best form of currency to take to Japan

[alcoop]

Should I take travellers cheques to Japan?

[Trotbot]

Nope, if you are going to Tokyo or other city. Take your ATM card. Whilst not many Japanese banks take Cirrus based cards, enough do to get by. Citibank has an ATM at the airport and enough in Tokyo to survive. I have been a few times and never used anything other than AMEX, Visa and an ATM card for cash.

[Laura-sakura]

....But your bank will charge you extortionate rates .... if you take travellers cheques, get them in Us Dollars or Pounds, I got them in Yen once and no where could change them! Japan in a very cash orientated country, many places will accept nothing but cash so credit cards arent a great idea.

[camille79]

If you're only going for a short time, I'd seriously consider taking cash! Japan is literally the safest country ever, muggings and similar crime is practically unheard of. I was there for just short of a week, and took cash - some in my wallet and some in hand luggage. Saves the hassles of changing money!