The Japanese yen (sign: ¥ or JPY) is the third most-traded currency in foreign exchange markets, after the U.S. dollar and the euro. The yen is also commonly used as a reserve currency after the U.S. dollar, the British pound sterling and the euro.

The way of counting large amounts of yen in Japan is based upon multiples of either 1,000 or 10,000. For example, Japan offers the 1,000 yen note and the 10,000 yen note. Beyond the 10,000 yen note, everything is counted in increments of 10,000 (not 1,000, as it is in the West).

The value of Japanese currency regularly fluctuates vis-a-vis the other major world currencies.

Japanese Currency FAQ

For travelers to Japan, you may want to have your local currency converted to yen before leaving your home country. This is especially true if your airplane will arrive later than 17:00 or 18:00.

However, all major international airports in Japan have active currency exchange offices, so conversion of currency to Japanese yen can be done quite easily once you arrive as long as you arrive during normal business hours.

Be sure to check the rates at the different banks, since they will vary.