Getting Japanese Yen for Your Trip to Japan

Japan has a reputation as a cash-based society, and while things have improved significantly since 2020, you'll still need Japanese Yen for many situations. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting and using money in Japan.

The Japanese Yen (¥ or JPY) is the currency used throughout Japan. Unlike many countries, Japan has very low crime rates, so carrying cash is generally safe. However, the amount you'll need depends on your travel style, destinations, and how comfortable you are using cards.

Key insight for 2026: Contactless payments (including Apple Pay and Google Pay linked to international cards) have become much more common in major cities. However, many smaller establishments, traditional restaurants, and rural areas remain cash-only. The best strategy is to have both options available.

Best Ways to Get JPY Before You Travel

Here are your options for getting Japanese Yen, ranked from best to worst value:

1. Multi-currency card (Wise, Revolut) — Get near-perfect exchange rates and withdraw Yen from ATMs in Japan. This is our top recommendation for most travellers.
2. Online currency order (Wise, CurrencyFair) — If you prefer to have cash in hand before you leave, ordering online typically gets rates 2-3% better than high street bureaux.
3. Specialist bureaux de change — Thomas Exchange, No1 Currency offer reasonable rates for Yen. Shop around and compare.
4. High street bureaux (Post Office, Travelex) — Convenient but rates are typically 4-6% from mid-market. Pre-order online for better rates.
5. Your bank — Usually poor rates and may charge additional fees. Avoid unless you have no other option.
6. Airport exchanges — Worst rates, often 8-15% worse than mid-market. Absolute last resort.

Using Cards in Japan

Card acceptance in Japan has improved dramatically, but it's not universal. Here's what to expect:

Where Cards Work Well

• Major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) — Most hotels, department stores, convenience stores, and chain restaurants accept cards
• Tourist attractions — Entry fees, gift shops, and on-site restaurants usually accept cards
• Convenience stores (konbini) — 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart all accept Visa/Mastercard
• Train stations — JR ticket machines and manned counters accept cards
• Hotels — Virtually all accept credit cards

Where You'll Need Cash

• Small restaurants and izakayas — Many local eateries are cash-only, especially outside tourist areas
• Market stalls and street food — Tsukiji outer market, Nishiki market, etc.
• Shrines and temples — Offerings, charms (omamori), and fortune slips (omikuji)
• Vending machines — Some accept IC cards, but many are cash-only
• Taxis — Increasingly card-friendly but cash is safer
• Rural areas — Much more cash-dependent than cities
• Ryokans (traditional inns) — Often prefer cash, especially smaller ones

IC Cards: Suica & Pasmo

Consider getting a Suica or Pasmo IC card for trains, buses, and convenience store purchases. You can add your physical or digital IC card to Apple Wallet or Google Pay. These cards are incredibly useful and accepted at most convenience stores, vending machines, and train stations throughout Japan.

Withdrawing Cash from ATMs in Japan

ATMs in Japan can be tricky for foreign cards, but if you know where to go, it's straightforward.

Best ATMs for Foreign Cards

7-Eleven ATMs (7-Bank) — The most reliable option. Found in every 7-Eleven convenience store, which are everywhere in Japan. Most are open 24/7 (though ATM hours may vary). They accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, Plus, and most international cards.

Japan Post ATMs — Found in post offices (look for the 〒 symbol). Good backup option, especially in rural areas where 7-Elevens are scarcer. Hours vary but typically 9am-5pm weekdays, shorter on weekends.

AEON ATMs — Found in AEON shopping malls and some other locations. Accept foreign cards and often have English interface.

ATMs to Avoid

Regular Japanese bank ATMs (Mizuho, MUFG, SMBC) often don't accept foreign cards. Even if they do, the interface may be Japanese-only. Stick to 7-Eleven and Post Office ATMs for a hassle-free experience.

ATM Withdrawal Tips

• Withdrawal limits: Most ATMs allow ¥50,000-100,000 per transaction. 7-Eleven allows up to ¥100,000.
• Decline conversion: If asked whether to convert to your home currency (DCC), always say NO and choose Yen. Converting at the ATM gives you a terrible rate.
• Notify your bank: Let your bank know you're travelling to Japan to avoid card blocks.
• Check fees: Your bank may charge foreign ATM fees. Cards like Wise and Revolut offer fee-free withdrawals (up to limits).

Exchanging Money When You Arrive in Japan

If you arrive without Yen, here are your options at Japanese airports:

Narita Airport (NRT)

Multiple exchange counters in arrivals. Rates aren't great (typically 5-8% worse than mid-market) but acceptable for small amounts. Travelex has several locations. 7-Eleven ATMs are also available in the airport.

Haneda Airport (HND)

Similar setup to Narita with exchange counters and 7-Eleven ATMs. The international terminal has good facilities.

Kansai Airport (KIX)

Exchange counters and 7-Eleven ATMs available. Rates comparable to Narita/Haneda.

Our recommendation: If you have a Wise or Revolut card, skip the exchange counters entirely and head straight to a 7-Eleven ATM. You'll get a much better rate. Only exchange at airport counters if you need immediate cash and have no card option.

Exchanging in Tokyo/Osaka

If you need to exchange cash in the city, look for:

• World Currency Shop — Branches in Tokyo and Osaka with reasonable rates
• Travelex — Found in major shopping areas
• Large department stores — Often have currency exchange with decent rates

Generally, using a card at 7-Eleven ATMs is still cheaper than exchanging cash at these places.

Money Safety Tips for Japan

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for travellers, but sensible precautions are still wise:

• Carrying cash is normal: Japanese people routinely carry significant amounts of cash. It's culturally normal and generally safe.
• Don't leave bags unattended: While theft is rare, it's still not a good idea to leave belongings unattended.
• Use hotel safes: Store excess cash and valuables in your hotel room safe.
• Split your money: Don't keep all your cash in one place. Spread it between your wallet, bag, and hotel safe.
• Lost wallet? Remarkably, lost wallets in Japan often get returned with cash intact. If you lose something, check with local police (koban) — they may have it.
• Keep receipts: Useful for tracking spending and if you need to claim back consumption tax at the airport.