
One Week Trip
If you are staying in Japan for one week then it is better to bring around 50,000 to 80,000 yen in cash.
This amount usually covers your daily meals, local transportation, entrance fees for some popular places, snacks, and shopping at malls, stores and small shops.
If you plan to eat at expensive restaurants or buy lots of gifts and souvenirs then you need to bring more cash. Bringing more cash is better than bringing less and running out of cash.
Two Week Trip
If you stay for two weeks then bring around 100,000 to 150,000 yen.
With this amount you can afford small things like transportation, local experiences, shopping, entrance fees and unexpected expenses that may come up.
Many travelers combine this cash with credit cards for larger purchases.
Three Weeks or Longer
If you are staying for a longer time like three weeks or more then carrying all your money in cash isn’t recommended. Instead of bringing so much cash bring around 100,000 to 150,000 yen and withdraw additional cash from ATMs whenever you need it. This way is safer and easier to do.
Daily Budget Estimates
Your travel plan makes the biggest difference when deciding how much yen you should bring to Japan.
Budget Traveler
If you are traveling on a budget then you can usually spend around 5,000 to 8,000 yen per day in cash. This is enough if your hotel is already paid, you eat at convenience stores or budget restaurants, and use public transportation to go to nearby places.
Mid-Range Traveler
Many travelers fall into this category. You may spend around 8,000 to 15,000 yen per day in cash. This usually covers eating at nice restaurants, using local transportation, buying coffee, visiting attractions and doing a little shopping during your trip.
Luxury Traveler
If you enjoy a more comfortable and luxurious trip then you may need around 15,000 to 30,000 yen or more per day in cash. This budget is suitable for eating in fancy restaurants, premium shopping, private transportation and better experiences. The good news is that many luxury hotels, restaurants and stores will accept international credit cards.
No matter which type of traveler you are, if you plan your daily cash budget before your trip, it can make spending easier and help you enjoy your time in Japan without worrying about money.
Related Information: Cost of Living in Tokyo
Should I Exchange Money Before Traveling?
Many travelers wonder whether they should exchange their money for Japanese yen before they arrive in Japan. The answer is yes. It is good to bring some money before the trip because sometimes you may need cash at the airport, where it can be difficult to find an ATM and withdraw money, so to avoid these situations it is better to carry some cash with you.
Having some yen ready with you will give you peace of mind. You can use it to pay for transportation from the airport and buy food or drinks after your flight. It also saves time because you do not have to search for an ATM immediately after arriving.
Most travelers bring around 20,000 to 30,000 yen before going to Japan. This is usually enough to cover your first day’s basic expenses. If you need more cash then you can easily withdraw additional yen from ATMs or use your credit card at places that accept it.
Money Saving Tips
If you are thinking about how much yen you should bring to Japan, saving money during your trip can help you carry less cash.
You can save money by using an IC card for easy travel on trains and buses instead of buying separate tickets every time. Eat lunch in small, tasty and budget-friendly restaurants because they are mostly cheaper than dinner at the same restaurant. For breakfast you can buy fresh and affordable food from nearby stores.
It is better to carry a reusable bottle to save money so you don’t need to keep buying bottled water. If you are planning to visit popular places, it is better to book the tickets in advance. It is also better to exchange your money before the trip.
These simple tips will help you save money during your trip.
Final Thoughts
If you are still wondering how much yen you should bring to Japan then the answer depends on the number of days you spend and how you spend it. Most travelers do not need to carry all their money in cash. For a one week trip, bringing around 50,000 to 80,000 yen is good. If you are staying longer then you may need around 100,000 to 150,000 yen. You can also use ATMs to withdraw more cash when needed and pay with your credit card at places that accept it.
Japan is a country where both cash and credit cards are commonly used. Many hotels, shopping malls and large stores accept cards while many small restaurants, local shops, temples and places in the country still prefer cash. Because of this, having some yen with you every day is good.
Before planning your trip think about how much you may spend each day. It is better to keep some cash with you to avoid last-minute money problems. Carry both cash and a credit card with you to manage everything without feeling tense.
