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Don’t forget to buy Japanese yen (JPY) before your departure to Japan
A trip to Japan means visiting a country offering a mix between, megapolis, nature, snowy peaks and small peaceful villages. Japan is also known for its technological advances. This country will offer you a great trip. It is important to be well informed about the currency of the country you are traveling to so that you are well prepared. The local currency in Japan is the Japanese yen (JPY). For some of your purchases and activities, it will be useful to have some cash. Although the use of credit cards is widespread, transactions are mostly done in cash in Japan. Therefore, we invite you to draw up a travel budget before your departure in order to plan your expenses and the amount of GBP JPY to exchange.
Practical tips for planning your budget
It is important to know that giving a tip to a waiter directly in Japan is considered discourteous. However, giving a tip to the boss to give to his employee is appreciated.
You need to plan a daily budget for your trip which includes the hotel, the meals, the transportation fees, your activities and even some souvenirs purchases. The hotel will cost you around 1350 yens, the meal around 5400 yens, the bus/subway around 2000 yens and the price for the entrance to the museums around 2700 yens.
1350 JPY
Average cost of a one night stay in Japan
5400 JPY
Average food budget per person per day
Good to know
Some price indications in Japan
199 - 300 JPY
A public transport ticket
250 JPY
The price of a cup of coffee
JPY 27,000 for 7 days
A JR(Japan Railways) pass
500 JPY
A portion of takoyaki
400 JPY
Taxi fare
620 JPY
Entrance fee to the Tokyo National Museum
Some suggestions
- Kyoto remains the cultural, artistic and intellectual capital of Japan, where you can visit the Golden Temple, Nijo Castle and the geisha district. You can also go to Nara, to discover sublime historical monuments.
- Go to Kanazawa, where you can finally discover the beautiful traditional gardens you have surely heard so much about. You can take a handmade silk kimono with you as a nice souvenir. Be sure to visit Kenrokuen Park, which is considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.
- A rental car will allow you to travel further and admire the imposing landscapes of the country, the Japanese Alps, if you go in the direction of Gokayama for example.
- For mountain sports enthusiasts we suggest the well-known ski resort of Hakuba.
- A town with an old soul, having been spared the great Tokyo fire, is worth a visit when you are there.
When do you need cash in Japan?
Although Japan is a country where card payments are increasingly accepted, cash is still widely used overall. Having JPY in cash on you is therefore a very good idea to ensure you can make purchases in all situations.
In large cities, you will be able to pay by card easily, but this method of payment is not as universal as it is in Europe or South Korea.
Some traditional restaurants, such as ramen-ya, local izakayas, small eateries, or canteens without table service, accept only cash. Some restaurants also operate with ticket vending machines that only take cash.
In temples and shrines, making donations and offerings is recommended, and this practice is done exclusively in cash.
Some traditional markets also rely exclusively on cash. To be safe, remember to carry JPY with you to avoid any frustration.
Overall, we recommend exchanging your GBP to JPY before your departure to benefit from better exchange rates. Travelling with yen in cash is also a good way to keep control of your travel budget.
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Some facts about the Japanese Yen
Denominations of the Japanese Yen
Notes: 1000JPY, 2000JPY, 5000JPY and 10000JPY.
Coins: 1JPY, 5JPY, 10JPY, 50JPY, 100JPY and 500JPY
The word "yen" originated from the mispronunciation of 円, which is said "en" or "enne". There was a misinterpretation between the ancient Sino-Japanese script and its pronunciation.
The image on the back of the 5,000 yen note is the painting "The Flowers of Kakitsubata", by Ōgata Kōrin.
Why buy Japanese yen (JPY) from Change Group?
ChangeGroup has exchange bureaus all over the world, and in the UK. ChangeGroup offers attractive prices for your GBP JPY exchange before you leave for your holiday destination. Before purchasing your travel money anywhere, check the exchange rate with ChangeGroup online, on our website to enjoy preferential rates and 0% commission. You don't have much time besides planning your trip? Then choose our home delivery service for £ 11.95 and receive your order in 24h to save time. Worried to take too much travel money along? Get the Buy-Back guarantee for only £5.99. This way, we will be able to purchase your remaining currency at the same initial time when you first bought your Japanese yen.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need & enjoy our best price deals online
2. Select delivery method
Choose between branch pick-up and free next day home delivery. Create an account and finalise your order.
3. Receive travel money
Pick-up your currency from one of our branches or have it delivered conveniently at your doorstep. Enjoy your trip!
FAQ about exchanging GBP to JPY
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the GBP/JPY exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to best reflect market conditions and offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your GBP-to-JPY exchange in advance, you can compare market trends, choose the most favourable moment and obtain your JPY at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your JPY from the exchange bureau of your choice. For added convenience, we can also deliver your order directly to your home within 24 hours for just £6.95.
By choosing to reserve your JPY online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees or commissions on your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many JPY you will receive after the exchange.
Thanks to our home delivery currency service, we can exchange your GBP to JPY wherever you are in the United Kingdom.
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