Cash is still ruling the country, though the locals are now using credit card payments purchases in their ultra big hotels and department stores. Since the country is known for its low crime rate, so its people never fear carrying big amounts of cash in their purses. Foreigners may imitate such carefree habits if they like but should always bear in mind the usual safety measures for an enjoyable and memorable journey.

Name:    Japanese Yen
Symbol:   ¥

Japanese currency / money is known as yen which is be a symbol of “ ¥ ”. Its coins have different denominations – 500yen, 100yen, 50yen, 10yen, 5yen and 1yen. The 1¥ coin is an aluminum light weight coin. The middle of both ¥50 and ¥5 coins had a punched hole. 5yen coin is colored bronze and 50yen coin is colored silver.  Notes come in different denominations – 10,000yen, 5,000yen, 2,000yen, and 1,000yen.  The 2,000yen note is rarely seen.

You can change your traveler’s checks, your valuable cash or any other denominations can be exchanged to the currency at the following: large hotels (exclusive for their guests only), in both Kansai and Narita international airports, post offices, big department stores (at the money exchange window or their customer service), banks that have the sign “authorized foreign exchange”. The exchanged of US dollars are widely preferred; other currencies are difficult to exchange especially the Korean or the Taiwanese currency. Bank cards that are issued outside the country are not accepted in almost all ATMs but the ATMs at the post office can accept those foreign – issued cards. Its service hours differ depending on its locality but generally they are open at these schedules:

Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm / 9:00 pm / 11:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday and during National holidays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed on: January 1 to January 3

Japan is considered mainly as the most costly country in whole Asia. But there are available options in budgeting your ways to have a momentous Japan adventure.  First and foremost, having a daily budget plan would do wonders to your budgeted journey. Staying on cheap hostels, traveling on short distances and eating reasonably would cost roughly about US$ 60.00 and those little extras – entertainment, admission fees, snacks and drinks would be about US$ 10.00. As compared to staying on those lavish, business and deluxe hotels while eating on those expensive restaurants! It would undeniably cost you around US$ 200.00 or even more. Long distance traveling in Japan is really expensive. It would be a wise plan if you invest on a Japan Rail Pass, if you plan to travel all the scenic views of the country and to enjoy the enchanted cultures of Japan.

Internet / hr ¥500
A dozen of eggs ¥300
Simple restaurant meal ¥1000
Developing a roll of 36 exposure film ¥600
Ave. Museum/Temple admission ¥500
Youth Hostel accommodation ¥2800
Cheap bowl of noodles ¥400
A liter of Milk ¥190