Japan remains a society very much attached to cash: before you leave, it's best to plan for some yen in cash and to know where to exchange your euros for JPY in Paris under good conditions.
Japan, a country still largely oriented towards cash
We often picture Japan as ultra-technological, and it is in many respects. Yet, in everyday life, cash still holds a central place. Many small restaurants, izakayas, temples, markets and family-run shops still operate mainly in cash. Card payment has become widespread in large retailers, hotels and chains in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, but you can't rely on it everywhere, especially once you move away from the tourist areas.
The local currency is the Japanese yen (code JPY, symbol ¥). The common banknotes are 1,000, 2,000 (rare), 5,000 and 10,000 yen, and coins range from 1 to 500 yen. A useful peculiarity to know: 500-yen coins represent real value and are used a great deal in daily life, for vending machines, luggage lockers or transport.
How much cash should you plan for a trip to Japan?
There is no universal amount, because it all depends on your travel style, the length of your stay and how much you use your bank card. As a rough guide, many travellers set aside a cash budget to cover small everyday expenses: meals in modest establishments, local transport, drink vending machines, shrines, markets and souvenirs.
A few common-sense benchmarks, without claiming to set your budget:
- Meals and small expenses: plan to have enough to pay in cash where cards aren't accepted.
- Transport: prepaid transport cards (such as IC cards) are often topped up with cash.
- Rural areas and temples: card acceptance is much lower there, so keep a reserve of banknotes.
- Arrival at the airport: having yen as soon as you land avoids the stress of the first few hours.
The ideal approach is to combine a portion in cash, prepared before departure, with your bank card for larger purchases. This way you avoid carrying excessive amounts while remaining self-sufficient everywhere.
Why exchange your euros for yen before you leave?
Exchanging part of your budget in France, before take-off, offers several advantages. You arrive with peace of mind, without depending on local ATMs or airport counters, which are often less favourable. You can compare conditions at your leisure and split your banknotes according to your needs. To follow the day-to-day movement of the exchange rate, see our page dedicated to the euro / Japanese yen exchange.
The rates displayed at a bureau de change are counter rates (buy and sell), indicative and revised each day according to the market. That's why it's useful to check the rate before you head over and, ideally, to book in advance.
Where can you exchange your euros for yen in Paris?
At Paris Change, you exchange your euros for Japanese yen in our office at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter. We are a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), a guarantee of reliability and regulatory compliance.
Our strengths to help you prepare your trip to Japan:
- Commission-free: the displayed rate is the rate applied.
- More than 53 currencies available, including the Japanese yen (JPY).
- Open 7 days a week: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.
- Online booking available, with in-store pickup to save you time.
Access is very easy: Saint-Michel metro (line 4), RER B and C, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame station. You can book your amount in yen online, then come and collect it at the counter.
Practical tips for managing your yen on site
Once in Japan, keep your money safe and organise your banknotes: the Japanese frequently use small coin purses, because coins pile up quickly. Also remember to keep a little cash for lockers, vending machines and transport. Finally, if you exchange in several instalments, regularly tracking the rate will help you choose the right moment.
Frequently asked questions
Do you really need cash to travel in Japan?
Yes, it's strongly recommended. While cards are increasingly accepted in major cities and hotels, many shops, modest restaurants and tourist sites still operate in cash. Having yen in cash avoids many a hold-up.
Is the euro / yen rate guaranteed?
No. Counter rates are indicative and vary each day according to the market. We invite you to check the day's rate and, if possible, to book in advance to lock in your transaction at the time of pickup.
Can I book my yen in advance?
Yes. Online booking lets you prepare your amount in JPY and come and collect it quickly in our shop at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, commission-free.
Ready to leave for the Land of the Rising Sun? Book your yen online or come and see us at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel in Paris, 7 days a week, to exchange your euros for JPY commission-free and travel with peace of mind.
