Currency
The Japan currency is called yen. Coins are available in denominations of ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100 and ¥500. Banknotes are available in denominations of ¥1000, ¥5000 and ¥10,000 . At the time of writing, US$1.00 = ¥119.5. For the latest exchange rate, use the Oanda Currency Converter: http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic.
Japan is a land of cash transactions. Bring it and use it. Quite often, even when you see a Visa or MasterCard logo, it is useful only for cards issued by Japanese banks. So bring cash and you will not be shortchanged. Also, in Japan it is quite unlikely that you will be robbed of your cash. The time and expense in cashing traveller's cheques may also make it not a worthy option.
Banking Hours
Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Mondays to Fridays.
About the Author: AsiaExplorers is researched and written by Timothy Tye. We take reasonable care to check and verify the accuracy of the content. However, we disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, injury or death resulting from following the advice provided directly or indirectly by AsiaExplorers and the comments on its pages. All the photographs in AsiaExplorers are available for publication. Please contact AsiaExplorers at the following email address for your enquiries:
