Money is weird. Especially when it’s Japanese money. You’ve probably seen images of Japanese yen floating around online—maybe those crisp 10,000 yen notes with the big bird on the back or the shiny 5-yen coins with the hole in the middle. Most people think they know what to expect when they land at Narita, but honestly, the physical reality of Japanese currency is changing fast.
Japan is currently in the middle of a massive visual overhaul. If you’re looking at older photos of the currency, you’re basically looking at history. In 2024, the Bank of Japan released a brand-new series of banknotes, and the shift in design is pretty jarring if you’re used to the classic look. The 10,000 yen note, the 5,000 yen note, and the 1,000 yen note all got a face-lift. It’s not just for aesthetics, though. It’s about fighting counterfeiters with high-tech holograms that look like something out of a sci-fi movie.
When you see images of Japanese yen today, you’re likely seeing a mix of the old "Series E" and the new "Series F." This creates a lot of confusion at vending machines and small ramen shops.
What the New Banknotes Actually Look Like
The new 10,000 yen note features Eiichi Shibusawa. He’s often called the "father of Japanese capitalism." If you look at high-resolution images of Japanese yen from this latest series, you’ll notice the portrait seems to move. It’s a 3D hologram. It’s actually the first time this specific technology has been used on bank notes anywhere in the world.
On the flip side, the 5,000 yen note features Umeko Tsuda. She was a pioneer in women's education. The back of her note has beautiful wisteria flowers. Then there’s the 1,000 yen note with Shibasaburo Kitasato, the physician who helped discover a way to prevent tetanus. These aren't just pieces of paper. They are tactile, cultural artifacts.
The numbers are also way bigger now. Why? Because Japan has an aging population. The Bank of Japan wanted to make sure that people with failing eyesight could tell the difference between a 1,000 and a 10,000 yen note at a glance. It’s universal design in action. You’ll also notice tactile marks—slanted lines for the 10,000, squares for the 5,000—so you can literally "feel" the value in your pocket.
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Don't Ignore the Coins
People obsess over the bills, but the coins are where the real character is. The 5-yen and 50-yen coins have holes in them. Why? Originally, it was to save metal, but now it’s just iconic. The 5-yen coin (go-en) is considered lucky because it sounds like the Japanese word for "connection" or "fate." You’ll see people throwing them into offering boxes at shrines all over Kyoto.
If you find a 500-yen coin, hold onto it. It’s one of the highest-value coins in circulation globally. It’s heavy. It feels like real money. Recently, they updated this coin too, giving it a "bi-color clad" look—basically two different types of metal pressed together. It makes the coin look like a tiny target or a golden donut.
Why the Internet is Flooded with Fake Yen Photos
If you search for images of Japanese yen, you’re going to run into a lot of stock photography that looks... off. Often, these are props used in movies or "practice money" used to train bank tellers. Real Japanese currency has a very specific "crunch" to it. It’s made from abaca (Manila hemp) and mitsumata. It’s incredibly durable.
A weird fact: Japanese people take care of their money. You will rarely find a crumpled, dirty 1,000 yen note. Most people use long wallets to keep the bills flat. This is why when you see images of Japanese yen in travel blogs, the money looks brand new. It’s not just for the photo; that’s just how it looks in the wild.
- Series E (Old): Features Fukuzawa Yukichi.
- Series F (New): Features Eiichi Shibusawa.
- 2,000 Yen Note: These are basically unicorns. They exist, but almost nobody uses them. If you get one, keep it as a souvenir. Most vending machines won't even take them.
The Logistics of Handling Physical Yen
Despite being a global leader in tech, Japan is still weirdly obsessed with cash. You’ll need it. While Tokyo and Osaka are getting better with credit cards and Suica cards, that tiny shop selling grilled octopus? Cash only. That ancient temple in the mountains? Cash only.
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When you are looking at images of Japanese yen to prepare for a trip, pay attention to the colors. The 1,000 yen is blue/green. The 5,000 yen is purple. The 10,000 yen is brown/gold. Memorizing the colors is faster than reading the numbers when you’re fumbling at a cash register with a line of impatient locals behind you.
Counterfeit Checks
You don't really have to worry about fake money in Japan. It’s extremely rare. However, if you want to feel like an expert, look for the watermark. In the center of the note, there’s a blank-looking circle. Hold it up to the light. You should see the portrait again, but mirrored. There are also tiny "NIPPON GINKO" (Bank of Japan) letters hidden in the design that you can barely see without a magnifying glass.
Practical Steps for Handling Your Yen
First off, don't tip. Just don't. It’s not part of the culture, and it honestly just makes things awkward. If you leave money on the table, the waiter will likely chase you down the street thinking you forgot it.
Second, get a coin purse. Seriously. You will end up with a mountain of coins. Since the 1-yen coin is basically worthless (it weighs exactly one gram and is made of aluminum), you’ll want to dump those into a "Donation" box or use them up at a 7-Eleven self-checkout machine. These machines are amazing—you just dump your handful of change into a funnel, and it sorts everything for you.
Third, when you pay, use the tray. Almost every business in Japan has a small plastic or leather tray (tray-shiki) on the counter. You put your money there, they take it, and they place your change back in the tray. Handing money directly to a person is okay, but using the tray is the "pro" move.
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When you're browsing images of Japanese yen to get a feel for the currency, remember that the physical size of the notes varies. The 10,000 yen note is slightly larger than the 1,000 yen note. This is another accessibility feature. If you have a very small wallet designed for US dollars, your Japanese bills might stick out of the top.
If you are planning a trip, try to get a mix of denominations before you leave. Most ATMs in Japan will give you 10,000 yen notes. That’s fine for a hotel, but it’s a bit of a jerk move to pay for a 120-yen bottle of water with a 10,000-yen bill. Break your big bills at a convenience store (conbini) like Lawson or FamilyMart early on.
One final tip: keep an eye out for the "reverse" side of the notes. The new 1,000 yen note features "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Hokusai. It’s arguably the most famous piece of Japanese art in history. Having that in your pocket is basically like carrying a tiny, functional museum piece.
Check your wallet right now. If you have Japanese currency from a trip five years ago, it’s still legal tender. You don't need to rush to a bank to exchange it. The old and new versions will circulate together for years, just like the transition from the old $20 bill to the "big head" $20 in the US. Just be prepared for the holographic Shibusawa to stare back at you from the new ones.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Buy a dedicated coin purse before you arrive; you'll thank yourself within three hours of landing.
- Download a currency converter app that works offline, as the yen's value fluctuates significantly against the dollar.
- Look closely at the new 3D holograms on any "Series F" bills you receive—they are a genuine marvel of modern printing technology.