Quick answer. Skip the Travelex, GPA, and Mizuho exchange counters in arrivals. Walk to the Seven Bank ATM inside the 7-Eleven in any terminal's arrivals hall and withdraw ¥10,000–20,000 at the real interbank rate. Zero operator fee.
Where to get yen at Narita
Narita has multiple ways to walk out with yen. Most lose you money. Here is what each one actually costs starting from $100, assuming you withdraw or exchange ~¥15,000:
| Option | Where | Markup | Net cost on $100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Bank ATM | 7-Eleven in T1, T2, T3 arrivals halls | 0% (real interbank rate) | ~$100 + $0–5 home-bank fee |
| Japan Post Bank ATM | Central building, Terminal 1 | 0% (real interbank rate) | ~$100 + $0–5 home-bank fee |
| Pre-ordered yen (CEI) | Delivered to your home address | ~2–3% | ~$103–105 |
| Travelex counter | Arrivals at all three terminals | 5–10% | ~$110–115 |
| GPA / Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ counter | T1 and T2 arrivals | 4–8% | ~$108–112 |
| Mizuho Bank counter | T1 central building | 4–7% | ~$107–110 |
| Euronet ATM (DCC accepted) | Scattered airside in T1 and T2 | 3–13% if you accept DCC | ~$105–115 |
Estimates assume ~¥150 = $1. Your home bank may add a foreign-ATM fee on top, typically $2–5, unless you use a no-foreign-fee card like Wise, Charles Schwab, or Revolut.
Seven Bank and Japan Post ATM locations at Narita
Seven Bank operates the most foreign-friendly ATMs in Japan and is your default at NRT. Japan Post Bank is a strong backup. Both accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Locations below match the official airport directory; signage in arrivals will point you to the nearest 7-Eleven, where the ATM lives.
Terminal 1 (Central, North, South)
ANA, Star Alliance, United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Asiana
Seven Bank ATMs sit inside the 7-Eleven on the arrivals floor (B1) and on the departures floor (4F). After clearing customs, follow signs toward the train station: the 7-Eleven is on your left near the central elevators. Japan Post Bank also has an ATM in the central building near the Tokyo-bound bus stops; it closes around 11 PM.
Terminal 2 (Main, Satellite)
JAL, Oneworld, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air
A 7-Eleven with a Seven Bank ATM is on the arrivals floor near the central exit. Another sits on the departures floor opposite the security checkpoint. The arrivals 7-Eleven is the most convenient stop after baggage claim and before walking down to the train platforms.
Terminal 3 (Low-cost carriers)
Jetstar Japan, Peach Aviation, Spring Japan, ZipAir, other budget airlines
Terminal 3 is a budget-airline shed connected to T2 by a 500-meter walkway (with a colored running track painted on the floor for the trek). It has a Seven Bank ATM near the food court entrance on the second floor. T3 is otherwise minimal, so plan to withdraw before walking back to T2 if you need other services.
Do you actually need cash at Narita?
For most travelers heading straight to central Tokyo, no. Here is what works on a contactless card on your way out:
Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo Station / Shinjuku (~¥3,070 to Tokyo, ~60 minutes): Ticket machines accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB. Suica and Pasmo IC cards work at the gates if pre-loaded.
Keisei Skyliner to Ueno / Nippori (~¥2,570, ~40 minutes, fastest option): Card machines at the platform; tickets also bookable online with international cards.
Limousine Bus to major Tokyo hotels (~¥3,200 depending on destination, 60–90 minutes): Counter accepts cards. Useful if your hotel is far from a station.
Taxi (rare for this distance) (~¥25,000–35,000): Most Narita taxis accept cards but confirm before getting in. The N'EX or Skyliner is faster and cheaper.
Where cash actually helps: small ryokan check-ins, rural izakaya dinners on day one, vending machines, and any cash-only Tsukiji-area restaurants you hit on day two. Withdraw ¥10,000–20,000 at the airport so you are not searching for an ATM at 11 PM your first night.
⚠ DCC trap. Some Narita ATMs (especially Euronet machines airside) ask whether you want to be charged in your home currency instead of yen. Always decline and choose Japanese Yen (JPY). Accepting locks in a 3–13 percent markup that even a no-FX card cannot undo. Seven Bank ATMs do not push DCC, which is one more reason to use them. Full DCC explainer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the ATMs at Narita Airport?
Seven Bank operates ATMs in the arrivals halls of all three terminals (T1, T2, and T3). They are usually inside or beside a 7-Eleven convenience store. Japan Post Bank also has an ATM in Terminal 1's central building. Both networks accept foreign Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, and UnionPay cards with no operator fee on Seven Bank machines.
Should I exchange money at Narita Airport?
No. The Travelex, GPA, and Mizuho exchange counters at NRT post markups of 5 to 12 percent over the mid-market rate. The Seven Bank ATM 30 meters away gives you the real interbank rate with no operator fee. There is never a reason to use a counter at NRT.
Do I need yen to get from Narita to Tokyo?
Not strictly. The Narita Express (N'EX), Keisei Skyliner, and Limousine Bus all accept contactless payments and credit cards at the ticket machines. That said, having ¥10,000–20,000 in cash before leaving the airport is useful for the first night's expenses, especially if your hotel or ryokan is in a smaller area.
What is the difference between NRT and HND for ATMs?
Both have Seven Bank ATMs in their arrivals halls. NRT is farther from central Tokyo (about 60 km, $25–30 in train fare), so most travelers withdraw at the airport before catching the N'EX. HND is closer (15 km, $7–12 by monorail or train), so a smaller initial withdrawal is fine and you can top up easily downtown.
Are there 24-hour ATMs at Narita?
Seven Bank ATMs are typically open whenever the terminal is operational, including most early-morning and late-night arrivals. They have a brief maintenance window around 3–4 AM. Japan Post Bank ATMs at Narita follow shorter hours, usually closing around 11 PM. The Travelex and GPA counters operate during standard arrival waves, which can leave gaps for red-eye arrivals.
Can I order yen before flying to Japan?
Yes. CEI Currency Exchange ships yen to your US address in 2–5 days at rates well below airport counters. Order ¥10,000–20,000 for taxis, your first hotel deposit, or initial restaurant cash. Most travelers do not need to pre-order because the Seven Bank ATM at NRT is just as good, but it is a useful hedge if you arrive on a red-eye.