Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshin, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshin, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
June 23, 2026
In 2026, the Japanese yen against the Hong Kong dollar remained at historically low levels. For Hong Kongers, the yen-to-Hong Kong dollar exchange rate directly impacts their post-holiday mood. Especially for travelers planning in-depth trips to Japan, overnight stays around Mount Fuji, and nature resort vacations, a weak yen allows them to enjoy a more yen-based travel experience with the same Hong Kong dollar budget. As of mid-June, the yen/Hong Kong dollar exchange rate was approximately 4.89. Over the past 52 weeks, the yen-to-Hong Kong dollar rate has fluctuated between 4.875 and 5.502. In other words, the amount of Hong Kong dollars needed to obtain the same amount of Japanese yen is significantly less than a year ago, making it a cost-effective time to exchange yen for Hong Kong travelers planning independent trips to Japan.
Japanese Yen/Hong Kong Dollar Data:https://www.investing.com/
table of contents
When exchanging Japanese yen at an exchange office or bank, it's essential to distinguish between the buying and selling prices. When buying Japanese yen with Hong Kong dollars, check the selling price; the lower the number of Japanese yen, the better the deal.
Furthermore, there are many currency exchange shops in Hong Kong that handle Japanese yen. Established and popular exchange shops offer Japanese yen exchange services, and some even accept FPS (First-Person Shift Payment). The table below summarizes the areas and characteristics of commonly used currency exchange shops to serve as a reference when exchanging Japanese yen.
| Japanese Yen Exchange Shop | Japanese Yen Exchange Area | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Little girl exchange | IUD | Aggressive selling price, no fees, WhatsApp reservations accepted. |
| solidification exchange | Tsim Sha Tsui/Chungking Mansions | A popular shop inside Chungking Mansions, offering a wide range of currency options besides Japanese yen. |
| birth change | Sha Tin | The website provides a comparison of Japanese yen exchange rates from over 50 currency exchange shops. |
| permanent exchange | Tsim Sha Tsui | No fees, payment via Tensuikai accepted. |
Common expenses for independent travel to Japan include airfare, hotels, transportation, and accommodation experiences. When the Japanese yen is weak against the Hong Kong dollar, you can exchange more Japanese yen for the same amount of Hong Kong dollars, making spending in Japan feel more economical.
For example, if accommodation costs 40,000 yen per night, that's roughly equivalent to 1,960 Hong Kong dollars. Therefore, the exchange rate between Japanese yen and Hong Kong dollars affects not only shopping expenses but also the overall budget for an independent trip to Japan.
For travelers seeking luxury glamping or resorts with views of Mount Fuji, the exchange rate is an even more important factor. Since these accommodations are often more expensive than typical business hotels, a weak yen allows for a higher-quality Japanese lodging experience within a relatively reasonable Hong Kong dollar budget.
This can be used to determine if it's currently a good time to exchange Japanese yen. Having a general idea of the exchange rate is especially important if you're preparing to pay for accommodation, rental cars, tickets, or cash purchases.
The rates you see online are usually mid-rates, but banks, currency exchange offices, and credit card companies add fees and exchange rate differences, so the actual amount of Japanese yen you receive may not be exactly the same. Currency charts often use mid-rates as reference information, and you cannot be sure that you will be able to use the same rate when actually sending or exchanging money.
https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/
If the exchange rate between Japanese yen and Hong Kong dollars is favorable, you can consider using your budget for more valuable experiences. For example, accommodation with a view of Mount Fuji, a private hot spring, or a private villa rental. This will make your independent trip more memorable than simply using Japanese yen for ordinary shopping.
From November 1, 2026, the Japanese yen tax-free shopping system will change from the current "immediate tax exemption at purchase" to "prepayment followed by refund." Travelers will pay the tax-inclusive price upfront when shopping, and then apply for a tax refund at the airport upon departure. The consumption tax will be refunded after customs inspects the goods. The Japanese yen tax-free criteria are expected to remain the same: purchases of 5,000 yen or more (excluding tax) from a single store on the same day. Travelers must take the goods out of Japan within 90 days of purchase.
| Item | Old system (until October 2026) | New system (starting November 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Timing of tax exemption | Tax-free at checkout | Prepayment including tax, refundable at the airport. |
| categories | Calculate by separating general goods and consumables. | The total is calculated in Japanese yen, with no upper limit. |
| sealed packaging | Consumables require sealed bags. | Complete abolition |
| Deadline for taking out | ー | Departure within 90 days of purchase |
When the exchange rate between the Japanese yen and the Hong Kong dollar is favorable, it's a good idea to arrange a unique 1-2 night stay during your independent trip. For example, a luxury hot spring resort, accommodation with a view of Mt. Fuji, or a private villa. Such itineraries are more enjoyable than trips that only involve shopping in the city and are suitable for couples, families, and friends traveling together.
Located in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, this glamping facility is just about a 60-minute drive from central Tokyo. It offers both glamping dome tents and villa-type rooms, and all rooms are equipped with natural hot springs. Depending on the room type, guests can also enjoy private pools, saunas, and campfires.
The villa-type rooms feature a black hot spring bath recommended by a hot spring sommelier and a private pool. For meals, guests can enjoy glamping BBQ using high-quality ingredients such as Kazusa Wagyu beef steak from Chiba Prefecture.
This resort villa, located between Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, is perfect for those who love outdoor activities. All rooms feature natural baths, and the outdoor lounge has a private pool. Two pet-friendly room types are also available. Meals include premium ingredients such as Mt. Fuji black beef sirloin steak, Koshu Fuji Sakura pork grill, and grilled fish.
Aside from shopping, the best use of your money is for accommodation experiences. For example, staying near Mount Fuji, visiting a nature resort in Okinawa, enjoying hot springs, having a BBQ, or renting a car will further enhance the cost-effectiveness of independent travel in Japan.
A: Yes, it is necessary. While credit cards and mobile payments are widespread in urban areas, some small shops and shrines in the suburbs may only accept cash. We recommend having around 5,000 yen in cash per person per day.
A: If the amount of Japanese yen is small, it's most advantageous to save it for your next trip. Only if the amount is large should you consider comparing exchange rates at local currency exchange offices before converting back to Hong Kong dollars.
This year, the Japanese yen is relatively weak against the Hong Kong dollar, allowing you to exchange more Japanese yen for a Hong Kong dollar budget. This makes it worthwhile to try not only shopping, but also accommodations and unique experiences. If you're planning an independent trip to Japan, it's a good idea to shift your budget from just shopping to accommodation experiences. For an independent trip around Tokyo and Mount Fuji, we recommend staying at AWAUMI Fujikawaguchiko or Chiba Futtsu. Both are easily accessible from Tokyo and are perfect resorts for those who want to enjoy sightseeing around Mount Fuji and nature.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
