Money in Japan
Japan uses the Japanese yen. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- JPYJapanese yen
- Symbol
- ¥
- Tipping
- Not expected
Paying in Japan
Cash is still needed at many small restaurants, shrines and rural shops.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Japan is still largely cash-based, especially outside big cities, and neighborhood restaurants, small izakayas and local markets can be cash-only. Boutique Japan advises using cash at least once a day and carrying more yen than you would at home in the countryside.
- ATMs
- Seven Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven stores and post office ATMs usually accept foreign cards, but not all ATMs take foreign cards and some are not open 24 hours. ATMs are harder to find in rural areas (Boutique Japan, Bamboo Travel).
- Exchanging money
- Boutique Japan says currency exchange is harder to find in Japan than in many countries, though some banks and city hotels exchange money. It suggests carrying enough yen for the first few days and then withdrawing more from a foreign-friendly ATM.
- Watch out for
- Bamboo Travel says many shops and banks charge a 2% to 4% transaction fee on credit cards. Check card restrictions and daily withdrawal limits with your bank before leaving.
Tipping in Japan
Tipping isn't customary and can cause confusion. Good service is included, so say thank you instead.
Not expected: Tipping isn't customary, and you can skip it without offence.
Sources checked: Boutique Japan, Bamboo Travel, Jacada Travel, Japan National Tourism Organization, Intrepid Travel.
Convert to and from JPY
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 158 JPY | 177 JPY | 212 JPY |
| 10 | 1,578 JPY | 1,768 JPY | 2,118 JPY |
| 50 | 7,891 JPY | 8,840 JPY | 10,589 JPY |
| 100 | 15,782 JPY | 17,681 JPY | 21,178 JPY |
| 500 | 78,910 JPY | 88,403 JPY | 105,888 JPY |
What each amount is worth in JPY. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Japan use?
Japan uses the Japanese yen (JPY).
Do you need to tip in Japan?
Not expected. Tipping isn't customary and can cause confusion. Good service is included, so say thank you instead.
Can you pay by card in Japan?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Japan is still largely cash-based, especially outside big cities, and neighborhood restaurants, small izakayas and local markets can be cash-only. Boutique Japan advises using cash at least once a day and carrying more yen than you would at home in the countryside.
Are there ATMs in Japan?
Seven Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven stores and post office ATMs usually accept foreign cards, but not all ATMs take foreign cards and some are not open 24 hours. ATMs are harder to find in rural areas (Boutique Japan, Bamboo Travel).