Understanding Yen Before You Land in Japan
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, one of the smartest things you can do is get familiar with the country’s cash.
Japan may be a high-tech society, but cash is still king, especially when it comes to local restaurants, buses, vending machines, temples, and small shops.
This guide will help you understand Japanese yen—how it works, what the bills and coins look like, and how to use them without stress.
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
🗾 Why You Should Know Your Yen
While Japan is slowly becoming more card-friendly, many daily transactions still require cash. Knowing the value and appearance of each note and coin helps you:
- Avoid awkward confusion at cash registers
- Pay the exact amount in coin lockers, buses, and temples
- Recognize counterfeit vs real currency (especially new travelers)
- Travel more smoothly and confidently
💡 Tip: Carrying a coin pouch is a real necessity in Japan—you’ll be surprised how quickly the coins add up!
💸 Overview of Japanese Currency
- Currency code: JPY (symbol: ¥)
- No decimals (no “cents”)—everything is in whole numbers
- Coins: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500
- Banknotes: ¥1,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000
- New banknotes were introduced in 2024, but old ones remain valid
💴 Japanese Banknotes: What You Need to Know
¥10,000 Note (一万円札)
- Approx. $65–70 USD
- Color: Brownish gold
- Features Shibusawa Eiichi, a pioneer of Japanese capitalism
- May not be accepted at some vending machines or for small purchases
- Useful for hotel payments and major shopping
¥5,000 Note (五千円札)
- Approx. $30–35 USD
- Color: Purple
- Features Tsuda Umeko, a pioneer of women’s education
- Great for mid-sized purchases and restaurants
¥1,000 Note (千円札)
- Approx. $6–7 USD
- Color: Blue
- Features Kitasato Shibasaburo, a medical researcher
- The most commonly used bill—accepted everywhere
🆕 In 2024, new versions of these bills were introduced with updated portraits, anti-counterfeit tech, and 3D holograms.
🪙 Japanese Coins and How to Use Them
¥500 Coin
- Highest-value coin (approx. $3.50 USD)
- Color: Silver-gold
- Used for vending machines, lockers, small restaurants
- Don’t underestimate it—it adds up quickly!
¥100 Coin
- One of the most useful coins in Japan
- Used in convenience stores, laundromats, vending machines
- Great for donations at shrines and small purchases
¥50 Coin
- Mid-value coin with a hole in the middle
- Mostly used in vending machines or for making exact change
- Less common, but still important
¥10 Coin
- Bronze-colored coin
- Frequently used for change at small shops
- Often left in offering boxes at temples
¥5 Coin
- Also has a hole
- Considered lucky in Japanese culture (5 yen sounds like “go-en,” meaning fate or connection)
- Often used for shrine offerings
¥1 Coin
- Lightweight aluminum
- The smallest denomination
- Useful at supermarkets but not accepted in many machines
- Easy to accumulate in your pocket—keep track of them
🔄 What’s New in the 2024 Banknotes?
- New designs and updated portraits
- Enhanced anti-counterfeit features (3D holograms, microprinting)
- Still the same values—old bills are still valid and accepted everywhere
- Same sizing, but slightly different colors and watermarks
✨ If you receive new banknotes in change, don’t worry—they’re fully usable even if you’ve never seen them before.
🧾 Practical Tips for Using Cash in Japan
- 🧍♀️ Cashiers place money on trays, not directly in your hand—this is polite and standard
- 🛒 You don’t need to tip in Japan—it’s not part of the culture
- 🪙 Keep a coin purse or separate zip pocket for coins—they add up quickly
- 💳 Use large bills at convenience stores and supermarkets—they’ll always give accurate change
- 🚌 Some rural buses only accept exact change, so carry small coins when leaving the city
- 🔁 Don’t worry about carrying older-style bills—they’re accepted everywhere
🧳 Final Thoughts: Get Comfortable with Yen
Japanese cash is clean, beautifully designed, and easy to use once you get the hang of it.
Whether you’re paying for ramen, buying shrine charms, or getting a drink from a vending machine, knowing your yen makes everything faster and less stressful.
🎌 Don’t be surprised by how much you end up using coins—embrace the jingle, and keep a small pouch handy!
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
