You don’t need a huge wad of yen, but going fully cashless can leave you stuck at a cash-only ramen counter. Here’s a sensible amount.
A simple rule
Carry roughly ¥3,000–¥8,000 per person per day in cash for small, in-person spending, and put big-ticket items (hotels, department stores, train passes) on a card. Withdraw more as needed rather than carrying a week’s worth at once.
Where cash still rules
- Small independent restaurants and izakaya
- Street food, markets and festivals
- Temples, shrines and some attractions
- Coin lockers and small rural shops
Don’t bring it all from home
Airport exchange rates are mediocre. Bring a small amount of starter yen, then top up from 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs, which accept foreign cards and give fair rates. For everything else, see using cards in Japan.
Back to the overview: Money in Japan.