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Money & Costs
What things cost in 2026, the new fees and taxes this year, how to pay, and how the tax-free system now works.
- YN 01
Cash, cards or phone: how to pay for things in Japan
Cards work in most of the places tourists go, but not all of them. Where you still need cash, where to get it, and how to avoid bad exchange rates.
- YN 02
What a day in Japan really costs in 2026
Hotel rates by city and season, what meals and transport cost, and three sample daily budgets you can plan around.
- YN 03
Every new travel fee in Japan for 2026, in one place
A tripled departure tax, Kyoto's steep new hotel tax, pricier rail passes and an online entry permit on the way. What each one costs you and when it applies.
- YN 04
Japan's new tax-free system from 1 November 2026
You now pay the 10% consumption tax at the till and claim it back after customs confirms, at the airport, that the goods are leaving Japan. Here is exactly what to do at each step.
