💰 Quick Context: The Japanese Yen
Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY / ¥). A bowl of ramen costs ¥800–1,200, a convenience store meal ¥500–800, and a hotel night ¥10,000–25,000. Quick math: drop two zeros and divide by 1.5 for a rough USD estimate (e.g., ¥3,000 ≈ $20). Check the current JPY/USD rate before your trip. Japan is more cash-dependent than most developed countries. Always carry yen.
🎧 Order Japanese Yen Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order JPY → CEI Currency ExchangeCash vs. Card: What to Expect in Japan
Despite being a technology leader, Japan remains one of the most cash-reliant developed countries. While card acceptance has improved significantly since the 2020 Olympics push, cash is still essential for daily life as a tourist.
Many businesses are cash-only: ramen shops in Shinjuku's Golden Gai, family-run izakayas in Osaka's Dotonbori, temples and shrines (Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera), local buses, and street food at matsuri (festivals). Cards work at hotels, Isetan and Takashimaya department stores, large chain restaurants (CoCo Ichibanya, Ichiran), and all convenience stores.
Keep ¥10,000–20,000 (~$65–130) in cash at all times. You will use it daily. Tokyo vs. rural Japan: card acceptance is best in central Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. In rural Hokkaido, Shikoku, and smaller islands, cash is essential for nearly everything. IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) bridge the gap: they work for transit, convenience stores, and vending machines without needing a credit card.
How to Get Yen for Your Japan Trip
Japan is the cash outlier among major travel destinations. Ramen shops, izakayas, traditional inns, and rural businesses still run on bills, and even Tokyo's transit network leans on IC cards over contactless credit. The good news: getting yen is easier in Japan than almost anywhere, because 7-Eleven ATMs are on every block and they accept foreign cards. Two ways to land prepared: order yen before you fly, or hit a Seven Bank or Japan Post ATM after you arrive.
Order yen before you fly
Pre-ordering yen is more useful for Japan than for most of Western Europe. Some traditional inns (ryokan), small mom-and-pop restaurants, and rural shops simply don't accept foreign cards at all, so landing with cash already in your pocket smooths the first 24 hours. CEI Currency Exchange ships physical yen to a US address in 2–5 business days at a small rate premium. Your home bank (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citi) can also order yen for branch pickup or home delivery, with the fee waived on premium accounts; allow a week of lead time. Either way, you'll want enough for the train fare from Narita or Haneda (~¥3,000 per person), your first IC-card top-up (Suica or Pasmo), and a meal in case you arrive after most shops close.
Withdraw from a 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATM
This is where Japan gets uniquely friendly. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs sit at every train station, every neighborhood, and inside every 7-Eleven storefront across the country. They accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and most foreign debit cards, with English-language menus by default. Japan Post Bank ATMs (look for the 〒 symbol) work the same way and are everywhere outside the cities. Both deliver the real interbank rate with no exchange markup and no operator fee; your home bank's foreign-transaction fee (1–3%) is your only cost. The trap to know about: Japan's domestic mega-banks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) frequently refuse foreign cards entirely. Stick with convenience-store ATMs. See the Best ATMs section below, or our Tokyo ATM guide for station-by-station locations. To estimate a Seven Bank withdrawal's per-pull cost on your specific card before you board, run it through our ATM fee calculator.
Airport exchange counters & tourist-area booths
Three things to walk past in Japan. (1) Airport exchange counters at Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), and Kansai (KIX) markup 3–10% on the displayed rate, slightly less aggressive than European airport counters but still well below what a Seven Bank ATM in the same arrivals hall offers. (2) Travelex booths in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and other tourist-heavy stations use the same playbook. (3) Hotel-lobby ATMs that aren't a Seven Bank or Japan Post machine should be skipped. Every major Japanese airport has a Seven Bank ATM in the arrivals hall, and Japan Post offices are everywhere, so the right ATM is always within a few minutes' walk. Flying into Narita? Our NRT airport money guide walks through the cleanest path out of arrivals.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-JPY timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Japan
Japan's major bank ATMs (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) often do not accept foreign cards, which catches many tourists off guard. The solution is simple: use convenience store ATMs. They are everywhere, tourist-friendly, and available around the clock. Withdrawal limits are typically ¥100,000 per transaction (~$665 USD).
7-Eleven (Seven Bank)
Japan's most reliable ATM for foreign cards. Found inside every 7-Eleven convenience store, with 27,000+ ATMs nationwide. Available 24/7 (or matching store hours). English, Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese language options. Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, Discover, and China UnionPay. No surcharge from Seven Bank itself (your home bank fees still apply). The single best option for tourists.
Top Pick
Japan Post Bank (Yucho Ginko)
Found in 24,000+ post offices across Japan, including tiny rural towns. The only reliable foreign-card ATM network outside cities. Accepts Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and other international networks. Hours are limited: typically 9am–5:30pm weekdays (some until 9pm, closed Sundays in rural areas). Essential for travel to rural Japan and smaller islands.
Recommended
Lawson Bank
ATMs inside Japan's 14,000+ Lawson convenience stores. Accepts international cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex). Available roughly 24/7. A solid alternative when there is no 7-Eleven nearby. English interface available.
RecommendedFamilyMart (E-net)
FamilyMart convenience stores have E-net ATMs. Not all E-net ATMs accept foreign cards, so look for machines with international card logos displayed. Where available, they work well. Less consistent than Seven Bank or Lawson.
Recommended
AEON Bank
Found in AEON shopping malls and supermarkets across Japan. 6,000+ ATMs that accept foreign cards. Good option when shopping at AEON (which is everywhere in suburban Japan). English interface available.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
Some ATMs at Narita and Haneda airports and near Asakusa's Senso-ji may offer to convert your withdrawal to USD or your home currency. Always decline and choose Japanese Yen (JPY). The DCC markup is typically 3–7%. Select "Japanese yen" or "円" on the screen. Seven Bank ATMs generally do not push DCC, which is another reason to prefer them.
ATMs to Avoid in Japan
Some ATM options look convenient but are unreliable or overpriced for foreign visitors.
Shinsei Bank / GAICA ATMs
Used to be tourist-friendly, but Shinsei Bank's international card support has become inconsistent after restructuring. Some machines accept foreign cards, many do not. Not worth the gamble when Seven Bank is everywhere.
Use With CautionMajor Japanese Bank ATMs (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho)
Japan's biggest banks, but their ATMs often do not accept foreign-issued cards. Even when they do, the interface may be Japanese-only. Limited hours (many shut down at 9pm and on weekends). Stick with convenience store ATMs.
Use With Caution
Travelex
Currency exchange counters at major airports and tourist areas. 5–10% markup on the exchange rate. Use the 7-Eleven ATM in the airport instead.
AvoidAirport Exchange Counters
Exchange kiosks at Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), and Kansai (KIX) offer rates 3–8% worse than the real exchange rate. There are 7-Eleven ATMs in the arrivals halls of all major airports. Use those instead.
AvoidPaying by Card in Japan
Card Networks
Visa has the widest acceptance among international cards, followed by Mastercard. JCB (a Japanese network) is widely accepted at department stores, hotels, and larger businesses. Amex works at mid-range and upscale venues. Discover has limited acceptance.
Where Cards Work
Hotels and department stores (Isetan, Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi) nearly all accept cards. Chain restaurants and shops (Uniqlo, Starbucks, Ichiran Ramen, Yoshinoya, Don Quijote) accept cards. Convenience stores accept cards, IC cards, and cash everywhere. Contactless is growing but not universal. Apple Pay works at many chains, and IC card readers (Suica/Pasmo) are more common than Visa contactless.
Where Cards Won't Work
Small restaurants and izakayas are frequently cash-only, even in Shinjuku and Shibuya. Look for card logos on the door before sitting down. Temples, shrines, and admission fees (Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari, Meiji Shrine) are almost always cash-only. Street food and festival stalls are cash-only. Rural Hokkaido, Shikoku, and small islands: cash is essential. Local buses outside major cities accept only cash or IC cards, not credit cards.
Tipping in Japan
Tipping Guide
Japan does not have a tipping culture. Do not tip at restaurants, taxis, hotels, or hair salons. It can cause confusion or even be seen as rude. At ryokans (traditional inns), a small cash gift in an envelope for the nakai-san (room attendant) is occasionally appreciated but not expected (¥1,000–3,000 if you choose to). Tour guides: not expected, but a small gift or ¥1,000–2,000 for a private guide is a kind gesture. No tipping means transparent costs. Menu prices include everything (10% consumption tax is usually included in the listed price).
IC Cards: Suica, Pasmo & ICOCA
IC cards are rechargeable transit cards that work across Japan. They are the best way to bridge the gap between cash and cards, and you will use yours constantly. For city-specific tips, see our Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto money guides. Each covers neighborhood-level card acceptance, ATM locations, transport payments, and local spending tips.
Getting and Using an IC Card
Get a Suica or Pasmo at any JR or metro station in Tokyo (ICOCA in Osaka/Kyoto). ¥500 deposit plus whatever you load. All three work interchangeably across Japan. They cover all trains, subways, and buses nationwide, plus 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, vending machines, coin lockers, and many chain restaurants.
Recharge at any station using cash at ticket machines. Apple Pay tip: add a virtual Suica to your iPhone before arriving in Japan. This is the most convenient option since you can recharge directly from a foreign credit card without visiting a ticket machine. Keep ¥1,000–3,000 loaded at all times for spontaneous train rides and konbini (convenience store) purchases.
Money Safety in Japan
Staying Safe
Japan is extremely safe. ATM crime is nearly nonexistent. You can use 7-Eleven ATMs at any hour without concern. Lost wallets are routinely returned to police boxes (koban) with cash intact. If you lose your wallet, check the nearest koban.
Keep coins organized. Japan uses coins up to ¥500 (~$3.30). They add up fast. A coin purse is genuinely useful here. Seven Bank charges no operator surcharge, but your home bank's foreign withdrawal fee still applies. Use a no-FX-fee card to eliminate this.
Japan's high tourist ATM usage sometimes triggers fraud holds. Mention "Japan" when calling your bank before travel. ATMs dispense ¥10,000 and ¥1,000 notes. Break large bills at 7-Eleven or train station kiosks. Smaller restaurants may not have change for ¥10,000.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Spend yen like a local.
Get the Wise Card →Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't Japanese bank ATMs accept foreign cards?
Japan's major banks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) use domestic-only ATM networks. Use 7-Eleven (Seven Bank), Japan Post Bank, or Lawson Bank ATMs instead. These are specifically configured for international cards.
What is a Suica card and do I need one?
A rechargeable IC card for trains, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines across Japan. Highly recommended. Buy at any JR station (¥500 deposit) or add a virtual Suica to Apple Pay before arriving.
Is Japan really still cash-heavy?
Yes, despite being a tech leader. Many izakayas, ramen shops, temples, and rural businesses are cash-only. Card acceptance has improved since 2020 but is not universal. Carry ¥10,000–20,000 at all times.
Is tipping expected in Japan?
No. Japan has no tipping culture. Do not tip at restaurants, taxis, or hotels. It can cause confusion or be seen as rude. Prices include everything.
Where is the best ATM in Japan for tourists?
7-Eleven (Seven Bank). 27,000+ ATMs nationwide, 24/7, English interface, no operator surcharge, accepts all major international cards. Found in every neighbourhood and at all airports.
Is Japan expensive?
Moderate. A bowl of ramen costs ¥800–1,200 ($5–8), a convenience store bento ¥400–600 ($3–4), and a hotel ¥8,000–25,000 ($52–162). Japan is more affordable than many visitors expect, especially for food.
Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-FX-fee card at 7-Eleven ATM | Best (no ATM surcharge) | ★★★★★ | Primary method for getting yen |
| IC card (Suica/Pasmo) loaded with cash | Best (no fees) | ★★★★★ | Trains, buses, convenience stores |
| No-FX-fee credit card | Good (works at larger merchants) | ★★★★☆ | Hotels, department stores, chains |
| Airport exchange counter | Poor (3–8% markup) | ★★☆☆☆ | Absolute emergency only |
Japan Quick Facts
| Currency | Japanese Yen (JPY / ¥). Drop two zeros and multiply by 0.67 for quick USD estimate |
| Cash vs. Card | Cash-heavy. Carry ¥10,000–20,000 at all times. Many businesses are cash-only |
| Best ATMs | 7-Eleven (Seven Bank), Japan Post Bank, Lawson Bank |
| ATM Limits | ¥100,000 per transaction at Seven Bank (~$665 USD) |
| Card Acceptance | Improving but still limited. Visa has widest acceptance. Many small businesses cash-only |
| Tipping | Not customary. Do not tip |
| DCC Risk | Low at Seven Bank ATMs. Present at airport ATMs and some tourist-area machines |
| Best Strategy | Seven Bank ATMs + IC card for transit + no-FX-fee credit card for larger purchases |
Japan City Guides
Neighborhood-level money guides for Japan's biggest cities. Where to find ATMs, which areas need cash, how to pay for transport, and more.