How much money can you bring into Japan?

Q: Is the 1 million Yen limit per person or per group?

The limit is per person. If a couple is travelling together with 1.5 million Yen, and one person is carrying all of it, that person must declare it. However, if the funds are split ($750k each), no declaration is required. Be honest with customs—trying to hide money across multiple bags is a red flag for 'structuring,' which is a serious offence.

Q: Can I top up my Suica or Pasmo card with a credit card?

Usually, no. Most ticket machines in Japan only accept physical Yen coins or notes to recharge your transport cards. This is one of the most common reasons Aussies get stuck at train stations—ensure you always have small JPY notes on hand for transit.

Q: Is it safe to pick up my JPY at the airport in Australia?

It is the most secure and cost-effective method . By picking up your Yen at the airport before you board, you avoid the risk of carrying large amounts of AUD to Japan and then searching for a reputable exchange house in a foreign language.

Land of the rising sun, and land of... cash? Japan is a unique financial landscape. Before you fly, learn the essential customs rules on how much currency you can bring in and how to avoid costly declaration of mistakes.

Table of contents:

Why declaring your Yen is non-negotiable
Cash vs. Card: The Japanese reality check
Discover Japan with total financial confidence

Japan is a destination that defies expectations. It is a world where cutting-edge robotics meet ancient shrines, and where the digital future coexists with a surprisingly traditional approach to money. For Australian travelers, Japan remains one of the few developed nations where "cash is still king" in many daily scenarios. However, before you fill your wallet with Yen for those incredible sushi dinners and Shinkansen trips, you need to understand the legal boundaries of the Japanese border.

Failing to navigate the currency declaration rules can lead to more than just a delay at customs—it can lead to the seizure of your funds.

The most important figure to keep in mind is 1,000,000 Japanese Yen (JPY). According to Japanese Customs law, if you are entering or leaving Japan with cash, checks, or gold (of 90% purity or more) exceeding the value of 1 million JPY, you are legally obligated to declare it. At current exchange rates, this is approximately AUD $10,000 to $11,000, but because rates fluctuate, it is vital to check the value shortly before you depart.

Get Change

Prepare for your trip by reserving your travel money online in advance! Landing with your JPY ready not only gives you peace of mind but ensures you stay exactly within the legal thresholds you've planned for.

Why declaring your Yen is non-negotiable

A common misconception among Aussie tourists is that carrying "too much" money is a crime. It isn't. You can bring 5 million Yen into Japan if you wish; the legal requirement is simply that you must tell them about it.

Japanese customs officers are diligent, and if you are found with undeclared cash over the limit, you risk heavy fines or having the excess money confiscated until a legal review is completed.

Crucial insight: In Japan, the declaration rule applies to the total value of all currencies combined. If you have 800,000 JPY and AUD $3,000 in your pocket, you have exceeded the limit and must declare.

The agitation of starting your dream holiday in Tokyo with an interrogation at Narita or Haneda airport is a stress no traveler needs. Beyond the legalities, Japan’s cash culture creates a practical challenge. Many smaller "Izakayas" (traditional pubs), temple entrance gates, and even some high-end boutiques in smaller cities like Kanazawa do not accept international credit cards. Relying on an Australian bank card can be a gamble:

ATM compatibility: Not all Japanese ATMs accept foreign cards; you often have to hunt for a 7-Eleven or a Post Office.
Transaction surcharges: Each "tap" can incur a 2-3% fee from your bank, which adds up quickly over a two-week trip.
Currency conversion traps: Choosing to pay in AUD at a Japanese terminal often uses an inferior "dynamic" rate that costs you more.

Trusted by Prosegur with 30+ years of experience, we recommend securing a significant portion of your budget in physical Yen before you leave home. Our "reserve & collect" service allows you to bypass the high-commission booths in Japan and the unpredictable fees of local ATMs.

Cash vs. Card: The Japanese reality check

To help you plan your AUD to JPY exchange, here is a breakdown of where your physical cash will be most valuable compared to digital payments.

Activity	Recommended Payment	Why?
Temple & Shrine Fees	Strictly Cash	Most historic sites have no digital infrastructure.
Street Food (Osaka/Tokyo)	Strictly Cash	Small vendors operate on low margins and rarely take cards.
Department Stores	Card / Digital	Major retailers in Ginza or Shinjuku are very card-friendly.
Public Transport (IC Cards)	Cash (for top-ups)	You often need physical Yen to "recharge" your Suica or Pasmo card at machines.

By reserving your Yen online, you enjoy significant savings with excellent rates and 0% commission. This ensures you have the exact denominations needed for those all-important first hours in the country.

Navigating the financial etiquette and laws of Japan is key to a smooth journey. Here are the answers to the most frequent questions from Australian travelers.

Common questions about Japanese currency rules

Is the 1 million Yen limit per person or per group?

The limit is per person. If a couple is travelling together with 1.5 million Yen, and one person is carrying all of it, that person must declare it. However, if the funds are split ($750k each), no declaration is required. Be honest with customs—trying to hide money across multiple bags is a red flag for "structuring," which is a serious offence.

How much money can you carry on a plane to Japan?

There is no maximum limit to the amount of money you can physically bring on a plane. The only "limit" is your obligation to report it if it exceeds 1 million JPY. For most Aussie holidays, carrying between 100,000 and 300,000 JPY is the "sweet spot" for safety and convenience.

What happens if I forget to declare my cash?

If customs find undeclared cash exceeding the limit, they may seize the money. You will likely face a fine, and you may be required to prove the source of the funds (like a bank withdrawal receipt or a Prosegur Change transaction record). It can take weeks or months to recover seized funds.

Can I top up my Suica or Pasmo card with a credit card?

Usually, no. Most ticket machines in Japan only accept physical Yen coins or notes to recharge your transport cards. This is one of the most common reasons Aussies get stuck at train stations—ensure you always have small JPY notes on hand for transit.

Is it safe to pick up my JPY at the airport in Australia?

It is the most secure and cost-effective method. By picking up your Yen at the airport before you board, you avoid the risk of carrying large amounts of AUD to Japan and then searching for a reputable exchange house in a foreign language.

Discover Japan with total financial confidence

Japan is a country of immense beauty, precision, and courtesy. It deserves your undivided attention, not your worries about customs forms or ATM fees. By understanding the 1 million Yen rule and preparing your cash strategy before you leave Australia, you can move through the terminal like a pro.

Enjoy significant savings with excellent rates and 0% commission on a wide range of currencies by booking ahead. With 30 years of global expertise, Prosegur Change is your partner in ensuring your Japanese adventure starts on the right note.

Reserve your Yen today, pick it up at the terminal, and get ready to experience the wonders of Japan with total peace of mind.