Japanese Currency/Credit cards
Currency
The yen is the unit of currency in Japan. There are four kinds of bills (10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 1,000 yen) and six kinds of coins (500 yen, 100 yen, 50 yen, 10 yen, 5 yen, 1 yen) used.
Currency
Credit cards
“VISA Eand “Master Card Eare the major credit cards accepted in Japan.
Many big hotels accept payment by credit cards, as do most department stores, mid to high end restaurants, outlet malls and large retail shops.
However, it’s a good idea to have some cash with you all the time as you will be usually required to pay cash at a small entrance fees at tourist sights, at smaller accommodations, restaurants and small shops. Vending machines typically accept 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen coins and 1,000 yen bills. The majority of lockers also require coins.
Master Card
VISA
Currency Exchange
You might want to exchange your money before you leave the airport.
You can also exchange your money into yen at authorized foreign exchange banks in Japan.
Unfortunately, many automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Japan do not accept credit, debit and ATM cards, which are issued outside of Japan.
The exceptions are the ATMs found at the over 24,000 post offices and over 17,000 7-Eleven convenience stores across the country. These ATMs allow you to withdraw cash by credit and debit cards issued outside of Japan, including Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express and JCB cards and provide an English user menu.
Seven Bank
Yucho (Japan Post) Bank
Sign placed on ATMs showing acceptable credit cards