The exchange rate as of July 15, 2009, was 1 U.S. dollar equaled 93.56 Japanese yen. The exchange rate is found on the Bank of Japan website, under Foreign Exchange Rate. It takes you to a screen with dates and you select the .pdf for the date desired. The .pdf shows the 9:00 a.m. exchange rate range for the day, the 17:00 or 5:00 p.m. exchange rate range, the range for the day and the central rate. It also indicates the 9:00 and 17:00 range for the Euro which, for July 15, 2009, ranged from 1 Euro equaled 130.90 to131.34 yen.
Six coins are currently in use in Japan, they are in ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100 and ¥500 denominations.
There are currently 4 banknotes in Japan, they are in ¥1000, ¥2000, ¥5000 and ¥10000 denominations.
The best place to change currency is at the airport if you need to exchange any currency other than the U.S. dollar. Banks displaying the "Authorized Foreign Exchange" sign can exchange money for you. Some large hotels may be able to assist. ATMs are not a good way to obtain money in Japan.
Japan is heavily a cash society. Credit cards in Japan are normally only used for major purchases. American Express, Master Card and Visa are the most popular. Credit cards can normally be used at large hotels, expensive restaurants and for large purchases.
Traveler's checks can be cashed at banks and large hotels in major cities.
