Money Exchange in Japan Guide 2026
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/purchasing.
Quick Summary
- Best rate: ATM withdrawals at 7-Eleven give rates close to mid-market — far better than airport exchange counters
- Budget tip: A multi-currency travel card like Wise converts at the mid-market rate with fees as low as 0.35%
- Key tip: Avoid exchanging at airports or hotels — markups range from 3% to 10%
- How much to bring: Budget ¥10,000–¥20,000 in cash per day for a mid-range trip
Want the best rate? Get a Wise card for mid-market exchange rates →
Still deciding? Read the full guide below →
Where to Exchange Money in Japan
Exchange rates in Japan vary wildly depending on where you convert. The difference between the best and worst options can cost you 5–10% of your travel budget. Here is every exchange method ranked from best to worst rates.
1. ATM Withdrawals (Best Rate)
Withdrawing yen directly from a 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATM gives you rates close to the interbank mid-market rate. Your bank adds a small margin (typically 1–2%) plus a flat fee of ¥110 from the ATM operator and $2–$5 from your home bank. Total cost: approximately 1.5–3% — the cheapest cash option.
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, Amex, and UnionPay. Withdraw ¥20,000–¥30,000 at once to reduce per-transaction fees.
2. Multi-Currency Travel Cards (Best Overall)
Cards like Wise convert at the actual mid-market rate with a transparent fee of 0.35–0.6%. No hidden markup, no guessing. Load yen onto your card before departure when the exchange rate suits you, then spend directly in Japan at card-accepting locations. ATM withdrawals are free up to a monthly limit.
This is the single most cost-effective way to spend money in Japan, combining the convenience of a card with exchange rates that beat every physical exchange counter.
3. Currency Exchange Shops in Cities
Dedicated exchange shops in tourist areas offer mid-range rates. In Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara have multiple exchange shops competing for business, which keeps rates reasonable. Look for shops displaying rates close to the Google Finance rate.
Recommended shops:
- Daikokuya (multiple Shinjuku locations) — consistently competitive rates, minimal commission
- Interbank (Akihabara) — good rates for USD, EUR, AUD
- Sakura Currency (Tokyo, Osaka) — reasonable rates, English-speaking staff
- World Currency Shop (inside major department stores) — convenient but slightly higher spreads
Rates at these shops typically cost 1.5–3% above mid-market. Compare their displayed rate to the current rate on Google before exchanging. Always ask the total — some charge a commission on top of the spread.
4. Airport Exchange Counters (Poor Rate)
Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports all have exchange counters operated by Travelex, GPA, and bank-affiliated services. Convenience comes at a steep cost — markups of 3–8% above mid-market are standard. A $1,000 USD exchange at the airport can lose you $30–$80 compared to using an ATM or travel card.
If you must exchange at the airport, convert only enough for immediate needs (¥5,000–¥10,000 for train fare and a meal) and handle the rest at ATMs or city exchange shops.
5. Hotel Front Desk (Worst Rate)
Hotels offer currency exchange as a convenience service, not a competitive one. Markups of 5–10% are common. Only use hotel exchange as a last resort when ATMs are unavailable and you need cash immediately.
Full guide to all payment methods in Japan →
Exchange Rate Comparison Table
| Method | Typical Markup | Commission | Total Cost on $1,000 USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise travel card | 0.35–0.6% | None | $3.50–$6.00 |
| 7-Eleven ATM | 1–2% | ¥110 + bank fee | $12–$25 |
| City exchange shop | 1.5–3% | Varies | $15–$35 |
| Airport counter | 3–8% | Sometimes | $30–$80 |
| Hotel front desk | 5–10% | Sometimes | $50–$100 |
| Home country bank | 3–5% | Often | $30–$60 |
Costs are approximate as of April 2026 and vary by currency pair and provider.
Get the best exchange rate with Wise →
Should You Exchange Before or After Arriving in Japan?
Before Departure
Exchanging at your home bank or a local exchange service usually gives poor rates (3–5% markup). However, having ¥10,000–¥20,000 on hand when you land eliminates the stress of finding an ATM while jet-lagged. Consider this a convenience fee, not an exchange strategy.
The exception: if your home country has competitive exchange bureaus (common in Australia, UK, Singapore), you may get rates comparable to Japanese city exchange shops. Compare before converting large amounts.
After Arriving
This is the recommended approach for most travelers. Land at Narita, Haneda, or Kansai, walk to the Seven Bank ATM in the arrival lobby, and withdraw ¥20,000–¥30,000. You will get a better rate than any pre-departure exchange, and the ATM process takes under 2 minutes.
For the remainder of your trip, use a travel card for card payments and withdraw additional cash from 7-Eleven ATMs as needed.
Practical Tips
Timing Your Exchange
Currency markets fluctuate daily. If you are using a travel card like Wise, you can lock in a favorable rate weeks before your trip by converting and holding yen in your account. Monitor the rate using Google Finance or XE.com — the yen has historically been weaker against USD and EUR in spring and summer travel seasons, though past trends do not guarantee future rates.
For cash exchanges, rates at city shops update daily. Monday morning rates sometimes differ from Friday afternoon rates. There is no reliable pattern — just check before you exchange.
- Check the rate before exchanging: Google “[your currency] to JPY” gives you the real mid-market rate. Any exchange service charging more than 2% above this rate is overpriced.
- Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): When an ATM or card terminal offers to charge in your home currency instead of yen, decline. DCC adds 3–7% in hidden fees.
- Keep receipts: Exchange receipts may be needed for re-exchanging leftover yen at some counters, and they are useful for tracking your actual spend.
- Coin exchange is difficult: Most exchange services refuse Japanese coins. Spend all coins before departure — use them at convenience stores, vending machines, or airport duty-free shops.
- Consider the new yen banknotes: Japan issued redesigned banknotes in July 2024. Both old and new notes are valid, but some older vending machines may not accept the new designs. This is increasingly rare in 2026.
Complete ATM guide with locations by city →
Common Mistakes
- Exchanging everything at the airport: Converting your entire travel budget at an airport counter costs 3–8% — hundreds of dollars on a large amount. Exchange only ¥10,000 at the airport and use ATMs for the rest.
- Using hotel exchange regularly: The convenience premium is enormous. Walk 5 minutes to a 7-Eleven ATM instead.
- Not comparing rates: Exchange shops in the same neighborhood can differ by 1–2%. Spend 2 minutes comparing displayed rates before committing.
- Forgetting your PIN: ATMs in Japan require a 4-digit PIN. If your card uses a 6-digit PIN, contact your bank before departure to verify it works internationally.
- Carrying too little cash: Japan remains more cash-dependent than most developed countries. Running out of cash at a cash-only restaurant is stressful and embarrassing.
FAQ
What is the best currency to bring to Japan?
USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and SGD all exchange easily in Japan. USD generally gets the tightest spreads at exchange shops. However, the currency you bring matters less than where you exchange — a Wise card or ATM withdrawal beats any physical exchange regardless of your home currency.
Can I use US dollars directly in Japan?
No. Japan is a yen-only economy. A handful of tourist shops in Akihabara accept USD at terrible rates, but this is not practical for daily spending. Always convert to yen.
How much cash should I bring for a 7-day trip?
Plan for ¥70,000–¥140,000 in total cash spending (approximately $470–$930 USD at ¥150/USD) for a mid-range trip. You do not need to carry this all at once — withdraw ¥20,000–¥30,000 every few days from ATMs.
Is it better to exchange money in my home country or Japan?
Almost always better in Japan. Japanese ATMs and city exchange shops offer tighter spreads than most foreign banks. The exception is if your country has unusually competitive exchange bureaus (Singapore and Australia, for example).
What do I do with leftover yen?
Spend banknotes at airport duty-free shops before departure. Coins cannot be exchanged at most foreign banks, so use them at convenience stores or vending machines before leaving. Alternatively, keep the yen for a future Japan trip — the currency is stable and widely accepted globally.
Save 3–8% on every yen conversion — Wise gives you the real mid-market rate with no hidden fees.
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