Japanese Yen Denominations You Need to Know and How to Use Them

1. Currency Unit in Japan

The currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen, symbolized as ¥ and ISO code JPY.The Japanese yen was introduced in 1871 to replace the complex monetary system at that time. The name "Yen" (円) means "circle" in Japanese, reflecting the shape of the coin and symbolizing stability and economic development in Japan.

Knowing the yen denominations is essential for smooth travel in Japan.

2. Japanese Yen Denominations

The Japanese yen currently circulates in various denominations, including coins and banknotes. Coins include 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, and 500 yen. Banknotes come in denominations of 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen.

Coins and banknotes are commonly used in Japan.

You can distinguish Japanese yen denominations by the images on the coins, colors, and prints on the banknotes as follows:

2.1 Coins

1 Yen Coin: The smallest unit of currency in Japan but still widely used. It weighs 1 gram and is made from pure aluminum. One side depicts a sprout symbolizing hope; the other side shows the number 1 indicating its value.
5 Yen Coin: A special coin without a numerical value engraved, only images and text. The front features rice stalks growing out of water and a gear surrounding a central hole. The back shows text and two buds, symbolizing prosperity and looking toward the future. In Japanese culture, the 5 yen coin is considered lucky because its pronunciation "go-en" sounds like "good fortune" or "destiny," representing a good beginning.
10 Yen Coin: Characterized by a reddish-brown color from copper, zinc, and tin alloy. One side shows the famous Byodo-in Temple, a national treasure and world heritage site. The other side has the number 10 and a laurel branch symbolizing victory.
50 Yen Coin: Silver-colored, made from copper and nickel. Like the 5 yen coin, it has a central hole to distinguish it from the 100 yen coin. The front depicts a chrysanthemum, a noble flower representing the Japanese imperial family.
100 Yen Coin: Similar in color and design to the 50 yen coin but without a hole. The front shows a cherry blossom, Japan's beloved national flower.
500 Yen Coin: The highest-value coin in circulation in Japan. The front shows a paulownia tree, symbolizing freedom and recovery. In 2021, Japan issued a new 500 yen coin with enhanced anti-counterfeiting features.

Japanese coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen.

2.2 Banknotes

1,000 Yen Note: The front features the famous scientist Noguchi Hideyo, and the back shows Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan. Both sides display the number 1000 for identification.
2,000 Yen Note: Issued in 2000 to commemorate the G8 Summit in Okinawa, it is unique for not depicting a famous person. The front shows the Shureimon Gate of Shuri Castle in Okinawa; the back features a scene inspired by "The Tale of Genji," Japan’s first novel. The 2,000 yen note is very rare and cannot be used in vending machines or ATMs.
5,000 Yen Note: Dominated by a purple tone, the front shows writer Higuchi Ichiyo, the first female writer of the Meiji era. The back depicts iris flowers from the Kakitsubata-zu artwork, a cultural treasure.
10,000 Yen Note: The front features Fukuzawa Yukichi, an educator and philosopher from the late Edo period. The back shows a phoenix at Byodoin Temple.

Banknotes include 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen, with 2,000 yen being the least common.

2.3 New Banknotes Issued in 2025

In 2024, Japan officially issued new banknotes for the first time in 20 years. The new notes of 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen denominations feature larger numbers and 3D printing technology to prevent counterfeiting.

1,000 Yen Note: The front features Shibasaburo Kitasato (1853-1931), a pioneer in Japanese medicine. The back shows the famous woodblock print "Under the Great Wave off Kanagawa."
5,000 Yen Note: The front shows Umeko Tsuda (1864-1929), founder of one of Japan’s first women’s universities. The back depicts wisteria flowers.
10,000 Yen Note: The front features Eiichi Shibusawa (1840-1931), known as the "father of Japanese capitalism." The back shows Tokyo Station.

3. Japanese Yen Exchange Rates to Vietnamese Dong

To exchange Japanese yen to Vietnamese dong, travelers ne

ed to update the exchange rate in real time. According to bank rates as of January 13, 2025, 1 Japanese yen equals 161.50 VND.Based on this rate, you can easily convert Japanese yen to Vietnamese dong as follows:

Japanese Yen	Exchange Rate (VND)
1,000 yen	161,630 VND
5,000 yen	808,150 VND
10,000 yen	1,616,300 VND

Note: These figures are indicative and fluctuate hourly. Please update the exchange rate before currency conversion for accurate amounts.

4. Notes on Using Japanese Yen

4.1 How Japanese People Name Large Denominations

In Japan, 1,000 yen is called "1 Sen (千)", 10,000 yen is "1 Man (万)", and 10 Sen equals 1 Man. These are Japanese numerical terms for thousands and ten-thousands, not currency units.

4.2 Exchange Japanese Yen at Vikki Digital Bank

If you plan to visit Japan and want convenient currency exchange, don’t miss the Japanese yen exchange service at Vikki Digital Bank. This benefit is exclusively for passengers holding Vietjet Japan flight tickets.

Exchanging currency at Vikki Digital Bank offers competitive rates, same-day foreign currency pickup at HDBank branches nationwide, and no service cancellation fees.

The exchange procedure is simple. After purchasing international tickets from Vietjet, just follow these steps:

Access website Vietjet or Android | IOS Vietjet Air app
Select “My Flights”
Enter booking code, last and first name
Choose “Register to buy foreign currency”
Enter amount and passport number
Choose HDBank branch for pickup
Upload passport and visa images (if any)
Confirm terms and click “Register to buy foreign currency now”

See detailed instructions HERE!

Exchange Japanese yen at Vikki Digital Bank to enjoy competitive rates.

Above is some information on Japanese yen denominations and usage tips. Start your journey to the Land of the Rising Sun with Vietjet Japan flights. Daily zero-VND flight promotions from 12 PM to 2 PM help you optimize travel costs. See details HERE.

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