What should I do with my ripped 5000 yen bill?

What should I do if I have a ripped 5000 yen bill?

Honestly, if your 5000 yen bill is torn, the official way to handle it is to take it to a branch of the Bank of Japan, where they’ll exchange it for a new, intact note. But here’s the catch: these branches aren’t conveniently located for most people. Unless you happen to be nearby, it’s usually not worth making a special trip just for that. From my experience, many locals just accept the ripped bills as is if they’re not too damaged, or sometimes pass them on casually to friends or even as a kind of “tip” in informal situations. So, if it’s just a small rip, you might be okay using it in daily life, or you can give it away to someone who might appreciate the story behind it!

But what if the bill is badly torn? Can I still use it in shops or public transport?

If the bill is significantly torn—like missing large pieces or taped badly—most shops and vending machines won’t accept it. Japanese people are usually cautious about giving ripped money, but small tears or frays are often accepted without fuss. For public transport, like buses or trains, they usually expect clean bills, but if you have a small tear, it might still work. Personally, I once tried using a slightly torn bill at a convenience store, and the cashier accepted it without hesitation. However, if it’s badly damaged, it’s safer to exchange it at the bank or avoid using it directly.

Where exactly are the Bank of Japan branches to exchange torn bills? Are there any tips for visiting?

The main branch is in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward near Tokyo Station, but there are only a handful of branches nationwide. They’re usually located in business districts or major cities, not near airports or tourist spots. Since these branches are government facilities, they operate during regular weekday business hours (around 9:00 am to 3:00 pm), which can be inconvenient if you’re sightseeing. If you do decide to go, bring your passport and the damaged bill. It’s a straightforward process, and they don’t charge a fee. But honestly, unless you’re already nearby, it’s a bit of a hassle for just one bill.

Can I use the ripped 5000 yen bill as a souvenir or gift? Is that common in Japan?

I find this idea pretty interesting and a bit quirky! Among locals, it’s not typical to give ripped bills as gifts. However, if you know someone well, handing over a slightly torn bill with a funny story attached can be a kind of informal joke or token. Sometimes, people hand over ripped bills as spare change to friends or family, especially if they’re not perfect but still usable. For tourists, giving such a bill as a souvenir might be appreciated by collectors or those who enjoy unique stories about Japanese currency. Just be mindful that many Japanese people value neatness and formality with money, so it might not always be well-received in formal settings.

What about coins or other denominations? Are damaged coins or smaller bills treated differently?

Coins are pretty durable and rarely get damaged, but if a coin is noticeably worn or bent, people might avoid using it, though it’s still legal tender. For smaller bills, like 1000 yen notes, the same rule applies: minor tears are often tolerated, but significant damage means you’d want to exchange them. Small local shops or older cashiers might be more flexible, while big stores or chain retailers can be stricter. From my travels around Japan, I’ve noticed that people generally try to keep their cash in good condition out of respect and habit, so damaged money is somewhat unusual but not a huge problem.

To sum up, Japanese people tend to keep their bills neat and don’t make a big fuss if there’s a minor rip. For seriously torn bills, the Bank of Japan branches will exchange them, but they’re inconvenient to access. Casual passing on or using the bill among friends happens, but it’s not a formal practice. If you’re visiting, you can probably get by with a slightly damaged bill, but if it’s badly torn, either use it as a quirky gift or try exchanging it if you happen to be near a bank branch.