Practical Travel

Japan Money Exchange: ATMs, Cash and Card Tips

By JAPN Published · Updated

Japan Money Exchange: ATMs, Cash and Card Tips

Cash and ATMs

Japan has shifted toward cashless payment but many smaller restaurants, local shops, shrines, and rural establishments still accept only cash. Carry at least 10,000 to 20,000 yen for areas where cards are not accepted. 7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs most reliably accept foreign Visa, Mastercard, and Plus/Cirrus network cards. Maximum single withdrawals are typically 50,000 to 100,000 yen. ATM fees from the Japanese side are 110 to 220 yen per transaction, plus whatever your home bank charges.

Currency exchange at airport counters offers competitive rates without commission. Avoid hotel exchange desks, which typically offer 3 to 5 percent worse rates. Travelex and World Currency Shop locations in major stations provide mid-range rates. Exchanging before arrival is unnecessary since airport ATMs and exchange counters operate 24 hours at major airports.

Credit Cards and Digital Payment

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, department stores, chain restaurants, and larger shops. American Express and Diners Club acceptance is more limited. Contactless payment via Apple Pay or Google Pay linked to international cards works at terminals showing the contactless symbol. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) added to mobile wallets serve as a convenient payment method at convenience stores and vending machines. Restaurants displaying cash-only signs are common, particularly in traditional areas and at smaller establishments. Always carry backup cash.

Currency and Denominations

Japanese yen comes in coins of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 denominations, and notes of 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000. New banknotes introduced in 2024 feature Shibusawa Eiichi on the 10,000 yen note, Tsuda Umeko on the 5,000, and Kitasato Shibasaburo on the 1,000, replacing the previous portraits of Fukuzawa Yukichi, Higuchi Ichiyo, and Noguchi Hideyo. Both old and new notes circulate. The 500 yen coin is unusually valuable for a coin and useful for shrine offerings, vending machines, and coin lockers. The 5 yen coin, considered lucky because go-en sounds like the word for good fortune (goen), is the traditional shrine offering and has a distinctive hole in its center.

ATM Instructions and Coins

When using a 7-Eleven ATM, select English, choose withdrawal, savings account, then enter the amount in 10,000 yen increments. Japan Post Office ATMs in post offices nationwide provide an alternative. Aeon Bank ATMs in shopping malls also accept foreign cards. Keep a mix of denominations: 10,000 yen notes are common but small shops may struggle to break them. New banknotes introduced in 2024 feature Shibusawa Eiichi on the 10,000, Tsuda Umeko on the 5,000, and Kitasato Shibasaburo on the 1,000, replacing previous designs, with both old and new circulating. The 500 yen coin is unusually valuable and useful for shrine offerings, vending machines, and coin lockers. The 5 yen coin, considered lucky because go-en sounds like good fortune, is the traditional shrine offering with its distinctive center hole. Coin purses are practical in Japan where coins accumulate quickly.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut multi-currency cards offer among the best exchange rates with minimal fees, drawing directly from your home bank account at interbank rates. These fintech cards are increasingly popular among Japan visitors and can be used at most card terminals. For large purchases like electronics, credit cards often provide better consumer protection and exchange rates than cash.

For tipping, Japan does not practice tipping in any service context. Leaving money on a restaurant table may result in staff chasing you down the street to return what they believe you forgot.

This content is for informational purposes only and reflects independent research. Details may change — verify current information before making travel plans.