Japan Travel Money Guide

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Legally, there is no limit on the amount of cash you can bring into or take out of Japan. However, if you are carrying the equivalent of more than 1 million yen (approximately £5000), you’ll need to declare the amount to customs.

In major cities like Tokyo, most restaurants, cafes and shops will accept credit card payments. In more rural parts of the country, some sellers may only accept cash. During my visit, I found that having a card and some cash to be quite useful. There are vending machines everywhere, so it was handy to have some coins to pay for a cold drink while we were out and about.

Generally, Japan is known to have a relatively high cost of living compared to many other countries. In urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, prices for accommodation, dining out, transport, and entertainment can be higher compared to rural areas. If you’re planning on visiting any of these cities, here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:

Foreign visitors who plan on staying in Japan for less than six months may be able to claim back sales tax when they leave the country. 

Many stores in Japan offer tax-free shopping for foreign visitors. To qualify for tax-free shopping, you usually need to meet certain criteria, like spending a minimum amount in a single transaction and having your passport at hand when paying for goods. Most stores should be able to help you out and provide receipts, which you'll need to present at the airport when you leave Japan to claim your tax refund.

The food culture in Japan is unlike any other in the world. 

Cities like Tokyo and Osaka are the two culinary capitals, but finding a tasty warm bowl of ramen or Yakitoti skewers can be easily found throughout the country. 

Here’s how much things typically cost in Japan:

The information above is correct as of 2 May 2024. Data sourced from numbeo.com. Note that prices are subject to seasonal and inflationary fluctuations.

In Japan, tipping is generally not a common practice and can even be considered rude in some situations. The Japanese hospitality industry typically operates on the principle of providing excellent service without the expectation of additional gratuities.

If you try to tip in Japan, it's possible that your gesture might be politely declined or cause confusion. Instead of tipping, showing appreciation for good service is usually done with polite words of thanks or a bow.