Where to Exchange Money in Japan: Best Places for Tourists

Wondering where to exchange money in Japan?

Should you exchange cash at the airport?

Can you withdraw yen from an ATM?

Do you still need cash in Japan?

This guide is for first-time visitors to Japan.

Conclusion: prepare a small amount of yen first, then use ATMs during your trip.

Airport exchange is useful right after arrival.

Seven Bank ATMs and Japan Post Bank ATMs are also useful for foreign-issued cards.

Do not rely on only one payment method.

In short, do not exchange all your money at once.

Get enough cash for the first day.

Then use ATMs and cards as needed.

Quick Answer: Best Places to Exchange Money in Japan

Here is the simple answer for tourists.

Use the option that matches your travel situation.

Place	Best for	Good point	Watch out
Airport exchange counter	First-day cash	Easy after arrival	Rates and hours vary
Seven Bank ATM	Convenient withdrawals	Many locations in 7-Eleven stores	Your card may still have fees
Japan Post Bank ATM	Post offices and some other locations	Supports many overseas card brands	Service hours differ by ATM
Bank exchange counter	Planned exchange	Useful in city areas	Many bank branches close early
Hotel exchange	Emergency backup	Convenient if available	Not always available
Credit card	Hotels and larger stores	Easy for bigger payments	Cash is still useful

For most first-time visitors, the best plan is simple.

Exchange or withdraw a small amount at the airport.

Then use ATMs when you need more cash.

Visual Comparison: Money Exchange Methods in Japan

Here is a simple visual comparison.

Stars are only a rough guide.

Rates, fees, hours, and card acceptance can change.

Method	Convenience	Cost	Availability	Best for
Airport exchange	★★★★★	★★	★★★★	First-day cash
Seven Bank ATM	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	Convenient withdrawals
Japan Post Bank ATM	★★★	★★★★	★★★	Foreign card backup
Bank counter	★★	★★★	★★	Planned exchange
Hotel exchange	★★★	★★	★	Emergency backup

Do not choose by stars alone.

Check the actual rate, fees, and opening hours before using any method.

Do Tourists Still Need Cash in Japan?

Yes, tourists should still carry some cash in Japan.

Credit cards are more common than before.

Mobile payment and contactless payment are also more common.

But cash still helps in many travel situations.

JNTO also recommends carrying some cash during your stay.

So do not arrive with only a credit card.

Use cards when they work.

Keep yen cash for small places and emergencies.

Best Strategy: Airport Cash Plus ATM Backup

The safest beginner strategy is not complicated.

Use two steps.

This avoids two common problems.

You will not be stuck without cash after arrival.

You also will not carry too much cash from day one.

For many tourists, this is the easiest balance.

Airport Currency Exchange in Japan

Airport exchange is convenient.

It is especially useful if you arrive with no yen.

JNTO says major airports have exchange points in arrival halls.

Airports may also have ATMs.

This makes the airport a good first stop.

However, do not assume every counter is open all night.

Hours, supported currencies, and rates can change.

Also check your arrival terminal.

Some airports have multiple terminals.

Exchange counters and ATMs may not be in every terminal.

Airport exchange	Good for	Not ideal for
Small first-day cash	Train tickets, food, lockers, taxi backup	Exchanging your full trip budget
Late arrival backup	Getting yen before leaving the airport	Assuming every counter is open
Peace of mind	Travelers who feel safer with cash	Comparing the best rate in detail

Before your flight, check your arrival airport website.

Look for exchange counters, ATMs, operating hours, and terminal locations.

Seven Bank ATMs for Tourists

Seven Bank ATMs are one of the easiest options for tourists.

They are often found in 7-Eleven stores.

Seven Bank says tourists can withdraw Japanese yen from many ATMs at 7-Eleven stores across Japan.

The official page also lists many international card brands.

However, some cards with listed marks may not be accepted.

Your card issuer may also charge fees.

Seven Bank ATMs are useful because convenience stores are common.

Still, do not wait until you have zero cash.

Withdraw before you are in a hurry.

Japan Post Bank ATMs for Tourists

Japan Post Bank ATMs are another important option.

Japan Post Bank provides international ATM service for cards issued abroad.

The official page lists brands such as VISA, PLUS, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, JCB, China UnionPay, and Discover.

Service hours can differ by ATM.

Some ATMs may not be accessible depending on location.

Some cards may also have an ATM usage fee.

So check the official page before your trip.

For a full ATM guide, read this next.

Read the How to Use ATMs in Japan guide here.

Bank Counters and Currency Exchange Shops

You can also exchange money at banks and exchange shops.

JNTO says foreign currency can usually be exchanged at exchange counters, banks, and some hotels.

Exchange rates change daily.

Supported currencies also depend on the counter.

Bank counters may be useful if you are already near one.

But they are not always the easiest option for tourists.

JNTO notes that many bank branches close at 3 p.m.

Option	Good point	Tourist note
Bank counter	Can be reliable in city areas	Often closes early
Exchange shop	Useful in shopping and business areas	Rates and currencies vary
Hotel exchange	Convenient in an emergency	Not always available

If you want the easiest tourist option, start with airport cash and ATMs.

Use bank counters only when they fit your route.

Best Exchange Rate in Japan

Many tourists want the best exchange rate in Japan.

That is understandable.

But the best rate can change daily.

It can also depend on your currency, card issuer, ATM fee, and exchange counter.

So be careful with simple claims like “this is always the best.”

Compare before exchanging.

If the difference is small, convenience may matter more on your first day.

After a long flight, saving time can also be valuable.

Should You Exchange Money Before Arriving in Japan?

You can exchange some yen before arriving.

This can reduce stress on your first day.

It is useful if your flight arrives late.

It is also useful if you travel with children or large luggage.

But you do not always need your full trip budget in cash.

Japan has exchange counters and ATMs after arrival.

So the practical choice is usually this.

There is no single correct amount.

Your travel style matters.

How Much Cash Should Tourists Carry in Japan?

This depends on your route.

It also depends on your hotel, restaurants, transport, and shopping style.

As a beginner-friendly buffer, many tourists may feel safer with cash for one or two days.

Then they can withdraw more later.

Instead of thinking only about a fixed amount, think about cash situations.

This makes planning easier.

Traveler type	Cash idea	Why
Solo traveler	Cash for meals, transport, and small shops	Easy to manage with ATM backup
Couple	Cash for two people for the first day	Helpful after a long flight
Family	More emergency cash	Children, luggage, and taxis can add stress
Rural trip	More cash than city travel	Smaller places may prefer cash

Do not keep all cash in one wallet.

Split it safely between your wallet, hotel safe, and travel pouch if needed.

If you carry a very large amount, check Japan Customs rules.

Cash vs Card in Japan

Cash and cards both matter in Japan.

This is why the best plan is a mix.

Cards are useful for hotels, department stores, larger restaurants, online bookings, and taxis.

Cash is useful for smaller places, temples, lockers, and emergencies.

Payment type	Best for	Watch out
Cash	Small shops, local transport, emergencies	Do not carry too much in one place
Credit card	Hotels, larger shops, online bookings	Some places still do not accept cards
Contactless payment	Fast payment where accepted	Acceptance varies by store
IC card	Transport and small daily payments	Card availability and charging rules can change

Credit Cards, Contactless Payment, and IC Cards

Cash is useful.

But you should not use only cash.

Contactless payment is also spreading.

IC cards are useful for small daily payments.

If you plan to use Suica or PASMO, read this guide.

Read the Suica and PASMO guide here.

Common Money Exchange Mistakes in Japan

Money mistakes are easy to avoid.

Most problems happen because travelers wait too long.

They also happen because travelers rely on one method.

Another common mistake is choosing card currency without thinking.

If an ATM or card terminal asks you to choose a currency, read the screen carefully.

Your bank may offer a better or worse conversion than the terminal.

Check your card issuer’s rules before your trip.

This is often called Dynamic Currency Conversion, or DCC.

Many travelers choose their home currency without checking the exchange rate.

That can make the final cost higher.

Compare carefully before selecting.

For more first-time mistakes, read this guide.

Read the Japan Travel Mistakes guide here.

First-Day Money Checklist for Japan

Use this checklist before leaving the airport.

Mobile internet matters here.

You may need it to find ATMs, check maps, open banking apps, or confirm hotel directions.

If you are still choosing internet, compare eSIM and pocket WiFi first.

Read the eSIM vs Pocket WiFi in Japan guide here.

For pocket WiFi, you can also compare Japan Wireless.

Prices, plans, pickup locations, return rules, and campaigns may change.

Please check the official page before booking.

Where to Exchange Money in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto

The basic idea is the same in major cities.

Airports are good for first-day cash.

Seven Bank ATMs and Japan Post Bank ATMs are good backup options.

Exchange shops and bank counters may also be available in city areas.

Area	Easy options	Tourist note
Tokyo	Airports, 7-Eleven, post offices, exchange shops	Check station exits before searching nearby ATMs.
Osaka	Airport, city ATMs, shopping area exchange counters	Keep cash for smaller restaurants and local transport.
Kyoto	Station area, convenience stores, post offices	Cash is useful around temples and smaller shops.

Do not search only for “money exchange.”

Also search for ATMs that accept overseas cards.

Convenience stores can help with this.

Read the Japan Convenience Store Guide here.

FAQ: Exchanging Money in Japan

Is it better to exchange money before going to Japan?

It can be helpful to prepare some yen before arrival.

This is especially true if you arrive late at night.

But you can also exchange or withdraw yen after arriving in Japan.

Can I exchange money at Japanese airports?

Yes, major airports usually have exchange points.

Airport ATMs may also be available.

Hours and available currencies can change.

Check your airport’s official page before your flight.

Are Seven Bank ATMs good for tourists?

Yes, they are useful for many tourists.

They are often located in 7-Eleven stores.

Still, card acceptance, limits, and fees depend on your card and bank.

Can I use Japan Post Bank ATMs with a foreign card?

Japan Post Bank provides international ATM service for many foreign-issued cards.

Service hours and usage conditions can differ by ATM.

Check the official Japan Post Bank page before traveling.

Can I use only a credit card in Japan?

No, I do not recommend relying only on a credit card.

Cards are useful in many places.

But cash is still useful for smaller places and emergencies.

Should I choose yen or my home currency at an ATM?

Read the screen carefully.

Some terminals may offer currency conversion.

This is often called Dynamic Currency Conversion.

It may show the cost in your home currency.

But the exchange rate may not be the best rate.

Your final cost can depend on exchange rates and card issuer fees.

Many travelers choose their home currency too quickly.

Compare carefully before selecting.

Check your card issuer’s rules before your trip.

Can I use USD in Japan?

Usually, no.

Japan uses Japanese yen.

Prepare yen cash or use a payment card where accepted.

Do I need coins in Japan?

Yes, coins can be useful.

They help with lockers, small shops, vending machines, and local payments.

A small coin purse is useful in Japan.

Best Articles to Read Next

This guide explains where to get yen.

Next, read the detailed guides based on your travel problem.

Final Verdict: Where Should Tourists Exchange Money in Japan?

Conclusion: use airport cash for the first day and ATMs for the rest of the trip.

Airport exchange is convenient after arrival.

Seven Bank ATMs and Japan Post Bank ATMs are useful backup options.

Credit cards and IC cards also help.

But cash is still useful in Japan.

The best plan is not one payment method.

The best plan is a simple mix.

Before exchanging or withdrawing money, check the latest official information.

Exchange rates, supported currencies, ATM fees, card brands, and service hours can change.

Official Sources to Check Before Your Trip

Use official pages for the latest information.