What this solves
Japan still uses ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500 coins. Vending machines, parking, shrines offering boxes, and small shops often can't accept ¥2,000 notes (well they can, but you'll get back coins). A tourist ends up with 30+ ¥1 and ¥5 coins by trip end. This tool computes the optimal change mix for any target amount given your wallet contents.
Compute
How to read results
- The tool finds the smallest number of coins needed, plus notes if your hand doesn't add up.
- Use ¥500 coins for big chunks first (5 coins = ¥2,500).
- Use ¥100 coins to handle the rest, then ¥50, ¥10, ¥5, ¥1.
- If you can pay a larger note (e.g., ¥1,000 instead of ¥600), some shops will refuse and ask for exact change. Vending machines always give change.
Limitations
This tool assumes a greedy algorithm. ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50 are real coins; you must have them. Some vending machines have a ¥1,000 max note. The tool does not know what notes you hold; assume at least ¥1,000 × 5 and ¥5,000 × 2.
FAQ
Why so many small coins?
Vendors hand back ¥5 and ¥1 for rounding. Add up ¥1 here and ¥5 there and you have ¥400+ in coins by day 5.
Where can I dump extra coins?
Train ticket machines accept coins but give back smaller. Post offices and many 7-Eleven ATMs will accept. Some shrines also accept offering boxes (but do this with intent, not just to dump).
What about the ¥2,000 note?
¥2,000 was issued briefly. Most shops accept them but few cash machines hold them. We don't model here — it's effectively uncommon.
About this tool
Purpose: minimize coin count for a target amount. Scope: standard Japanese denominations. Limitations: greedy algorithm; doesn't optimize for type of payment (cash vs IC).
Privacy Policy
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Disclaimer
Reference behavior for 2026. Algorithm may not be optimal for very-large combinations.