🇯🇵 Tokyo Money Guide

Currency: Japanese Yen (¥)
Currency Code: JPY
Exchange Rate: 1 USD ≈ ¥155 JPY (April 2026)

Japan's currency is the Yen (¥), and despite its reputation as a tech-forward country, Japan remains more cash-dependent than most Western nations. While credit card acceptance has improved significantly since the 2020 Olympics, many smaller restaurants, izakayas, ramen shops, and market stalls still operate as cash-only. Always carry at least ¥10,000-20,000 ($65-130) in cash. The best ATMs for foreign cards are at 7-Eleven convenience stores (Seven Bank ATMs) and Japan Post Office ATMs — both accept Visa, Mastercard, and most international cards with low fees. Regular Japanese bank ATMs often reject foreign cards entirely. Avoid currency exchange at Narita or Haneda airports where rates are 2-4% worse than in the city. In central Tokyo, Travelex offices in Shinjuku and large department stores like Daimaru offer decent rates. IC cards like Suica and Pasmo (available at any station) are essential — they work for trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, and even some restaurants, functioning almost like a local debit card. Visa and Mastercard acceptance has grown substantially, especially at chain restaurants, department stores, and hotels. Contactless payments via IC cards are far more common than NFC credit card tap, though Apple Pay linked to a Suica card works seamlessly. American Express has reasonable acceptance at hotels and larger restaurants. There is no Dynamic Currency Conversion concern in Japan as this practice is rare.

Japan has a strict no-tipping culture, and this is one of the most important cultural norms for visitors to understand. Tipping can actually be considered rude or confusing — staff may chase you down the street to return money they think you accidentally left behind. This applies to restaurants, hotels, taxis, bars, and virtually all services. The excellent service you receive in Japan is considered a matter of professional pride, not something that requires additional monetary reward. The only exceptions are traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) where you may leave a tip of ¥1,000-3,000 in a small envelope (not handed directly) for the nakai-san (room attendant), and high-end private tour guides who work with international tourists and understand Western tipping customs — ¥3,000-5,000 per day is appropriate. Some upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill, but this is not a tip. Never leave coins on the table at a restaurant — it would be bewildering to the staff.

Tokyo is one of the safest major cities in the world, and violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. However, a few scams target visitors, primarily in the Kabukicho entertainment district of Shinjuku. Bar Scams (bottakuri bars) are the most common — friendly English-speaking locals or attractive women invite you to a "great bar" in Kabukicho, then you receive a bill for ¥30,000-100,000 ($200-650) for a couple of drinks. These establishments use intimidation to force payment. The rule is simple: never follow a stranger to a bar in Kabukicho. Choose your own venues. If trapped, pay with a credit card (easier to dispute later) and report to the Shinjuku police box immediately. Fake Monks occasionally appear near Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and in Ueno Park — they wear Buddhist robes and offer a "blessed" trinket, then pressure you for a ¥1,000-5,000 "donation." Real Buddhist monks do not solicit donations on the street. In the Akihabara electronics district, some small shops may try to sell electronics without the correct voltage adapter or warranty for use outside Japan — always check compatibility. Overcharging Taxi Scams are extremely rare in Tokyo as meters are regulated, but avoid unmarked cars at Narita Airport arrivals offering "flat rate" rides. Use the licensed taxi queue or take the Narita Express train instead. Dropped Wallet Scams exist but are uncommon — someone "finds" a wallet near you and suggests splitting the cash, then a confederate shows up claiming it is theirs and demands you pay. The most practical risk in Tokyo is simply getting lost in the labyrinthine train system — download the Navitime or Google Maps transit app before arriving.

Quick Price Reference

Daily Budget Guide

Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive, but savvy travelers can eat and get around surprisingly cheaply. Budget travelers can manage on ¥8,000-12,000 ($52-78) per day with capsule hotels or hostels (¥3,000-5,000/night), convenience store meals (onigiri ¥120, bento boxes ¥400-600), and a Suica card for trains. Standing ramen shops serve excellent bowls for ¥700-1,000, gyudon (beef bowl) chains like Yoshinoya and Matsuya offer meals for ¥400-600, and conveyor-belt sushi (kaiten-zushi) serves plates from ¥100-300. A can of coffee or tea from ubiquitous vending machines costs ¥120-160. Mid-range travelers spending ¥15,000-25,000 ($97-162) per day can enjoy business hotels (¥8,000-15,000/night), proper sit-down izakaya dinners with drinks (¥3,000-5,000), teamLab exhibitions (¥3,800), and day trips to Hakone or Kamakura. Luxury travelers should budget ¥50,000+ ($325+) for 5-star hotels (¥30,000+/night), omakase sushi dinners (¥15,000-30,000), and private geisha district tours. Money-saving tips: the Tokyo Subway 72-hour pass (¥1,500) is extraordinary value. Depachika (department store basement food halls) offer high-quality prepared foods at reasonable prices, especially near closing time when items are discounted 30-50%. Lunch sets (teishoku) at the same restaurants that charge premium prices at dinner are typically 40-60% cheaper.

Japan offers tax-free shopping for foreign tourists on purchases of ¥5,000 ($32) or more at participating stores. The consumption tax rate is 10%, and you receive the full 10% back. Look for "Tax-Free" or "Japan Tax-Free Shop" signs. Present your passport at checkout and the tax is deducted immediately — no airport refund process needed. Items are sealed in special bags that you should not open until you leave Japan, though customs rarely checks. Electronics stores in Akihabara, department stores like Isetan and Takashimaya, drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, and Don Quijote discount stores all participate. Don Quijote even has dedicated tax-free counters that process refunds for all purchases made in-store.