Everything you need to know

Japan Currency

Travelling to or living in Japan? Managing your money shouldn’t be stressful. With TransferGo, you can send, spend, and exchange money affordably — so more of your money goes where it matters.

Use the TransferGo card in Japan

The TransferGo card helps you spend smarter in Japan. Pay in local shops, withdraw cash from ATMs, and enjoy contactless or virtual payments — all while avoiding hidden bank fees and poor exchange rates. Everything is managed from the app, so you’re always in control of your money.

Get your free card today

What is the currency in Japan?

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese yen

The yen replaced the mon in 1871 during the Meiji period. It is issued by the Bank of Japan and subdivided into 100 sen, though sen coins are no longer in circulation.

JPY, ¥

Banknotes

¥1,000

¥2,000

¥5,000

¥10,000

Coins

¥1

¥5

¥10

¥50

¥100

¥500

Popular Yen pairings

A

JPY

AED

JPY

ALL

JPY

AMD

JPY

ANG

JPY

AOA

JPY

AUD

JPY

AWG

JPY

AZN

B

JPY

BBD

JPY

BDT

JPY

BGN

JPY

BHD

JPY

BMD

JPY

BND

JPY

BOB

JPY

BRL

JPY

BSD

JPY

BTN

JPY

BWP

JPY

BZD

C

JPY

CAD

JPY

CHF

JPY

CLP

JPY

COP

JPY

CRC

JPY

CZK

D

JPY

DJF

JPY

DKK

JPY

DOP

JPY

DZD

E

JPY

EGP

JPY

ETB

JPY

EUR

F

JPY

FJD

G

JPY

GBP

JPY

GEL

JPY

GHS

JPY

GIP

JPY

GMD

JPY

GYD

H

JPY

HKD

JPY

HNL

JPY

HUF

I

JPY

IDR

JPY

ILS

JPY

INR

J

JPY

JMD

K

JPY

KES

JPY

KGS

JPY

KHR

JPY

KMF

JPY

KWD

JPY

KYD

JPY

KZT

L

JPY

LKR

JPY

LSL

M

JPY

MAD

JPY

MDL

JPY

MGA

JPY

MKD

JPY

MNT

JPY

MRU

JPY

MUR

JPY

MVR

JPY

MWK

JPY

MXN

JPY

MYR

JPY

MZN

N

JPY

NAD

JPY

NGN

JPY

NOK

JPY

NPR

JPY

NZD

O

JPY

OMR

P

JPY

PEN

JPY

PGK

JPY

PHP

JPY

PKR

JPY

PLN

JPY

PYG

Q

JPY

QAR

R

JPY

RON

JPY

RWF

S

JPY

SAR

JPY

SBD

JPY

SCR

JPY

SEK

JPY

SGD

JPY

SRD

JPY

SZL

T

JPY

THB

JPY

TJS

JPY

TMT

JPY

TOP

JPY

TRY

JPY

TTD

JPY

TZS

U

JPY

UAH

JPY

UGX

JPY

USD

JPY

UYU

JPY

UZS

V

JPY

VND

JPY

VUV

W

JPY

WST

X

JPY

XAF

JPY

XCD

JPY

XOF

Z

JPY

ZAR

JPY

ZMW

How to spend money in Japan

Cash is widely used, particularly in rural areas, small stores, and public transport. In Tokyo, Osaka, and other large cities, cards are increasingly accepted in department stores, hotels, and restaurants. Mobile payments like Suica, PayPay, and Apple Pay are common. ATMs are available in banks and convenience stores.

Tip: Always pay in the local currency to get the best exchange rate and avoid extra conversion charges.

Tips for exchanging money in Japan

Use banks or ATMs at post offices and 7-Eleven stores for safe transactions.

Avoid airport currency exchange kiosks; rates are less favourable.

Always pay in yen to avoid conversion fees.

Carry small notes for taxis, vending machines, and local shops.

Choose smart tools like TransferGo to send and exchange money at transparent rates with no surprises.

Trusted by millions worldwide

For over a decade, TransferGo has made financial services faster, simpler, more affordable—and more accessible to those who need them most.

“Really good service!”

“TransferGo contacted me directly when there was a problem, and they solved it quickly. I made an international transfer in just a couple of hours.”

“Great company and competitive rates”

“Transfers are fast and there are no charges. Most transfers are free! I will be recommending the platform to all Nigerians.”

“Very good service”

“I sent money to my other bank account and received it in seconds. I’ve recommended it to all my friends. Good job!”

Frequently asked questions

What is the official currency used in Japan?

Japanese yen (JPY).

What is the official currency used in Japan?

Symbol: ¥ | Code: JPY

Can I use my home currency in Japan?

Not commonly; payments are in yen.

How can I use the TransferGo card in Japan?

Just activate it in the app and start spending — online, in stores, or at ATMs.

Is it better to use cash or card when spending in Japan?

Cash is essential in smaller towns; cards work in major cities.

Are credit or debit cards widely accepted in Japan?

Yes, in urban areas, hotels, and larger shops.

Are there ATMs available in Japan, and are there withdrawal limits?

Yes, mainly at banks and convenience stores; limits depend on your bank.

Can I use a TransferGo card in Japan?

Yes! You can use your TransferGo card for spending, withdrawing, or managing your money— with fair rates and no hidden fees.