Yes, it is possible to use American money in Japan. If you’ve been to Yokosuka, you’ve probably noticed a few signs around the city with a “$”. As much as I harp on my American friends when I see they have American money on them (you’re in a foreign country! Enjoy the land!), the city encourages it.
But not for foreigners but for Japanese Nationals. Welcome to ドル街横須賀, doru-machi Yokosuka. Or Dollar City Yokosuka. ドルが使える街 (doru ga tsukaeru machi) the slogan says, “the city where dollars can be used”.
ドル街横須賀 Dollar City Yokosuka Passport
Yokosuka Naval Base is the United States’ largest overseas naval base so there are a lot of American’s in town. We joke that we are “in America” when we are on base, but the city itself has seemingly wanted in on the gig to use American money in Japan. What started as a promotion in 2013 has continued the use of dollars year-round and expanded to 92 stores. If you check out their website, you’ll find a download for the last “passport” of Yokosuka which ran from November 2017 till early this year. Each establishment that accepts dollars included a special if you do so, and you can collect stamps to receive different prizes.
Though the promotion is not currently running, they make mention on the Japanese side of the page that Yokosuka is expecting more visitors with the 2020 Olympics coming up. I’d take that as a clue to watch out for a new passport. A nice thing about the promotion, is it gives you a good lay of the land in Yokosuka with lots of suggestions for where to eat and shop. There’s the added plus if you’re a tourist to know what the different areas of town are between Doubuita and Chuo area.
It is also a nice way to get out and try some various different Japanese foods.
Where to get American Money in Japan
Lucky Exchange is a currency exchange outfit in Yokosuka and has two locations available. Check out their website or Facebook page for their current rates which they normally post from the day before. They normally aren’t bad. Several of the hotels in town, including New Yokosuka, also have a currency exchange. There is also a Community Bank ATM directly outside of the Main Gate for the Naval Base that until now, I’ve never considered if foreign cards will work in or not but I’ll ask around.
In the meantime, if you already find yourself with American money in Japan, watch out for the signs around Yokosuka. Just remember, you probably won’t be getting the best bang for your buck as that establishment then has to go exchange it back into Japanese money, but the novelty is kind of fun.
