Japanese Currency

One of the things I find interesting about Japan is their currency. Unlike the US system, everything is in units of 10. Yen is broken down into the following:

Coins:
1 yen
5 yen
10 yen
50 yen
100 yen
500 yen
Bills:
1000
10000





























The coins have a very different texture than US coins, as well as a different sound when they clang together. For those who curious, the reason for the hole inside the 50 yen piece is because in the old days, they would carry their yen on strings around their necks.

Buying stuff here is pretty easy, but there are a few customs that are different from buying things in America. First off, all price tags list the entire price of an item, including sales tax. This is definitely a great thing, and something the US should consider implementing.

When paying for things you place your money on a small tray, rather than directly handing the money to the cashier. The first time I went to pay for something, I had forgotten this, and handed the money to the cashier. She was caught off guard, but she didn't seem to think it rude. It may be different in the more rural areas though.

Also, something I found interesting is that they tape your bag closed before handing it to you.

Well, I'm off to go exploring. I had intended on going to the Imperial palace today, to see the East Garden, but I found out it is closed, so I'm going to go to Shibuya and Harajuku instead. Tomorrow I'll go to the palace. Wish me trying to figure out the rail system!