If you’ve been thinking about a trip to Japan, you’re in some great luck. 2026 is starting with a bang for Australians travellers with their eyes on Japan.
Today (23 Jan 2026), the AUD to JPY rate hit a 1-year high of $1 = ¥108, marking a 10.4% year-on-year increase. This means you now get 10.4% more yen for every dollar this year compared to a year ago. It seems that 2026 is shaping to be a particularly favourable window for Australians travelling to Japan.
Why is the AUD to JPY exchange rate getting better?
The current AUD to JPY trend is driven by contrasting economic conditions in Australia and Japan. Australia’s relatively higher interest rates and stable economic outlook have supported a stronger Australian dollar. Meanwhile, Japan has kept interest rates low, which has continued to put pressure on the yen.
This widening gap between the two currencies has pushed the AUD to JPY exchange rate to its strongest level in a year.
What does the favourable AUD to JPY rate mean to Australians?
As the AUD strengthens against the yen, everyday travel costs in Japan become cheaper in Australian dollar terms. Everything will be more affordable to you in Japan now, from accommodation to ramen and train tickets. Even modest exchange rate improvements can translate into hundreds of dollars in savings over a typical Japan trip.
As a comparison, $1 only gets you ¥88 in April 2025, compared to ¥108 in January 2026. Here’s how the numbers translate in real transactions:
| Item | Cost in April 2025 ($1 = ¥88) | Cost in Jan 2026 ($1 = ¥108) |
| A ¥1,500 bowl of ramen | $17.05 | $13.89 |
| A ¥8,900 Tokyo Disneyland ticket | $101.14 | $82.41 |
| A ¥14,000 train ticket from Tokyo to Osaka | $159.09 | $129.63 |
Is 2026 a good time to travel to Japan?
Exchange rates aside, Japan remains one of the best-value and most rewarding destinations for Australians. With the AUD to JPY rate at a 1-year high, 2026 combines strong value with strong demand, making it a standout year for Australians planning a Japan holiday.
How to lock in a favourable AUD to JPY rate before you travel?
Exchange rates fluctuate daily, and waiting until departure can mean missing out on strong rates. Instead of rushing out to the currency exchange, you can now convert currencies in advance directly from your phone thanks to multi-currency apps like YouTrip, Wise, and Revolut.
With multi-currency apps and cards, Australians can:
- Convert AUD to JPY in seconds when rates are favourable
- Hold Japanese yen on your card for your upcoming trip
- Spend directly in Japan without needing to exchange cash
- Avoid last-minute exchange-rate swings closer to departure
💡 By locking in your foreign currency earlier, you can better control your budget in case the AUD weakens later.
Where can I get the best AUD to JPY rate in Australia?
Australians have no shortage of options when it comes to exchanging dollars to foreign currency. However, it’s important to compare the options you have, as while headline exchange rates may look similar, the real difference comes down to fees and mark-ups.
Multi-currency platforms often offer the most competitive AUD to JPY rates available in Australia. Here’s a comparison of how the rates of popular travel money cards stack up:
| Card | How much JPY can you get? | Fees |
| YouTrip | $1,000 = ¥108,510 | $0 |
| Wise | $1,000 = ¥108,152 | $3.49 (0.35%) |
| Revolut | $1,000 = ¥108,242 | 1% on weekends |
| CBA Travel Money | $1,000 = ¥103,800 | 3% if not pre-converted |
Source: Figures reflect in-app exchange rates of each card on 23 Jan 2025.
📚 Find out more about YouTrip’s exchange rates
The bottom line
With the Australian dollar strengthening, the Japanese yen weakening, and the AUD to JPY exchange rate hitting a 1-year high, 2026 is shaping up to be an excellent time for Australians to visit Japan.
If Japan’s on your travel list, the exchange rate is really in your favour right now. Planning ahead and locking in strong rates early is going to make your trip even better (and cheaper). 🚀
Get the best Japanese Yen rates with YouTrip!
Whether you’d like to lock-in favourable rates beforehand or just spend as you go with 0% FX fees, YouTrip’s the perfect companion for your Japan adventure. Enjoy mates rates in 150+ countries and hassle-free spending wherever you go with the YouTrip multi-currency travel card.
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