How to Get Cash in Japan 2026: ATMs, Exchange & Smart Tips for Tourists
Note: Prices and availability change frequently. The prices shown in this article are examples as of April 2026. Always verify the latest prices and details on the official provider’s website before booking or purchasing. This article is for general information only, not financial advice.
Quick Summary
- Best method: Withdraw yen from a Seven Bank ATM at any 7-Eleven — 27,000+ machines nationwide, English menus, available nearly 24 hours
- Budget tip: A Wise card gives you mid-market exchange rates and up to 2 free ATM withdrawals per month (up to ¥30,000)
- How much to carry: ¥3,000–¥10,000 per day covers most cash-only situations
- Key tip: Airport exchange counters are convenient but offer worse rates — withdraw from an ATM instead
Want fee-free withdrawals? Get a Wise card before your trip →
Still deciding? Read the full guide below →
Best Ways to Get Cash in Japan
Japan has moved toward cashless payments in recent years, but plenty of places still require yen bills and coins. Here are the five main ways tourists get cash, ranked by convenience and cost.
1. Convenience Store ATMs (Best Option)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Available nearly 24/7 at every 7-Eleven | Your home bank may charge a foreign ATM fee |
| English-language menus | Per-transaction limits vary by card issuer |
| Accepts Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, UnionPay | Some machines undergo brief maintenance at night |
2. Japan Post Bank (Yucho) ATMs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Found in every post office across Japan | Operating hours vary by branch (not always 24/7) |
| English interface available | Fees depend on your issuing bank |
| Reliable in rural areas where convenience stores are scarce | Weekend/holiday hours may be reduced |
3. Airport Currency Exchange
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Immediate — no card or PIN required | Exchange rates are typically 3–8% worse than mid-market |
| Counters at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports | Long lines during peak arrival times |
4. Credit Card Cash Advance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works at most ATMs that accept international cards | Interest charges begin immediately (typically 18–25% APR) |
| No need for a separate debit card | Cash advance fees of 2–5% on top of interest |
| Quick if you already carry a credit card | Must make an early repayment to minimize cost |
5. Wise Multi-Currency Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup | Requires account setup before your trip |
| Up to 2 free ATM withdrawals per month (up to ¥30,000 as of April 2026) | Fees apply beyond the free allowance |
| Also works for contactless payments in stores | Need to load funds in advance |
See the full Japan ATM guide for step-by-step instructions →
Finding ATMs That Accept Foreign Cards
Not every ATM in Japan works with overseas-issued cards. Stick to these three networks and you will rarely have a problem.
Seven Bank ATMs (7-Eleven)
Seven Bank operates over 27,000 ATMs inside 7-Eleven stores across Japan. They support Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and UnionPay. The interface is available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese. Most machines operate from 5:00 AM to midnight or later — many run around the clock.
To find your nearest 7-Eleven, open Google Maps and search “7-Eleven near me.” In Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, you will rarely walk more than five minutes before spotting one.
Japan Post Bank (Yucho) ATMs
Japan Post Bank ATMs sit inside post offices — there are roughly 24,000 branches nationwide. They accept major international card networks and offer English-language menus. In rural areas where convenience stores thin out, a post office ATM is often the most reliable option.
Operating hours depend on the branch. City post offices typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, with some offering extended ATM hours. Check the Japan Post Bank ATM locator online before heading out.
AEON Bank ATMs
AEON Bank ATMs are located inside AEON Malls and MaxValu supermarkets. They accept Visa, Mastercard, and JCB. While less widespread than Seven Bank, AEON ATMs can be useful in suburban shopping areas where 7-Elevens are less common.
How to Find the Nearest ATM
- Google Maps: Search “Seven Bank ATM” or “Japan Post ATM” for real-time results
- Seven Bank app: Available in English, shows all 7-Eleven ATM locations
- Ask hotel staff: Front desk staff can point you to the closest international-card-friendly ATM
Read the complete Japan ATM guide with maps and withdrawal steps →
Currency Exchange in Japan
If you prefer exchanging physical currency rather than using an ATM, Japan has several options — though rates vary widely.
Airport Exchange Counters
Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports each have multiple exchange counters in the arrivals area. Rates are typically 3–8% worse than the mid-market rate, but you get yen in hand within minutes. Consider exchanging only a small amount (¥5,000–¥10,000) at the airport for immediate expenses like train fare, then withdraw the rest from a convenience store ATM.
City Exchange Shops
In tourist areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, and Dotonbori, you will find independent exchange shops. Some offer competitive rates — compare at least two before exchanging. Look for shops that display “0% commission” signs, but always check the actual exchange rate posted.
Hotel Front Desks
Many mid-range and luxury hotels offer currency exchange for guests. The convenience is high, but rates are usually unfavorable — expect a 5–10% spread over the mid-market rate. Use this only as a last resort.
Rate Comparison Tips
- Check the real mid-market rate on Google or Wise before exchanging
- Avoid exchanging at your home country’s airport — rates are almost always worse
- Important: Convenience stores in Japan do not offer currency exchange. They have ATMs, but no counter exchange service
Not sure if you need cash at all? Read Cash vs Card in Japan →
Using a Wise Card for ATM Withdrawals
A Wise (formerly TransferWise) multi-currency card is one of the cheapest ways to get yen from a Japanese ATM. Here is why it works well for Japan travel.
Fee Structure (as of April 2026)
- Exchange rate: Mid-market rate — the same rate you see on Google, with no hidden markup
- Free ATM withdrawals: Up to 2 withdrawals per month, totaling ¥30,000, with no fee
- Beyond free limit: A small fee applies (typically ¥220 per withdrawal plus 1.75% of the amount)
- Card payments: No fee for yen-denominated purchases when you hold a yen balance
How to Set Up Before Your Trip
- Create a Wise account online (takes about 10 minutes)
- Verify your identity with a passport or driver’s license
- Order the physical debit card (delivery takes 5–10 business days depending on your country)
- Load your home currency — Wise converts it at the mid-market rate when you spend or withdraw
- Optionally, convert funds to yen in advance to lock in a rate you like
Wise vs. Credit Card Cash Advance
A credit card cash advance charges interest from the moment you withdraw — typically 18–25% APR — plus a flat fee of 2–5%. Even with early repayment, a single ¥30,000 withdrawal can cost ¥500–¥1,500 in fees. Wise gives you two free withdrawals up to ¥30,000 per month at the mid-market rate. For travelers who need occasional cash, the savings add up quickly.
Always verify the latest Wise fee schedule on the official Wise website before relying on these figures.
Get your Wise card and save on ATM fees in Japan →
How Much Cash Do You Actually Need?
Japan is increasingly cashless, but certain situations still require bills and coins. Here is a realistic breakdown.
Daily Cash Budget
- Light cash user (cities only): ¥3,000–¥5,000 per day — enough for small restaurants, shrine fees, and vending machines
- Moderate cash user (mix of city and day trips): ¥5,000–¥8,000 per day
- Heavy cash user (rural areas, traditional inns): ¥8,000–¥10,000+ per day
Places That Typically Require Cash
- Small ramen shops, izakayas, and family-run restaurants (especially outside Tokyo and Osaka)
- Shrine and temple admission fees (¥300–¥1,000 per visit)
- Some local buses in rural areas
- Individual taxi drivers (though most major taxi companies now accept cards)
- Older vending machines
- Traditional onsen (hot spring) ryokan — some charge room fees in cash
- Street food stalls and festival vendors
How Much to Carry at Once
There is no need to carry large amounts. Withdraw ¥10,000–¥20,000 at a time and top up as needed — ATMs are everywhere in cities. If you are heading to a rural area for a few days, withdraw enough before leaving the city.
Customs note: If you bring more than ¥1,000,000 (approximately $6,700 USD) in cash into Japan, you must declare it at customs. Most tourists will never come close to this threshold.
Plan your full Japan trip with our free travel toolkit →
Common Mistakes Tourists Make with Cash in Japan
- Exchanging all their money at the airport: Airport rates are among the worst. Exchange only enough for a train ticket and first meal, then use a Seven Bank ATM.
- Assuming all ATMs accept foreign cards: Most Japanese bank ATMs (Mizuho, MUFG, SMBC) do not accept international cards. Stick to Seven Bank, Japan Post, or AEON Bank.
- Choosing “credit” instead of “savings/checking” at ATMs: When the ATM asks your account type, select “savings” or “checking.” Selecting “credit” triggers a cash advance with interest charges.
- Not carrying enough cash to rural areas: Once you leave major cities, 7-Elevens and ATMs become less frequent. Withdraw before your day trip.
- Expecting convenience stores to exchange currency: Konbini (convenience stores) have ATMs, not exchange counters. You cannot hand over dollars and receive yen.
- Accepting Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): If an ATM offers to charge you in your home currency instead of yen, always decline. DCC adds a 3–7% markup. Choose “Japanese Yen” every time.
FAQ
Are ATMs in Japan available 24 hours?
Seven Bank ATMs at 7-Eleven stores operate nearly 24 hours, though some undergo brief maintenance between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Japan Post Bank ATMs follow branch hours and may close on weekends or holidays. Check operating hours before relying on a specific machine late at night.
Can I exchange currency at a convenience store in Japan?
No. Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson do not offer over-the-counter currency exchange. They do have ATMs that accept foreign cards, but you cannot physically exchange bills at the register.
Do I need to tip in Japan?
No. Tipping is not customary in Japan and can sometimes cause confusion. Service charges are included in restaurant and hotel prices. Do not leave cash on the table — staff may run after you to return it.
How much cash should I bring to Japan?
Most travelers find ¥3,000–¥10,000 per day sufficient, depending on how much time they spend in rural areas or cash-only establishments. You do not need to bring cash from home — withdrawing yen from a Japanese ATM is cheaper and more convenient.
Is a Wise card cheaper than a credit card cash advance?
In most cases, yes. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and offers up to 2 free ATM withdrawals per month (up to ¥30,000 as of April 2026). Credit card cash advances charge interest from day one (typically 18–25% APR) plus a separate cash advance fee. For occasional withdrawals, Wise can save you ¥500–¥1,500 per transaction compared to a credit card advance. Always verify current fees on the official Wise and your credit card issuer’s websites.
Skip the airport exchange counter. Set up a Wise card before your trip and withdraw yen from any 7-Eleven ATM at the real exchange rate.
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