In a world that’s going cashless, Japan continues to be a cash-based society. With that in mind, just how much cash should you bring to Japan?
Whenever you take a holiday overseas, the question of how much money you should bring always arises.
This matter might require an extra bit of consideration for countries like Japan, where cash is still quite prevalent in society.
Exactly How “Cash-Based” Is Japan?
Japanese society has always valued tradition above all else, despite simultaneously being one of the most advanced technological countries in the world.
Like most countries, however, Japan has also come a long way when it comes to cashless payments.
In fact, nowadays, you can find every convenience store and major restaurant chain offering card payments via credit or debit as well as Japan’s own IC card system.
However, at the same time, Japan is a country where small local businesses thrive, albeit as a result of its aging population and the sheer prevalence of such businesses.
Small restaurants and cafes are the core of authentic Japanese experiences that tourists love.
Of course, these are, more often than not, cash-only establishments.
So, How Much Cash Should I Bring To Japan?
None. Okay, that might sound like a ridiculous answer that diminishes the whole purpose of this article, but in truth, you could get away with not bringing any cash at all to Japan.
The reason is you could simply withdraw money from the many ATMs located inside Japan’s convenience stores, though you will likely cop the international processing fees.
Regardless, you will still need cash in Japan if you plan on visiting any of its authentic restaurants, street food stalls, and cafes.
Also, it can be difficult to use Japan’s public transport system without cash, as you will almost always need it to recharge your IC card or to purchase a train ticket.
That being said, I would say you should bring enough cash so that you have at least 10,000 yen of spending money per day.
This will be enough to cover any transportation fees and cash-only establishments you visit, provided you also have your debit/credit card to cover the rest of your expenses (e.g. accommodation).
Final Thoughts
All in all, bringing a sufficient amount of cash for your trip to Japan will make life so much easier for you.
In a country of endless vending machines, small food outlets, and authentic dining experiences, having some cash on hand means you don’t miss out on anything!
Slowly but surely, Japan will likely become a full-on cashless society like most advanced countries, but given its history of preserving tradition and its elderly population, they’re going to need some time.
So don’t wait til it’s too late! Make sure to exchange some cash in your local currency for Japanese yen while the rates are best in your favor!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!