How much money do you really need in Japan (2026 numbers)
Fact that will surprise you: Japan is cheaper than you think. You can eat a ramen for 800 yen (€5) and eat BETTER than in a €30 restaurant in Madrid. The problem is not the price, it is knowing where to look.
Actual daily budget
Backpacker (4,000-6,000 yen / 26-40€)
| Concept | Cost | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 2,000-3,000 yen | Hostel in Asakusa |
| Food | 1,500-2,000 yen | Konbini + ramen + onigiri |
| Transportation | 500-800 yen | Metro through Tokyo |
| Extras | 500 yen | Vending machines |
| Total | 4,500-6,300 yen | 30-42€ |
Average traveler (8,000-12,000 yen / 53-80€)
| Concept | Cost | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | 5,000-7,000 yen | Business hotel in Shinjuku |
| Food | 3,000-4,000 yen | Konbini + tempura + yakitori breakfast |
| Transportation | 800-1,200 yen | JR Pass or subway |
| Tickets | 1,000-2,000 yen | Temples, museums |
| Total | 9,800-14,200 yen | 65-95€ |
Comfort (15,000-25,000 yen / 100-165€)
| Concept | Cost | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | 10,000-15,000 yen | Ryokan or boutique hotel |
| Food | 5,000-8,000 yen | Sushi, kaiseki, wagyu |
| Transportation | 2,000-3,000 yen | Shinkansen + taxi |
| Activities | 3,000-5,000 yen | Torii, tea ceremony |
| Total | 20,000-31,000 yen | 133-207€ |
The money trick in Japan: 7-Eleven
80% of the ATMs that work with foreign cards are from 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart. Normal banks DO NOT work.
ATMs that DO work:
- ✅ 7-Eleven (7 Bank)
- ✅ Lawson (ATM)
- ✅FamilyMart
- ✅ AEON Bank (in shopping centers)
ATMs that do NOT work:
- ❌ Normal banks (MUFG, Mizuho, etc.)
- ❌ Correos (Japan Post)
- ❌ Machines in train stations
Where to withdraw cash without commissions
Option 1: Wise (RECOMMENDED)
- Withdraw from 7-Eleven ATMs
- Exchange rate: the real, without markup
- Cashier fee: 0 yen (Wise covers it up to a certain limit)
- Free limit: Up to €350/month in withdrawals
Option 2: Revolut
- Similar to Wise but with a free monthly withdrawal limit of €200
- Then charge 2%
Option 3: Your normal bank
- DON'T do it. The commission will be 3-5% + fixed commission
- Example: Withdrawing 10,000 yen from your Spanish bank = you lose 2,000-3,000 yen (€13-20)
How much cash to carry
Golden rule: Arrive with 20,000-30,000 yen (€130-200) in cash. You can get more later at 7-Eleven.
| Situation | Cash needed |
|---|---|
| Airport → Hotel | 5,000 yen (train or bus) |
| First day | 5,000-8,000 yen |
| Emergencies | 10,000 yen apart |
| Recommended total | 20,000-30,000 yen |
Where to change money (and where NOT)
YES:
- Your bank before traveling (best exchange rate)
- Wise/Revolut (best option)
- 7-Eleven (they accept cards and give good rates)
NOT:
- ❌ Narita/Haneda Airport (worst exchange rate)
- ❌ Hotels (they charge commission)
- ❌ Tourist exchange houses (it seems good but it is not)
Mistakes that cost you money
- Change at the airport: You lose 10-15% vs the real exchange
- Use your normal card: 3-5% commission per operation
- Do not notify your bank: They block your card on the first use
- Withdraw little and many times: Each withdrawal can have a fixed commission
- Depend only on cash: Always carry a backup card
Mobile payments in 2026
Japan has improved a lot. They now accept:
- ✅ Apple Pay / Google Pay (in large stores)
- ✅ Suica/PASMO (in transport and konbini)
- ✅ Contactless cards (in most stores)
- ❌ PayPal (almost does not exist)
- ❌ Bizum (not working)
Money checklist
- ☐ Wise/Revolut activated with physical card
- ☐ Notified your bank that you are traveling to Japan
- ☐ 20,000-30,000 yen in cash (or euros to exchange)
- ☐ Currency conversion app installed
- ☐ Passport photo on your mobile (in case you lose the card)
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