🛬 Introduction
Maybe you forgot to exchange money at home. Maybe your trip is lasting longer than you planned. Or maybe you’re just running low on yen.
Whatever the reason, you’re now in Japan and need access to cash—and you’re wondering:
Where’s the best place to exchange or withdraw money?
While Japan is still a cash-heavy country in some areas, you’ve got more options than you might expect. In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- Where to exchange money after arriving in Japan
- Where to withdraw yen with a foreign card
- Which locations offer the best rates
- Tips to avoid high fees or bad deals
Let’s start with the most accessible spots:
✈️ 1. At the Airport (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, etc.)
Airports in Japan are the most convenient place to exchange currency—especially if you forgot to get yen before arriving. Both arrival and departure halls at Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and other international airports have several exchange counters.
✅ Pros:
- Open early in the morning to late at night
- Staff usually speak English or other languages
- Easy to find—located near baggage claim and exits
- Good for emergencies or your first few days
❌ Cons:
- Exchange rates are typically worse than in the city
- Higher service charges or spread
- Long lines during peak arrival times
- Not ideal if you want to exchange a large amount
💡 Tip:
Exchange just a small amount (e.g. ¥10,000–¥20,000) at the airport to cover your first day, and look for better rates in town later.
🚉 2. At Major Train Stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kyoto, Osaka, etc.)
If you didn’t exchange currency at the airport or want to get a better deal, major train stations are your next best option. Busy stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ueno, Kyoto, and Osaka often have multiple exchange counters inside or nearby.
✅ Pros:
- Very convenient if you’re staying in a central area
- Exchange counters like Travelex, World Currency Shop, or Sakura Exchange are easy to find
- Some offer better rates than the airport
- Staff often speak basic English
❌ Cons:
- Exchange rates still vary—not always the best
- Some locations close early (around 7–8pm)
- Finding the exact location inside a large station can be confusing
💡 Tip:
Use Google Maps or type “currency exchange” + the station name. Many shops post their rates online or outside the entrance, so you can compare before you choose.
🏦 3. At Banks (Mizuho, MUFG, SMBC, etc.)
If you’re planning to exchange a large amount of foreign currency, going to a traditional Japanese bank can be a reliable—but sometimes slow—option. Major banks like Mizuho, MUFG, and SMBC offer currency exchange at select branches, especially in big cities.
✅ Pros:
- Safe and trustworthy
- Suitable for large transactions (¥100,000 or more)
- Fair rates compared to hotels or airport counters
- You may receive a receipt and official documentation if needed
❌ Cons:
- Open only on weekdays from 9:00 to 15:00
- The process can take time, especially if forms are required
- Staff may have limited English skills
- Not all branches offer foreign currency services
💡 Tip:
Go early in the day to avoid wait times. If you’re exchanging a large amount, bring your passport—some banks require it for identification.
💱 4. At Currency Exchange Shops (Sakura Exchange, Ninja Exchange, etc.)
Dedicated currency exchange shops are often the best balance between good rates and convenience. You’ll find these shops near major stations, shopping districts, and tourist areas in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
✅ Pros:
- Often better exchange rates than banks or airports
- Fast and easy service—usually no forms required
- Open on weekends and evenings
- No need for a Japanese bank account or reservation
❌ Cons:
- Not available in smaller cities or rural areas
- Some charge a small flat fee per transaction
- You’ll need to shop around to find the best rates
💡 Tip:
Search Google Maps for terms like “currency exchange Tokyo” or “Sakura Exchange Kyoto.”
Some shops, like Ninja Exchange, even post real-time rates on their websites or digital boards outside.
If you’re near a big station, look for shop signs, too. like:
金券ショップ (kinken shop), チケット〇〇 (Ticket ◯◯), or 格安チケット (Discount Tickets).
Ask if they handle foreign currency:
“Gaika ryougae arimasu ka?” 外貨両替ありますか？(Do you do currency exchange?)
It’s a hidden gem option many tourists overlook—but often worth checking if you want the best rate with minimal hassle.
🏨 5. At Hotels (Mainly Large Chain Hotels)
Many large hotels in Japan—especially international chains—offer on-site currency exchange. This can be convenient if you’re staying in a central area and just need a small amount of yen before heading out.
✅ Pros:
- Extremely convenient if you’re already staying at the hotel
- No need to find a bank or exchange shop
- Front desk staff usually speak English
- Great for last-minute small exchanges
❌ Cons:
- One of the worst exchange rates
- Low daily limits (e.g., ¥10,000–¥30,000 per person)
- Only major foreign currencies (USD, EUR, etc.)
- Not available at smaller hotels or ryokan
💡 Tip:
Only use hotel exchange services if you need a small amount urgently and have no time to find a better option.
💰 Where Can You Get the Best Rates?
Not all currency exchange options are equal—some prioritize convenience, while others offer better value. Here’s how they generally stack up:
🥇 Best Rates: Local Currency Exchange Shops
– Shops like Sakura Exchange, Ninja Exchange, and World Currency Shop often have the best deals
– Especially in major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto)
– Bonus: Some shops display real-time rates online or outside the door
🥈 Good for Large Amounts: Japanese Banks
– Rates are decent
– Safe and official
– Best if you’re exchanging ¥100,000+ and don’t mind the paperwork
🥉 Decent for Convenience: Major Stations
– Slightly better than airports, especially if you shop around
– Great if you’re already passing through a big station like Shinjuku or Ueno
🚫 Avoid If Possible: Airports & Hotels
– Super easy, but worst rates
– Use only if it’s an emergency or if you’re exchanging small amounts
🏧 Where to Withdraw Cash in Japan (Using Foreign Cards)
If you don’t want to carry large amounts of foreign currency, or just want to top up your yen while traveling, ATM withdrawals can be one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to get cash in Japan—especially if your card has low international fees.
Here’s where you can withdraw yen using foreign debit or credit cards:
✅ 7-Bank ATMs (7-Eleven Stores)
– Available nationwide
– Support major networks: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Cirrus, Plus
– English menu
– Open 24/7 in most locations
– 💡 Best option for most tourists
✅ Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行)
– Found at post offices and some stations
– English interface
– Lower withdrawal limits
– Business hours vary, often 9:00–17:00
✅ AEON Bank ATMs
– Found in AEON malls and suburban areas
– Accept foreign cards
– Often open until 23:00 or 24/7
✅ Prestia SMBC / Citibank ATMs
– Limited locations (mostly in Tokyo/Osaka)
– English-friendly
– High withdrawal limits
💳 Tips for ATM Use:
- Check your home bank’s foreign withdrawal fees
- Use cards with Plus (Visa) or Cirrus (Mastercard) logos
- Have a backup card—some machines reject certain issuers
- Bring clean, recent cards—ATMs may reject worn-out magnetic stripes
💰 Where Can You Get the Best Rates?
Not all currency exchange options are equal—some prioritize convenience, while others offer better value. Here’s how they generally stack up:
🥇 Best Rates: Local Currency Exchange Shops & Some Kinken Shops
🥈 Good for Large Amounts: Japanese Banks
🥉 Decent for Convenience: Major Stations
🚫 Avoid If Possible: Airports & Hotels
🔎 Tip: Compare Rates—But Also Weigh Convenience
Let’s say you’re exchanging $1,000 USD:
- A local exchange shop might give you ¥147,000
- An airport counter may offer ¥145,000
→ That’s a ¥2,000 (~$13 USD) difference
If you’re tired, jetlagged, or only need a little, airport exchange is acceptable.
💡 Rule of thumb: If the rate difference is under 2%, go with convenience.
Important: Bring clean, new-style bills, especially for USD.
Old-design U.S. dollars are often rejected, even if they’re legal tender in America.
🧳 Conclusion: You Still Have Good Options
Whether you need yen right after landing or halfway through your trip, Japan offers plenty of ways to get cash—safely and smartly.
Here’s how to decide:
- 🏧 Use an ATM (like 7-Eleven or JP Bank) if you have a reliable foreign card
- 💱 Visit an exchange shop or kinken shop if you’re in a major city and want a better deal
- 🏦 Use a bank if you need to exchange a large amount
- ✈️ Use airport exchange for speed and small amounts
- 🏨 Use hotel exchange only as a last resort
And above all: don’t stress over a small rate difference.
You’ve got places to be—and Japan to enjoy. ✨
