How Much Money Should You Bring to Japan?

International ATM and credit cards often don't work in Japan.

Don't Depend on Credit Cards

"Japan is mainly a cash society," notes the website of the British government's Foreign Office, warning travelers that credit and debit cards issued outside of Japan aren't widely accepted. Both the U.S. and British governments advise travelers to check in advance to see if their credit and debit cards will be accepted in Japan, and to ensure they have alternative sources of money.

Daily Expenses Vary Greatly

According to the travel guide "Lonely Planet: Japan," travelers should expect to pay around 8,000 yen per person to stay in a business-class hotel and 2,500 yen for a mid-range meal. However, the guide notes that Japan's reputation as an expensive country can be deceiving, pointing out that a fixed-price lunch or dinner meal can cost between 700 to 900 yen. The website Japan-Guide advises budgeting between 6,000 to 12,000 yen per day for "medium budget" travel.

Bottom Line

While the specific amount of money travelers will need varies greatly, the ability to access it is more important. Ensure before leaving that you will have access to sufficient cash reserves to cover your expenses, whatever they may be.

References

• U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Japan Travel Advice.
• U.S. Department of State: Japan.
• "Lonely Planet: Japan"; Chris Rowthorn, Ray Bartlett, and Justin Ellis; 2005.
• Japan-Guide: Japan Travel Budgets.