Japanese Yen (JPY; symbol ¥). Notes are in denominations of ¥10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ¥500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.

Note: Japan has a strong cash culture, and it is usual to see people carrying large amounts of cash with them because of the low crime rate. It is only recently that credit cards have begun to become more popular. However, travellers may still encounter difficulties with foreign credit cards.

All money must be exchanged at an authorised bank or money changer.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and other major credit cards are widely accepted in towns. ATMs are available although only international banks accept foreign credit or debit cards, and these are hard to find outside of towns. They are generally open Mon-Fri 0700-2300, Sat-Sun 0900-1900, though some only operate during normal banking hours and on Saturday mornings. Citibank machines are the most likely to have ATMs, and also to accept foreign credit cards (and are usually open 24 hours). Almost 12,000 7-eleven stores began to accept foreign cards from July 2007. Some post offices also have ATMs which accept foreign cards.

These can be exchanged at most major banks, larger hotels and some duty-free shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Japanese Yen or US Dollars.

Mon-Fri 0900-1500.