You can locate Japan off Central Asia. This country consisting of 4 major islands and 4,000 smaller ones, sits in the Pacific Ocean. The major exports are motor vehicles, transportation equipment, electrical machinery, electronics and chemicals. The currency of Japan, the yen trades under the initials JPY. One yen equals 1,000 rin or 100 sen.
History
The first Japanese coins date back to AD708. This currency, issued by the Japanese Imperial Court at Nara, was imitations of Chinese money. They reflected the designs and style of the then contemporary Tang Dynasty. The chosen metals were copper and silver. The Japanese rejected silver and retained copper coins for the next 250 years.
In the 13th century, Japan imported Chinese bronze coins. This was a result of a Chinese practice of exporting coins no longer wanted or needed. This phase lasted until the rise of the Shoguns in the early 17th century. This class of rulers began to officially cast bronze coins in 1606. The style mimicked the contemporary Chinese coins, even including Chinese characters. The Shoguns also issued coins in silver and gold.
The silver and gold coins were unusual. They based the style of each on the source. Gold coins were oval and rectangular slabs. Silver coins at first came in bars or round lumps. Later the silver money came in rectangular slabs. This type of money was cast and then hammered into the desired shape before being stamped with their mark. At the same time local coinage circulated inscribed by the various clans. Many of these were paper banknotes. The Sendai district produced square iron coins.
In 1853, the doors to Japan began to open for trading.
The influx of silver dollars into Japan saw the decline of the Shogun’s
currency. Dollars began to rule in the ports by 1863. By 1868, however,
the Meiji Emperor began to reform the monetary system. He began to
replace the local and official coin and paper money. He introduced New
European type based on the silver dollar. He used the Yen, Japanese for
dollar. Over the remaining years of the century, the coin took on
Japanese motifs but retained Chinese inscriptions. Some designs
included the dragon and the sun motif with a floral border.
During
the 1930s, the Japanese coinage began to decline. By 1938, the ere were
no more silver in the coinage. During WWII, Japan’s coins consisted of
various base metals. Only after the end of the war, the surrender of
Japan and the shift in economic policy, did Japan begin to regain
economic and monetary balance. This did not occur without the usual
market adjustments, government interventions and currency adjustments.
The new coins began to appear in 1949. Since then, the Bank of Japan has created 5 series of banknotes. The highest face value of a coin, the 500-yen came on the market in 1982. Today, Japan has coinage of the following denominations: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 yen. The banknotes are 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 yen.
Obtaining Japanese Yen
You can obtain Japanese currency easily. You can exchange the money at most large banks, particularly the Authorized Foreign Banks, post offices and at large hotels and stores. ATMs or ABMs are another source of currency. They are available in most part so Japan. You may find restrictions on the hours decreasing the ability to obtain needed cash. Check the hours of the major banks. You should also consult with your own bank concerning the rates of exchange and availability of compatible services.
Protecting Your Currency
Crime is not a serious problem in Japan. You will run across the usual acts of petty crime such as purse snatching and pick pocketing in the tourist and entertainment districts. Exert the usual cautionary measures.
Using Your Japanese Yen
Japanese seem to prefer cash so use your yen to pay for services and goods. Buy ceramics, nurimono lacquerware, hashi, Noren curtains and Hanko.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- Be aware, Japanese officials will fingerprint and photograph you upon your arrival.
- Go to Kyoto with its Buddhist Temples, Zen Gardens and traditional teahouses.
- Visit Tokyo with its intriguing skyscrapers and the venerable Shinto shrine, Mejii-jingu.
- Climb Mount Fujii or the smaller Mount Tenjo for the view.
- Visit 17th century Himeji Castle with its 5-tiered roof.
- Go to Tonjo Valley to see Japanese traditional life including the restored 18th century farmhouse.
- Make your way to Kirishima National Park.
- Pay homage in Hiroshima at the Peace Memorial
Overview
Japan
is a thriving economic giant. It is an archipelago of 4 main islands
and 4,000 smaller ones thought of as an island. It is a country where
cash is important. With little resources, the country still manages to
export significant products including motor vehicles and electronics.
For factual information and data, go to www.jnto.go.jp . For travel information, see www.japan-guide.com.
Currency Summary
Current currency: Yen
1 yen equals 1,000 rin or 100 sen.
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500
Banknotes: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000