Finances

Japan is primarily a cash-based society. This means that credit is rarely used and carrying the equivalent of hundreds of US dollars is standard. Japan is generally quite safe, so this is rarely a problem.

For newcomers to Akita, the amount you should bring to Akita depends on what your Board of Education declares as rent, key money, etc. Investing in travelers checks is unwise, considering that once you reach the rural areas of Japan, you may not find a bank that will cash them. You can, however, withdraw money from your bank account in all postal ATMs and many other ATMs. Ask your home bank about international ATM fees.