How good is the AUD to JPY?

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the exchange rate, you know the news has been pretty peachy lately. But as of today, April 16, 2026, a 35-year record has officially been smashed!

The market rate for Japanese Yen reached 114.43 JPY for every $1 AUD. To find a rate this strong, you’d have to jump in your time machine and go all the way back to 1991.

It’s been a long wait, but we can officially say the AUD has come back stronger than a 90s trend (thanks, Tay Tay!). To put into perspective just how long it’s been since your travel money had this much power:

• The Simpsons had just premiered on Australian TV, and all the adult references flew right over our heads.
• We were all obsessed with keeping our original grey-brick Game Boys alive.
• The Horses by Daryl Braithwaite was the #1 anthem on the radio — an absolute pub classic then and now.
• Neon windbreakers and butterfly clips were the pinnacle of fashion. (Unpopular opinion: they still rock.)

Pop culture has changed a lot, but so has how much (or how little!) Aussie Dollars, you need to live it up in Japan!

How much do I need to budget for Japan?

We talk a lot about ‘timing the market,’ but when you're looking at a once-in-a-generation peak like this, the savings are massive. 
If you’re planning a high-end trip with a 600,000 Yen budget per person, here is exactly how much cheaper your holiday is today compared to years past:

With a stronger AUD, you’ll be able to save for your Japan adventure much sooner — and that’s always good news!

Why use our Rate Move Protection?

Not leaving for Japan just yet? That’s okay, we’ve got you covered. If you know forex as we do, you know it’s constantly changing. While the AUD to JPY rate is at a 35-year record high right now, there’s no way to promise it won’t climb even higher.

That’s why we have our Rate Move Protection*. If you buy your JPY in-store and the rate miraculously improves within 7 days, just head back into the store with your receipt and we’ll refund you the difference! It’s the ultimate win-win: you lock in the best rate seen in decades, and if it gets even better, you still get the benefit.

^{Disclaimer:
*It's important to note that when discussing these exchange rates, we've used the market rate (the perceived value between two economies), which is different from the retail rate available to travelers. Like the market rate, retail exchange rates fluctuate throughout the day, so it's vital to check with your foreign exchange consultant before swapping your currency.}

^{*Rates and calculations use the mid-market rate from Google Finance at 3 PM, 16th April 2026, and are subject to change. The rates used in these calculations are for consistency across historical data and do not reflect retail rates available to the public. Retail rates are subject to change, and online rates may differ from those available in-store. This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. While we take reasonable care in providing this content, we give no warranties that it is complete or accurate. We are not liable for any loss caused by reliance on the information contained in this blog.}

^{*T&Cs apply for Rate Move Protection. See full terms and conditions for details.}