Is Japan Still Worth Visiting in 2025? Pros and Cons of the Weak Yen Era

Japan has long been a dream destination for travelers around the world. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, cutting-edge cities, and mouth-watering food, it offers something for everyone. But as of 2025, Japan is facing a continued period of yen depreciation (weak yen) and low domestic wages, raising the question: Is Japan still worth visiting? Let’s break down the pros and cons of traveling to Japan during the weak yen era.

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Pros of Visiting Japan in 2025

① Excellent Exchange Rate for Foreign Currencies 💱

• With the Japanese yen at one of its weakest points in recent decades, your dollars, euros, or won go further than ever.
• Tourists can enjoy luxury experiences—like ryokan stays or wagyu meals—at surprisingly affordable prices.

② Affordable Shopping 🛍️

• Electronics, fashion, anime goods, and souvenirs are cheaper in real terms.
• Department stores, 100-yen shops, and second-hand stores are treasure troves for bargain hunters.

③ High-Quality Services at Low Prices 🙇‍♂️

• Even budget hotels and restaurants maintain top-notch service and cleanliness.
• You can dine well on a small budget: a full ramen meal for under $5 is still possible.

④ Less Crowded (in some areas) 🚶‍♂️

• While popular tourist spots like Kyoto and Tokyo are still busy, rural areas and smaller cities are less affected by the tourist boom.
• With the weak yen, domestic travel by Japanese citizens has decreased, leaving more room for inbound tourists.

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Cons of Visiting Japan in 2025

① Infrastructure Strain in Tourist Hotspots 🏯

• The affordability for foreigners has led to increased congestion in popular destinations.
• Crowds at temples, shrines, and museums may reduce the overall experience.

② Some Services Becoming “Tourist-Only” 💸

• Certain attractions and restaurants are adapting pricing or services specifically for foreigners, sometimes with price hikes.
• This may lead to a sense of inauthenticity in major cities.

③ Language Barriers Still Exist 🗣️

• Despite years of inbound tourism growth, English is not widely spoken outside major tourist zones.
• Apps and translation tools are helpful but not perfect.

④ Cash Dependency in Some Areas 💵

• Japan remains a partially cash-based society, especially in rural regions.
• Credit card acceptance has improved but bring cash just in case.

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Traveling vs. Living in Japan: A Crucial Difference

The weak yen benefits tourists—but not residents.
For those considering long-term stays:

Category	Tourist (Short-Term)	Resident (Long-Term)
Accommodation	Inexpensive due to strong exchange rate	Rent is still expensive for locals on low wages
Food	High quality, low cost	Grocery prices rising for locals
Experience	Luxury feel on a budget	Daily life impacted by economic stagnation
Income	Foreign currency buys more	Local salaries remain low

🔍 Bottom Line: Tourists gain, residents face financial pressure.

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Conclusion

Yes, Japan is still very much worth visiting in 2025—perhaps more than ever if you’re traveling on a strong foreign currency. The weak yen offers excellent value, from sushi dinners to souvenir shopping. However, be mindful of the growing economic gap between visitors and locals. Travel respectfully, explore beyond the big cities, and your experience in Japan can be both affordable and unforgettable.