Japan travel money tips
Heading to Japan? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥).
Tipping
No tipping. It's not part of the culture and can confuse staff. A polite 'gochisousama' is the right thank-you in restaurants.
Cards vs cash
Mixed. Big cities, hotels, and chain stores take cards, but cash is still king at small restaurants, temples, and rural shops.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
Use 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) or Japan Post ATMs — they accept foreign cards 24/7 and have an English menu.
Heads-up
- Many shops have a minimum spend (¥1,000) for card payment.
- Always carry ¥3,000–¥5,000 in cash for taxis, shrines, and small eateries.
About the Japanese Yen (JPY)
The Japanese Yen (JPY, symbol ¥) is the official currency of Japan. Knowing the live JPY rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.