Since July 3rd 2024, the Bank of Japan has issued new banknotes for the main denominations of 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 1,000 yen, a change announced back in 2023.
As well as new security features, like 3D holograms, intaglio printing and tactile marks, a new lineup of historical figures and national icons will be gracing the new designs—the first such redesign in 20 years.
For those travelling to Japan, it is important to note that current banknotes will continue to be legal tender. Existing banknotes you may hold or receive in Japan will continue to be accepted as normal.
Getting a grip on Japan's currency and the exchange rate (eg into dollars or pounds) is already one step to take when travelling to Japan, so we recommend familiarising yourself with the new banknote designs in advance. Read on to learn about each new design. We'll also be updating our guide to money in Japan in due course.
The new 10,000 yen banknote
The new 10,000 yen banknote features Eiichi Shibusawa on the front, and the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building on the back:
Eiichi Shibusawa: considered the ‘father of capitalism’ in Japan and founder of a number of renowned companies, including Japan’s first national bank (and precursor to Mizuho Bank) — he replaces the educator, f*ckuzawa Yukichi.
Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building: the red brick building that graces the west side of Tokyo Station is an iconic symbol of the capital, dating back to 1914 and a National Important Cultural Property since 2003.
The new 5,000 yen banknote
The new 5,000 yen banknote features Tsuda Umeko on the front, and wisteria flowers on the back:
Tsuda Umeko: a pioneer in women’s education during the Meiji era, who founded Tsuda University and became an advocate for women's English education.
Wisteria: the Japanese wisteria ('fuji') flower has been widely beloved across Japan since ancient times.
The new 1,000 yen banknote
The new 1,000 yen banknote features Kitasato Shibasaburō on the front, and The Great Wave off Kanagawa artwork on the back:
Kitasato Shibasaburō: a bacteriologist and pioneer in Japanese medicine, who conducted research into infectious diseases, like Bubonic plague or tetanus.
The Great Wave off Kanagawa: this famous ukiyo-e work by artist Katsushika Hokusai depicts Mount Fuji on the horizon.
Since July 3rd 2024, the Bank of Japan has issued new banknotes for the main denominations of 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 1,000 yen, a change announced back in 2023.
Banknotes were redesigned on July 3, 2024. Banknotes of three denominations 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 1,000 yen were issued on July 3, 2024. The new banknotes are the culmination of anti-counterfeit technologies cultivated for over 150 years. Please take this opportunity to discover the secrets of the new banknotes.
The new series of Bank of Japan notes are paid out from the Bank of Japan to financial institutions. Financial institutions that have completed the necessary preparations distribute the notes over their counters or through automated teller machines (ATMs).
Can I still use old Japanese Yen notes? Absolutely! The current and old Japanese Yen banknotes are still accepted and will continue to be accepted according to the Finance Ministry.
Big bills are readily used and accepted in Japan; you are unlikely to be frowned upon for using a 10,000 yen bill to pay even for low-cost items, although smaller denominations are appreciated for payments made in taxis, smaller shops, temples and shrines.
Collection of reserved notes starts from 24 January to 8 February 2024 at your selected branch and time slot. For clients aged 60 and above, or with special needs, you may visit our branches between 24 January to 8 February 2024 to exchange without any prior reservation.
Redesigned bills pay tribute to Japanese capitalism, women's equality and scientific innovation. Japan has issued its first new banknotes in two decades, with the redesigned bills featuring 3D holograms intended to thwart counterfeiters.
500 yen – Basically a $5 bill, this is the largest and most valuable of the yen coins. A 500 yen coin can be used to buy a simple lunch such as a bento box.
Short answer, all notes since around 1948 are still valid and legal tender. However, for those really old ones, they probably have more value as collectors items these days.
Cash is still the most popular payment method in Japan. If you travel to the countryside, it will most likely be your only option. Although cards and other cashless ways of paying are widely accepted in urban areas, you should still keep some old-fashioned cash on you.
For example, if you are traveling from the U.S., wait to exchange your dollars for yen until you have arrived in Japan. However, you will get the most favorable rates for yen in Southeast Asian countries rather than in Japan.
Many smaller businesses do not accept any payment type besides cash. Unfortunately, you can't pay with your own currency either — foreign currency is not accepted as payment in Japan, so travelers must exchange their local currency into Japanese yen.
Since July 3rd 2024, the Bank of Japan has issued new banknotes for the main denominations of 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 1,000 yen, a change announced back in 2023.
When to exchange: Although it depends on the currency, it is generally better to exchange yen in Japan than in your home country, due to a lower commission and better exchange rate. Similarly, you'll typically get better rates away from the major airports.
What is the best currency to take to Japan? You will need yen wherever you go but it's easy to organise. You will usually get the best value by ordering currency before departure.
The sixth series (series F) notes are currently in circulation, and are the smallest of the three common bank notes, measuring 150 x 76 mm. The ¥1,000 bill features Kitasato Shibasaburō and The Great Wave off Kanagawa. This is also the first series of bank note that features English. It was first issued on 3 July 2024.
Since July 3rd 2024, the Bank of Japan has issued new banknotes for the main denominations of 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 1,000 yen, a change announced back in 2023.
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