Currency exchange in Japan is straightforward once you know where to get Japanese yen (JPY). For many international visitors, withdrawing cash from a compatible ATM is convenient and may offer a competitive overall cost. But an ATM is not automatically the cheapest option: your card’s foreign transaction fees, the ATM fee, and the exchange rate all matter. If you already have foreign banknotes, a reputable currency exchange counter may be more practical.
Quick answer: where should tourists exchange money in Japan?
- Best practical first choice: check whether your overseas debit card works at a Seven Bank or Japan Post Bank ATM, and compare all fees.
- Arriving with foreign cash: compare the amount of yen offered at airport or city exchange counters before exchanging a large amount.
- Paying or withdrawing with a card: choosing Japanese yen rather than a proposed home-currency conversion often avoids an extra markup.
- Backup plan: carry some yen and a second payment method in case your first card is declined.
Below is a practical comparison of ATMs, airport counters, city exchange shops, and bank cards, with a step-by-step plan for your arrival. If you also need help deciding when to use cash versus a card, read our Money in Japan overview.
Currency Exchange in Japan: Compare Your Options
There is no single method that is always cheapest. If you have a low-fee debit card, ATM withdrawals can be an excellent choice. If your bank imposes a large fixed withdrawal charge, exchanging foreign banknotes at a competitive counter might cost less.
| Method | Convenience | Costs to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Bank / Japan Post Bank ATM | Easy to find in many cities and airports | ATM operator fee, bank withdrawal fee, foreign exchange fee or markup | Travelers using a compatible overseas bank card |
| Airport currency exchange counter | Convenient immediately after arrival | Quoted exchange rate, spread, and any handling fee | Travelers carrying banknotes or needing yen immediately |
| City exchange counter | Depends on opening hours and location | Rate and any commission; compare nearby counters | Exchanging physical foreign cash |
| Bank or other exchange service | May have limited hours or currencies | Availability, identification rules, rate and fees | Travelers who have found a suitable service in advance |
| Paying directly by card | Very convenient where accepted | Issuer’s foreign transaction fee and optional dynamic currency conversion | Hotels, shops and restaurants that accept cards |
Availability and fees vary. A service with “no commission” can still include costs in its exchange rate.
Where to Withdraw Japanese Yen with a Foreign Card
Seven Bank ATMs
Seven Bank ATMs are commonly found at 7-Eleven stores and also at some stations and airports. The bank supports a range of overseas card networks, including Visa, Mastercard and several others, although an individual card may still be declined. English and other language options are available.
Important limit: Seven Bank states that the usual single-withdrawal limit for overseas-issued cards is ¥100,000, or ¥30,000 for magnetic-stripe transactions. Your own bank may enforce a lower limit. Fees can differ by card brand and transaction.
Check Seven Bank’s accepted overseas cards and service hours and its English ATM instructions before traveling.
Japan Post Bank ATMs
Japan Post Bank is another useful option. Its ATMs are available in post offices and various other locations, including some convenience stores. Accepted networks include Visa/PLUS, Mastercard/Maestro/Cirrus, JCB, UnionPay and Discover, subject to card restrictions.
Important limit: Japan Post Bank lists a ¥50,000 limit per withdrawal for overseas-issued cards. Certain cards may incur a ¥220 ATM fee per transaction, in addition to charges set by the card issuer. Hours vary by ATM and location, so do not assume every machine operates 24 hours.
See the official Japan Post Bank international ATM guide for the latest limits, hours and conditions.
ATM withdrawal steps
- Locate an ATM that displays your card network’s logo.
- Choose English or another available language and select cash withdrawal.
- Choose the appropriate account type and enter your PIN.
- Enter the amount of Japanese yen you need, within the machine and issuer limits.
- Check any stated fee and currency conversion choice before confirming.
- Collect your cash, card and receipt. Confirm the amount charged with your bank later.
Debit card vs credit card: an important difference
Taking yen from an ATM with a credit card may count as a cash advance and can attract separate fees and interest from the card issuer. Check your issuer’s terms before withdrawing. An eligible debit or bank card may be more suitable for routine cash withdrawals.
For more detailed cash-withdrawal advice, visit our ATM withdrawal guide for Japan.
Airport Currency Exchange vs City Exchange Counters
Japan’s major international airports generally have currency exchange services, although the operators, opening hours and supported currencies differ. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) recommends carrying some cash and lists airport exchange counters and ATMs among travelers’ options.
Airport counters: these are useful when you have just landed, want to exchange foreign banknotes, or cannot use your card. You may prefer to exchange only enough for the first part of your trip if you have not compared the available rate.
City counters: exchange shops in shopping districts or around transport hubs may offer different rates. Compare how much yen you will actually receive for the same amount of foreign currency; the best deal is not determined by a “0% commission” sign alone.
Hotel exchange: some hotels offer foreign-currency exchange, but availability and rates differ. Consider this a convenience option rather than assuming it will be cheap or expensive without checking the quote.
Not every exchange shop accepts every currency. If you carry less commonly traded banknotes, check acceptance in advance; coins may not be accepted at all.
How to Find the Best Exchange Rate in Japan
Compare the total cost, not just the advertised exchange rate. An ATM withdrawal can involve three separate charges: the local ATM operator’s fee, your own bank’s overseas cash-withdrawal fee, and your issuer or payment network’s currency conversion costs.
For a cash exchange counter, compare the amount of yen received after all fees. For a card withdrawal, estimate the total amount debited from your home account for the yen dispensed. The lower effective cost wins.
Simple comparison example (illustrative, not a live quote)
Imagine two services both let you obtain ¥20,000. One charges a favorable conversion rate plus a fixed withdrawal fee; the other charges no separate fee but uses a less favorable exchange rate. Either service could end up costing more. Ask for or check the final amount you pay for ¥20,000, including every fee.
If your bank has a flat fee per overseas withdrawal, several very small withdrawals can become expensive. However, withdrawing more cash than you feel comfortable carrying is not worth a minor saving. Choose a reasonable balance.
At an ATM, Choose JPY or Your Home Currency?
Some ATMs and payment terminals ask whether to process a transaction in Japanese yen (JPY) or your home currency. This is called dynamic currency conversion (DCC).
If you accept a home-currency conversion, the ATM or payment service applies the exchange rate shown to you, sometimes with a markup. If you choose JPY, your own card provider handles the conversion according to its terms. For many travelers, declining DCC and choosing JPY avoids an additional conversion markup, though your bank may still charge foreign transaction fees.
Visa explains that merchants and ATMs offering DCC should show the exchange rate and any additional charges before you agree. Read the official Visa guide to DCC and review the offer rather than accepting it automatically.
A Simple Arrival-Day Money Plan
- Before departure: check your card’s overseas-use settings, fees, ATM withdrawal limit and PIN. Bring a backup payment method.
- At the airport: use a compatible ATM or a currency exchange counter to obtain the yen you need for the first day.
- Compare the actual quote: if you are exchanging banknotes, look at the final yen amount. If you are using an ATM, read the transaction fees.
- For daily spending: pay by card where accepted, and use cash when a business requires it.
- Before rural travel: check ATM availability and carry enough yen for accommodation, transport and smaller purchases.
Cashless payments are increasingly accepted across Japan, but JNTO advises visitors to keep cash for establishments that do not accept cards, especially in rural areas. See the official cashless-payments guide.
How Much Yen Should You Carry?
A visitor who mainly stays in Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto and pays by card for hotels and major purchases may find a ¥5,000–¥10,000 accessible cash reserve a practical starting point. Others will need more, especially during rural trips or when paying for cash-only accommodation or transport.
Those figures are general planning suggestions, not official requirements. Check your own itinerary and avoid treating the amount as an entire daily travel budget. For examples by trip length, read How Much Cash Do You Need for a Japan Trip?.
Suica and PASMO can help with transport and participating merchants, but they do not replace cash in every situation. Our Suica and PASMO guide explains the available options for visitors.
Currency Exchange in Japan: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to exchange money before arriving in Japan?
It depends on your home bank’s offered rate and fees. Carrying a small amount of yen before departure may be convenient, but you can also obtain yen after arrival at airports and compatible ATMs. Compare the total amount you will pay.
Are Japanese airport exchange rates always worse?
No. Airport rates vary by operator, currency and date. Airport counters are convenient; compare a live quote rather than assuming every airport counter is more expensive.
Can I withdraw yen with a foreign debit card?
Often yes, if the machine supports your card network and your issuer permits overseas withdrawals. Seven Bank and Japan Post Bank publish accepted networks and withdrawal conditions. A supported logo does not guarantee every card will work.
How much can I withdraw from a Japanese ATM?
It depends on the operator, card and bank. Seven Bank lists up to ¥100,000 for an overseas-issued card per transaction (¥30,000 for a magnetic-stripe transaction); Japan Post Bank lists ¥50,000 per withdrawal. Your own card limit can be lower.
Should I select Japanese yen or my home currency at an ATM?
Usually choose JPY after reviewing the fees and exchange-rate offer. The home-currency option can include a DCC markup, and choosing JPY does not eliminate fees charged separately by your own bank.
Do I need cash if I have a credit card?
Yes, some cash is a sensible backup. Cards are widely used in many urban businesses, but some local or rural establishments still require cash. See our Cash or Card in Japan guide.
Can I use a credit card to withdraw cash?
Sometimes, but it may be treated as a cash advance with fees and interest. Consult your card issuer before using credit for cash withdrawals.
Final Verdict: The Best Way to Exchange Money in Japan
For many first-time visitors, a compatible overseas debit card plus some backup cash is a flexible setup. Seven Bank and Japan Post Bank ATMs are useful options, while airport or city currency exchange counters can work well for foreign banknotes. Compare the complete cost, choose JPY when declining an unfavorable currency-conversion offer, and keep enough cash for places where cards are not accepted.
Related Money Guides
- Money in Japan: Cash, Cards and ATMs
- ATMs in Japan for Tourists
- Suica and PASMO for Visitors
- Cash or Card in Japan?
- Tipping in Japan
Official sources (reviewed October 17, 2026)
Last reviewed: October 17, 2026. Fees, card acceptance, exchange rates and withdrawal limits can change. Always confirm current conditions with the provider and your card issuer before making a transaction.
