At Crown Currency Exchange, we love seeing locals get more value from their travel money, and right now, Japan continues to be one of those destinations where your budget can stretch surprisingly far.
Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms, ski season or even Christmas in Japan, a favourable exchange landscape can make every moment feel that little bit more exciting. Here’s what travellers need to know.
Over recent years, the AUD has often traded toward the upper end of its range against the Japanese yen, commonly in the high 90s to low 100s. This sits comfortably within what many would consider a “strong” position for the Australian dollar.
And while exchange rates naturally fluctuate day-to-day, this broader pattern has repeatedly created excellent value for Australians travelling to Japan.
Why this trend tends to continue:
What does this mean for you? You’ll often receive more yen for each dollar exchanged compared to previous years. This makes everyday travel costs like meals, accommodation, transport and experiences noticeably more affordable. If you’re curious how the numbers stack up today, you can check the latest AUD to JPY costs in our holiday budgeting tool here.
A favourable exchange rate doesn’t just look good numerically, it directly affects how freely you can travel.
Travellers often notice they can:
For seasonal trips, including the ultra-photogenic Christmas in Japan, favourable AUD–JPY conditions often make festive dining, illuminations, winter activities and gift shopping far more affordable than travellers expect.
If your trip is a little further away, you can reduce risk by splitting your currency exchange (buy some yen now, some closer to departure). This smooths out natural volatility without needing to guess the “perfect” rate.
Want an easier way to plan? The HolidAi Planner helps with your budget, exchange estimates and trip timeline so you can get organised without the fuss.
Japan is stunning in every season, and thanks to competitive AUD–JPY patterns, there’s value to be found year-round. Here’s a more detailed look at the best times to visit, including the fun, quirky winter highlights.
Japan in winter is pure magic, especially around Christmas. Even though Christmas isn’t a public holiday in Japan, the country goes all-in on illuminations, pop-up markets and themed events. Some of the highlights include:
And the best part? When the AUD is strong, experiences that might feel “premium” often become comfortably affordable, from ski passes to festive dinners.
Spring in Japan feels like stepping into a postcard. Parks fill with picnics, petals float through the air, and the whole country softens into shades of pink. The weather is mild, the festivals are lively, and city-hopping feels effortless.
If you love big energy, summer is your season. Japan lights up with lantern-filled festivals, street food, and huge firework shows. It’s also perfect for mountain hikes or escaping to the tropical beaches of Okinawa when you need a breather from the heat.
Autumn is calm, cool and ridiculously pretty. The trees turn gold and crimson, crowds settle down, and travel feels slower and more intentional. It’s an easy favourite for anyone who prefers a laid-back trip with great scenery.
Want help choosing the perfect season for your adventure? You can explore our full guide on the best time to visit Japan.
For most travellers visiting for tourism, no visa is required. Australians can enter Japan for short-term stays (usually up to 90 days) with:
Want to double-check the rules before you fly? Our Japan visa guide keeps things simple.
Japan delivers unforgettable experiences in every season, and when the AUD is sitting on the stronger side, those experiences feel even more rewarding. From winter illuminations and ski escapes to cherry blossoms, ramen crawls and late-night city wanderings, your travel budget simply stretches further.
And when you're ready to plan the details, we’re here to help you make the most of every dollar before you take off. With 60+ convenient Crown Currency Exchange locations across Australia, locking in your yen is easy. We’re 100% Australian owned, with 20+ years of experience helping travellers get better value and more confidence from their holiday money.
Ready to go further? Chat with our team in-store or get a quote online, and start planning the trip you'll actually look forward to.