Need Japanese Yen? Six Ways to Get Cash in Japan

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Out of cash but still need to shop? This article introduces where to withdraw Japanese yen and or exchange currency in Japan, from convenience store ATMs to exchange counters. Japan is a country where cash is still widely used, so it is vital to know where to get money when needed while traveling.

Latest update : 2024.06.18

Where and How to Get Yen While Traveling in Japan

Although cash culture is changing in Japan, some services and businesses still don't accept credit card payments. It is highly recommended to carry yen in the case that credit cards, debit, or electric payments are not accepted.

Below is a brief guide on convenient spots to withdraw and exchange yen, including convenience stores, the Japan Post Office, and even Don Quijote. Stay well-funded with enough cash to enjoy travel in Japan.

1. Seven-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson ATMs

Recommended points
Open 24/7, many stores available

Using the ATM at a convenience store like Seven Eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson is the easiest way to get Japanese yen. There are several hundred thousand convenience stores in Japan so one is usually never far from where you are. In addition, many ATMs can be used 24-hours a day. If you need Japanese yen when everything else is closed, it is really helpful to know that you can get cash from down the corner.

If you have credit or debit cards, such as VISA, MasterCard, or American Express, that are accepted at the ATM, you can easily take out Japanese yen. Please note that the withdrawal limit is dependent on your bank, and certain rules and limits may apply.

ATMs at most convenience stores have multilingual support, so operating the machine should be simple. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask an employee.

Accepted Currencies
Only withdraw Japanese yen from ATM

Accepted Cards
VISA, MasterCard, UnionPay, Amex, JCB, DinersClub, Maestro, Cirrus, Discover

Hours
Open 365 days

Locations
In most of the cities and near train stations

2. Japan Post Bank ATMs

Japan Post, a major postal service in Japan, owns a banking service with ATMs that are also convenient for withdrawing cash from international bank accounts. With hundreds of locations throughout Japan in post offices and convenience store, this is another handy option to keep in mind. The color of these machines is usually green. Please note that the current withdrawal limit (as of October 2019) is 50,000 yen per transaction. This amount and the limit of transactions is dependent on your bank.

See the official website for more information on these machines and getting yen.

Accepted Cards
VISA, VISAELECTRON, PLUS, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, JCB, Unionpay, DISCOVER

Hours
Monday–Saturday: 00:05–23:55
Sundays, public holidays, December 31: 00:05–21:00 (if the following day is a holiday, hours start from 7:00)
January 1–January 3: 7:00–21:00

3. Don Quijote

Picture from Souvenir Shopping At Don Quijote - 5 Reasons To Visit This Discount Store

Don Quijote is a national retailer of food, apparel, and everyday goods with great discounts. Stores are located throughout Japan in bustling sightseeing areas and more residential, rural parts of Japan. Selling everything from green tea Kitkats to Halloween costumes and Japanese cosmetics, this is a one-stop-shop for souvenirs and essentials.

At some stores you can pay in foreign currency, making it a convenient service to use when shopping but don't have time to exchange currency. Your change will be given to you in Japanese yen.

Accepted Currencies
USD, EURO, HKD, TWD, CNY, THB

4. DAIKOKUYA

Recommended points
Good exchange rates

Daikokuya is the store which sells discounted tickets and famous brand-name products. They also offer a currency exchange service. The best reason to use Daikokuya is exchange rates. There are not many Daikokuya stores in Japan. But you will get better exchange rates here than at banks. You also don't need to fill out a form at all, which saves time for doing something else. You can even exchange coins at some of the stores.

Accepted Currencies
USD, EUR, CAD, GPB, RMB, AUD, KRW, TWD, HKD, SGD, THB
*Some stores might not support all of these currencies.

Accepted Cards
Only exchange from cash to cash

Hours
Depends on the store

Locations
Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, Kichijoji, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Hiroshima

Official Website
DAIKOKUYA(Japanese)

P R

A must for railway users! Introducing a convenient spot right in the station where you can get your hands on some Japanese yen.
There are seven foreign currency exchange counters and ten ATMs at JR East Japan stations in the greater Tokyo area (as of March 2018).
For more information, please visit this page.

Need Japanese Yen? Four Ways To Get Cash In Japan

5. Travelex Japan

Recommended points
Many currency options, get mileage points

Travelex is a worldwide foreign exchange company. There are 72 branches in Japan. They offer more than 30 currency options (as of January 2016). You can exchange right at the counter and also at machines.

Accepted Currencies
USD/EUR/CAD/GPB/RMB/AUD/KRW/TWD/HKD/SGD/THB/AED/BRL/CHF/CNY/CZK/DKK/EGP/FJD/HUF/IDR/MXN/MYR/COK/NZD/PHP/PLN/RUB/SAR/SEK/TRY/VND/XPF/ZAR
** Some of the stores might not support all of these currencies.

Accepted Cards
VISA, MasterCard, JCB

Hours
Depends on the store

Locations
Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo station, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka

Official Website
Travelex Japan (English)

6. Currency Exchange Service at Banks

Picture courtesy of SMBC Trust Bank

Recommended points
Get to exchange currency right at the airport, many branches

The major Japanese banks such as Mizuho Bank, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and SMBC Trust Bank, offer a currency exchange service as well.

There are some branches that don't offer a currency exchange service. So please check if the branch has the service or not. Branches in major sightseeing places usually offer this service.

Accepted Currencies
Depends on the bank

Accepted Cards
Depends on the bank

Hours
Depends on the branch

Locations
In most of the major cities, near train stations, at airports

Official Websites
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ (English)
SMBC Trust Bank (English)
Mizuho Bank(English)

FAQ

What is the best way to get Japanese yen money?

Obtaining Japanese yen can be efficiently done through various methods in Japan depending on convenience and accessibility. Options include using ATMs at 7-Eleven stores, Japan Post Bank branches, or other major banks that offer English language support and accept international cards. Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, while carrying some cash is advisable for smaller establishments. Currency exchange services at airports, hotels, and banks are convenient but may involve varying exchange rates and fees. Prepaid travel cards loaded with Japanese yen offer security and flexibility for managing expenses while providing ease of use at ATMs and for card transactions. By combining these methods judiciously, visitors can secure Japanese yen efficiently according to their preferences and requirements while in Japan.

What is the best way to get cash in Japan?

Obtaining cash in Japan is convenient through various methods suited to different needs and preferences. ATMs are widely available, especially at 7-Eleven stores, post offices, and major banks like Japan Post Bank, offering English language options and foreign card acceptance for easy withdrawals. Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, while carrying cash is advisable for transactions at smaller establishments. Currency exchange services at airports, banks, and exchange counters provide another option, although exchange rates and fees may vary. Travel money cards loaded with Japanese yen offer security and flexibility for managing expenses and accessing cash. By combining these methods strategically, visitors can effectively access cash in Japan and manage their finances according to their requirements while traveling.

Which ATM is best for foreigners in Japan?

For foreigners in Japan seeking convenient and dependable ATM options, post offices, 7-Eleven convenience stores, and certain banks like Japan Post Bank are highly recommended. These ATMs provide English language support, making transactions more accessible for non-Japanese speakers. With extended operating hours, including 24/7 access at some locations, these ATMs offer flexibility for cash withdrawals at any time. Widely available across Japan, post office and 7-Eleven ATMs are accessible even in rural areas, ensuring travelers can easily find and utilize these services. Known for their acceptance of foreign cards and compatibility with international card networks, these ATMs cater to a wide range of visitors needing cash while in Japan, providing a seamless and user-friendly banking experience.

Are 10,000 yen notes accepted?

In Japan, 10,000 yen notes are widely accepted and commonly used for transactions across various establishments, including restaurants, shops, hotels, and transportation services. However, it's important to note that while 10,000 yen notes are generally accepted, especially in urban areas and tourist spots, some smaller businesses, street vendors, or rural establishments may prefer smaller denominations for convenience and to manage their cash flow.
It's always a good idea to carry a mix of smaller denominations along with 10,000 yen notes to ensure you can make purchases without any issues, especially in situations where exact change might be required. ATMs are readily available in Japan, making it easy to withdraw cash in various denominations as needed.

How much cash do I need per day in Japan?

The daily cash needed in Japan varies based on factors like accommodation, dining preferences, transportation, attractions, and personal spending habits. Budget accommodations and meals can range from ¥2,000 to ¥6,000 and ¥500 to ¥1,000, respectively, while mid-range options may cost between ¥7,000 to ¥15,000 and ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per night and meal. Transportation expenses depend on the distance traveled and attraction entrance fees generally range from ¥300 to ¥1,500. Overall daily expenses in Japan typically total around ¥8,000 to ¥20,000 or more, requiring a mix of cash and cards given the prevalence of cash transactions in local shops and establishments. It's advisable to plan ahead based on personal preferences and activities to ensure a comfortable and budget-appropriate travel experience in Japan.

Written by

MATCHA

The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

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