Exchange Japanese Yen (JPY) before your trip to Japan
Traveling to Japan is a unique experience—a mix of high-tech cities, stunning nature, snow-capped mountains, and peaceful traditional villages. Known for its technological innovation and cultural heritage, Japan guarantees an unforgettable journey.
To make the most of your trip, it’s essential to be well-informed about the local currency. In Japan, the official currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, cash is still king for many purchases and everyday transactions. That’s why it's a good idea to bring enough yen with you. We recommend setting a travel budget in advance to determine how much SEK to exchange into JPY.
Budget Planning Tips
Unlike many other countries, tipping a waiter in Japan is considered inappropriate and even rude. However, tipping a manager or owner as a token of appreciation is generally well-received.
Plan your daily travel budget to cover accommodation, meals, transportation, entrance fees, and souvenirs. Here’s a rough estimate of daily costs:
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Hotel: approx. ¥1350
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Meals: around ¥5400 per day
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Public transport: roughly ¥2000
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Museum entries: about ¥2700
¥1350
Average cost for one night’s stay
¥5400
Average daily food budget per person
Good to Know
Sample Prices in Japan
¥199–¥300
Subway ticket (one-way trip)
¥250
Average price for a cup of coffee
¥27,000
Japan Rail Pass (7 days)
¥500
A serving of takoyaki (Japanese street food)
¥400
Typical taxi fare
¥620
Admission to the Tokyo National Museum
Must-See Destinations in Japan
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Kyoto – Considered Japan’s cultural capital, explore the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, and the famous geisha districts.
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Nara – Home to stunning historical landmarks and peaceful temple grounds.
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Kanazawa – Discover Japan’s exquisite traditional gardens, including Kenrokuen Park, one of the three most beautiful in the country. Don’t forget to bring back a hand-crafted silk kimono as a unique souvenir.
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Gokayama & the Japanese Alps – Rent a car and head toward the mountains for breathtaking natural views.
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Hakuba – A must for skiing enthusiasts, offering world-class slopes in winter.
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Kawagoe – A charming old city that escaped the Great Tokyo Fire and offers a glimpse into Japan’s past.
When do you need cash in Japan?
Although Japan is a country where card payments are increasingly accepted, cash is still widely used. Carrying JPY in cash is therefore a very good practice to ensure you can make purchases in any situation.
In major cities, paying by card is generally easy, but this method of payment is not as universal as it is in Europe or Korea.
Some traditional restaurants, such as ramen-ya, local izakayas, small stalls, or simple canteens without table service, only accept cash. In addition, some restaurants operate using ticket machines that accept cash only.
In temples and shrines, it is customary to make donations and offerings, a practice carried out exclusively in cash.
Some traditional markets also rely entirely on cash. When in doubt, make sure you carry JPY with you to avoid any frustration.
As a general rule, we recommend exchanging your euros for JPY before your departure to benefit from better exchange rates. Likewise, travelling with yen in cash is a good way to keep control of your travel budget.
Facts About the Japanese Yen (JPY)
Denomination of the Japanese Yen
Banknotes: ¥1000, ¥2000, ¥5000, ¥10,000
Coins: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500
The word "yen" originates from a mispronunciation of the Japanese character 円, which is actually pronounced "en". This came from confusion between old Chinese-Japanese writing and pronunciation.
Did you know? The reverse side of the ¥5000 banknote features the famous painting "Irises at Yatsuhashi" by artist Ōgata Kōrin.
Why Exchange Japanese Yen with ChangeGroup?
With currency exchange locations around the world—including many in Sweden—ChangeGroup offers great value when exchanging Swedish kronor (SEK) into Japanese yen (JPY).
Before purchasing your travel money, check the exchange rate on the ChangeGroup website. Ordering online means you’ll benefit from better rates and 0% commission. It’s the smart and stress-free way to prepare for your trip. Welcome to ChangeGroup!
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.
2. Place an order online
Create an account and finalise your order online to enjoy our best pricing.
3. Pay at the branch
Pick up your currency at one of our branches and pay by cash or bank card.
FAQ about exchanging SEK to JPY
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the SEK/JPY exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to reflect the market as accurately as possible and to offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your exchange from SEK to JPY in advance, you can monitor market trends, choose the most favourable moment, and obtain your JPY at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your JPY at the exchange office of your choice. Check the list of our branches to find the one closest to you.
By choosing to reserve your JPY online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees and commissions from your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many JPY you will receive after the exchange.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQs
- How do I order currency via Travel Money Online?
- How does the BuyBack service work
- How much will I be charged when I order travel currency online?
- How much can I order online?
- How do I know which exchange rate is used?
- Will I get the same exchange rate by ordering via your website as from your shops?
- I have placed an order but I did not receive a confirmation e-mail, what should I do?


