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Travelling to Japan

Read our handy guide on where to go and what to see on your travels through Japan.

Discover Japan

Whether you’re devouring mouth-watering sushi, sipping sake or meandering through cherry-blossomed streets, Japan is sure to delight at every turn. This is a place that really does intertwine past and future, with any trip to Japan needing a little taste of it all.

Immerse yourself in the culture

Immerse yourself in the culture


Imagine the lantern-lit streets of Kyoto and the tranquil tea houses of Kanazawa, the cosmopolitan chaos of Tokyo and the imperial grandeur of the ancient temples dotted all over the country. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dōmu) to remember the past, or unwind the Japanese way in a relaxing onsen (hot spring). Try your hand at karaoke in its birthplace, or spend an evening wining and dining at an authentic izakaya restaurant.

Enjoy delicious cuisine

Enjoy delicious cuisine


In Japan, kuidaore literally means to eat yourself into bankruptcy – it’s something you might find yourself guilty of soon after you arrive. For a true taste of Tokyo, orderkaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner and pair it with a glass of sake, the iconic rice wine. Of course, sushi, sashimi and steaming bowls of ramen noodles are all classic dishes to savour, and you’ll find them nowhere tastier than in Japan.

Explore the iconic sights

Explore the iconic sights


Across Japan you’ll find no end of iconic sights to discover, from exploring the zen-like vibes of classic Japanese gardens to climbing the 3776m to the top of Mount Fiji. Take a walk through the cherry blossom trees in Yoshino or visit the snowy peaks of Daisetsuzan. Witness komorebi(sunlight flitering through the trees) and sakura (the onset of spring). You’ll never tire of the sights of Japan.

What Currency Does Japan Use?

What Currency Does Japan Use?


Interested in visiting Japan and want to know what currency to take? Learn more about the Japanese monetary unit and how much things cost in Japan.

How to travel Japan on a budget

How to travel Japan on a budget


Japan is an incredible country, and you don't need to be a millionaire to explore it. Explore our advice for travelling to Japan on a budget.

Money

The currency of Japan is the Japanese yen, which is broken down into 100 sen and 1000 rin.

One pound is currently worth Japanese yen.

Here’s a roundup of what you can roughly expect to spend in Japan, with prices in British pounds:

Inexpensive meal for one – £5.00-£7.00Bottle of water – £0.60-£1.200.5 litre beer – £2.00-£4.00
Mid-range restaurant meal for one – £15.00-£20.00Cappuccino – £2.00-£3.00Local bus ticket – £1.10-£2.00

For up to date rates and more information on the Japanese yen, check out our dedicated pounds to yen guide.

Buy Japanese yen with a Travel Money Card

Buy Japanese yen with a Travel Money Card

Another great option for spending in Japanese yen is our Travelex Money Card.

  • Safe and secure - card not linked to your bank account
  • Choice of 22 currencies, including Japanese yen
  • Seamless spending with Apple Pay and Google Pay
  • Manage your Japanese yen effortlessly via the Travelex Money App
  • In case your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, our 24/7 global assistance team is here for you
Learn More

Travelling around Japan

By train

Riding the Shinkansen (新幹線) or Bullet Train is a must-do for many visitors to Japan, the super smooth train that reaches speeds of up to 320km per hour. Trains are the fastest and most comfortable way to get around Japan, but they can be a little pricey. Pick up a Japan Rail Pass to save yourself some money.

By metro

Japan’s metro are fast, efficient and can get you almost everyone you want to go. For more information on prices for Tokyo’s extensive metro, head to Tokyo Metro.

By taxi

If you’re staying out after midnight, be prepared to get a taxi back to your accommodation. A taxi start will cost you around ¥580, and ¥425/km and it’s not expected to tip your driver.

Order your currency

Order your currency

It couldn’t be easier to order your yen from us online, or top up via our app before you jet off on your trip. But if you need to pick up some more whilst you’re in Japan, there are plenty of Travelex stores that can sort you out. Head to our store locator to find your nearest!

Order your Japanese yen