Cameron Highlands may be famous for its cool climate, but for travellers with wallets in mind, the spotlight is now on Japan or rather the Japanese Yen.
As of 21 November 2025, RM1 can be exchanged for JPY37.94, marking the worst performance of the Yen against the Ringgit in recent history.
Photo via Reuters
Looking back, the currency shift has been steep. Just a few months ago, on 21 April, RM1 was worth JPY32.11. Historical exchange rate data over the past decade shows this is the strongest the Ringgit has been against the Yen in 10 years.
The Yen’s drop comes as Japan’s new government, led by Prime Minister Sane Takichi, prepares a massive stimulus package supported by low interest rates. The spending plan is expected to exceed JPY20 trillion, with an extra budget of around JPY17 trillion. Markets reacted quickly to the news, pushing the Yen down to a 10-month low against the US Dollar as well.
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama noted that the government is monitoring markets closely after meeting Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda. Bloomberg reported that officials are concerned about recent one-sided and sharp moves in the currency market and are considering intervention to curb volatility.
Meanwhile, the Ringgit has been on the rise. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called it the best-performing currency in Asia, highlighting Malaysia’s stable economic outlook. Credit agencies S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s have both kept the country’s ratings at A- and A3, respectively.
The stronger Ringgit could also make Japan more attractive for Malaysian travellers. Last year, Japan welcomed a record 506,800 tourists from Malaysia. As of September 2025, 406,973 Malaysians had already visited, putting the country on track to break last year’s record.
Photo via TripAdvisor
However, visitors should be aware that Japan is considering increasing its international tourist tax, potentially tripling the charge in fiscal 2026. Travellers are also reminded to respect local customs and avoid the behaviour of inconsiderate tourists.
For now, the favourable exchange rate offers Malaysian travellers a chance to explore the Land of the Rising Sun without stretching their Ringgit as far.
