One of the most common questions before travelling to Japan is:
“How much money should I bring?”
The answer depends on your travel style, itinerary and whether you’ve already paid for major expenses such as flights and hotels.
This guide estimates how much cash and overall spending money Malaysian travellers should prepare for different trip lengths.
For this article, we’ll use an estimated exchange rate of:
¥100 = RM3.00
Quick Answer
If your flights and accommodation are already paid for:
| Trip Length | Budget Traveller | Comfortable Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Days | RM800–1,500 | RM2,000–3,000 |
| 7 Days | RM1,200–2,000 | RM2,500–4,000 |
| 8 Days | RM1,500–2,500 | RM3,000–5,000 |
| 10 Days | RM2,000–3,500 | RM4,000–6,000 |
Shopping is not included.
Daily Spending Estimate
A typical day in Japan may include:
Breakfast
¥500–800
Lunch
¥1,000–1,500
Dinner
¥1,500–2,500
Transport
¥600–1,200
Coffee & snacks
¥500–1,000
Small shopping
¥1,000–3,000
This works out to around:
¥5,000–10,000 per day
or approximately
RM150–300 per day
before attraction tickets.
How Much Cash Should You Carry?
Japan has become much more cashless in recent years, but cash is still useful.
We recommend carrying around:
¥10,000–20,000
(RM300–600)
for daily expenses.
This is usually enough for:
- Local restaurants
- Small shops
- Temples and shrines
- Street food
- Rural areas
- Emergencies
Avoid carrying your entire holiday budget in cash.
Should You Use Cash or Card?
Most visitors use a combination of both.
Use a Card For
- Hotels
- Shopping malls
- Department stores
- Attractions
- Chain restaurants
Use Cash For
- Small eateries
- Street markets
- Temple donations
- Some vending machines
- Rural businesses
Having both payment methods gives you the greatest flexibility.
Sample Budget (8 Days)
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Food | RM900 |
| Local Transport | RM450 |
| Attractions | RM900 |
| Snacks | RM300 |
| Miscellaneous | RM450 |
Estimated spending:
RM3,000
Shopping excluded.
Don’t Forget These Costs
Many travellers underestimate expenses such as:
- Airport transfers
- Coin lockers
- Luggage forwarding
- Laundry
- Umbrella purchases
- Convenience store snacks
- Gachapon
- Drinks from vending machines
Small purchases can quickly add up over a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Japan expensive?
Japan can be surprisingly affordable if you use convenience stores, budget restaurants and public transport.
Luxury shopping and premium experiences will increase your overall budget.
Can I use Malaysian credit cards?
Yes.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in cities.
Always carry some cash as a backup.
Should I exchange money before travelling?
It’s a good idea to have some Japanese Yen before you arrive.
You can then withdraw or exchange more if necessary during your trip.
Can I survive without cash?
In major cities, many places accept cards and mobile payments.
However, carrying some cash is still recommended.
Money-Saving Tips
- Use an IC card for transport.
- Refill your water bottle where possible.
- Eat at convenience stores for breakfast.
- Shop at tax-free stores when eligible.
- Avoid exchanging money at airports unless necessary.
- Plan your transport to avoid unnecessary taxi rides.
Final Verdict
For most Malaysian travellers, preparing RM150–300 per day for food, transport and everyday expenses provides a comfortable travel experience.
If flights and hotels are already paid for, an 8-day trip usually requires around RM1,500–2,500 in spending money, excluding shopping.
Your exact budget depends on your travel style, but planning ahead and using a combination of cash and cards will help you enjoy Japan without worrying about running out of money.
Leave a Reply