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How Much Cash Do You Need for a Japan Trip? (Simple Guide)

How Much Cash Do You Need for a Japan Trip? (Simple Guide)

This guide is part of our Money in Japan overview and explains how much cash travelers realistically need when visiting Japan.

Quick overview:
For most travelers, ¥30,000–¥50,000 per person for a one-week trip is enough when you use a mix of cash and credit cards.

If this is your first visit to Japan, it is natural to wonder:

  • How much cash should I carry?
  • Can I rely mostly on credit cards?

This guide explains how much cash you actually need, based on trip length and travel style, without complicated financial details.

The Simple Answer: How Much Cash Do You Need?

You do not need an exact number. These ranges work well for most visitors:

  • 3-day trip: ¥15,000–¥25,000
  • 7-day trip: ¥30,000–¥50,000
  • 14-day trip: ¥50,000–¥80,000

These amounts assume you will also use credit cards whenever possible. Cash is mainly for smaller places and local services.

Why You Still Need Cash in Japan

Japan is modern and convenient, but it remains a cash-friendly country. Relying only on credit cards can cause small but frustrating problems.

  • Small shops and local restaurants often accept cash only
  • Temples and shrines usually require cash for entry fees
  • Street food stalls and festivals rarely accept cards

If you enjoy local food or cultural experiences, carrying cash is essential.

Recommended Cash by Trip Length

Short Trips (3 Days)

If you stay mainly in large cities and use cards often, ¥15,000–¥25,000 is usually enough.

  • Small meals and snacks
  • Local transportation
  • Minor entrance fees

Standard Trips (7 Days)

For a one-week stay, ¥30,000–¥50,000 provides peace of mind. This is the most common trip length for visitors.

Longer Trips (14 Days or More)

If you stay longer or visit rural areas, prepare ¥50,000–¥80,000 in total.

You do not need to carry all of this at once — this is a total guideline for your entire trip.

Big Cities vs Rural Areas

How much cash you need depends heavily on where you travel.

  • Large cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto): Credit cards cover most daily expenses, but small shops may still be cash-only.
  • Rural areas and small towns: Cash is much more important, and card acceptance is limited.

If countryside travel is part of your itinerary, prepare extra cash in advance.

Can You Rely Only on Credit Cards?

Partly — but it is not recommended.

  • Cards work well at: hotels, convenience stores, department stores
  • Cash is required at: small restaurants, buses, shrines, rural shops

Japan works best when you use a combination of cash and credit cards.

For a clear comparison, see:

Cash or Card in Japan: A Simple Guide for Travelers

Withdrawing Cash from ATMs

Japan is very convenient for withdrawing cash with foreign cards.

  • Convenience store ATMs (often available 24 hours)
  • Major bank ATMs in cities

Most international cards work. ATM fees depend on your bank, not on Japan.

If you are unfamiliar with ATMs in Japan, this guide explains how it works:

ATM Withdrawal in Japan: What Travelers Need to Know

Tips to Avoid Cash Problems

  • Avoid carrying very large amounts at once
  • Withdraw more cash only when needed
  • Keep cash in separate places

Related Guides

To get a complete understanding of money and payments in Japan, these guides may also be helpful:

This guide focuses on general cash usage for travelers.
Actual needs may vary by travel style and location.
Last updated: 2026-01-29

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Japan Travel Essentials

We are a Japan-based travel guide team sharing smart, practical, and trustworthy tips for visitors. From local transport and eSIM setup to onsen etiquette, we help you travel Japan smarter and easier.

We are a Japan-based travel guide sharing practical tips & local insights for your trip.

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