Should You Carry Large Sums of Yen?

You rarely need to; cards and mobile payments cover most luxury experiences. Cash is mainly for small merchants.

Should You Carry Large Sums of Yen? Image

For peace of mind, keep one envelope of yen for tips-like gestures (temple donations, small gifts) rather than service tips. Safes in luxury hotels are reliable.

If you're heading to ryokan-heavy regions, a modest cash buffer is handy for local craftspeople who don't take cards.

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