Japan is a place that has it all – from ancient temples to the latest technology to stunning natural landscapes. It’s a country that beautifully combines tradition with modernity. Japan offers a wide range of experiences, from the vibrant streets of Tokyo and the ancient temples of Kyoto to the snowy mountains of Hokkaido and the peaceful gardens of Kanazawa. Getting around this awesome country with ease means knowing the ins and outs of the local cash, cash and ATMs in Japan, and the different ways you can pay for things. This guide has got you covered when it comes to all the financial insights you need to explore Japan’s rich history, vibrant culture, and cutting-edge innovation.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to save money for travelling in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in Japan?
Japan has over 60,000 ATMs. These are run by Japan Post and over 25 commercial and specialised banks, including a few foreign banks as well. In cities, you’ll find plenty of ATMs, and even in smaller towns, there are usually a few options available to get cash in Japan.
You can find ATMs at:
- Big airports,
- Market and town squares,
- Popular streets in any big city,
- Shopping malls and food lanes,
- Branches of the bank,
- Convenience stores,
- A few office buildings,
- Little airports.
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Islands and regional bus stops,
- Village interiors,
- In small towns, away from the main streets,
- Places of worship.
Best ATMs to use in Japan for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Japan are those owned by popular banks such as:
Mizuho Bank,
Resona Bank,
Seven Bank,
Japan Post,
Aeon Bank,
Rakuten Bank, and
Lawson Bank.
There are plenty of other banks with ATMs that happily accept international debit and credit cards.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Japan, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in JPY).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Japan, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in JPY’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Japan?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Japan. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept American Express, Diners, Discover cards. Others like CUP, JCB, Maestro or Rupay cards are usually not accepted.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Japan.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs – In most cases, yes, they are open around the clock, every day of the year 24×7. You should have no trouble getting to any of them at any hour of the day or night because many of them are self-contained ATMs. Depending on the location, some bank branches may only be open from 9 am to 3 pm.
What do they call ATMs in Japan?
ATMs are known as Ginkou-no-ATM or the word ‘ATM’ is used. You will also see the name of the bank as signage on top of the ATM.
PIN type
ATM PIN Length: Typically 4-digit PINs.
Merchants accept both magnetic stripe and chip cards, but we highly recommend using chip cards as they offer better security.
Languages at ATMs in Japan
By default, ATMs in Japan offer two language options: Japanese and English. If you’re not familiar with these languages, just whip out your phone and use Google Translate’s camera feature to instantly translate the options! Just a heads up – these translations might not always be spot-on, so no need to hurry. Take your time with the transaction.
You can use Google Translate’s camera feature to get real-time translations of your phone’s menu options to translate the ATM screen. Feel free to take your time and not rush through the transaction. Just keep in mind that these translations may not always be 100% accurate.
Do ATMs in Japan work similarly as other countries?
Japanese ATMs look a bit complicated as it has a lot of signs and words in Japanese. They are also shaped a tiny bit differently than the ones you’re probably used to seeing in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and India. However, they do have an English language option. Also, some ATMs can keep your card inside while you’re doing your transaction. So, make sure you don’t forget to grab it back after you’ve withdrawn your cash.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in Asia.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Japan?
ATMs in Japan dispense only the official currency Japanese Yen (JPY).
ATM withdrawal limits in Japan?
Majority of the ATMs in Japan have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of JPY 100,000 and some bank ATMs allow up to JPY 50,000 per transaction. If you use card with magnetic stripes, some bank ATMs limit the amount to JPY 40,000 per transaction.
ATM Fees in Japan?
There are some fee-free ATMs in Japan. Some bank ATMs do not charge ATM fees to some specific foreign cards i.e. depending on if the card is Visa or Mastercard. Furthermore, some ATMs are also fee-free to foreign cardholders depending on the time and day of withdrawal. For e.g. Some bank ATMs allow fee-free cash withdrawals between 8 am and 6 pm on weekdays. Apart from that, majority of the bank ATMs charge between JPY 110 to JPY 660 per transaction as ATM Fees to foreign cardholders. In addition, one bank charges a fee of only JPY 75 for UnionPay cards. So, there are some fee-free options in Japan for a foreign cardholder.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Japan – something every traveller handling cash in Japan should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Japan?
- Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
- Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Japan?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Japan. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Japan.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is it safe to use Japan ATMs?
Yes usually. There are plenty of ATMs around that have cameras and security guards. Crime rates near ATMs are pretty low.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Japan takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, it is possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Japan. Some bank ATMs do not charge ATM fees to some specific foreign cards i.e. depending on if the card is Visa or Mastercard. Furthermore, some ATMs are also fee-free to foreign cardholders depending on the time and day of withdrawal. For e.g. Some bank ATMs allow fee-free cash withdrawals between 8 am and 6 pm on weekdays. Apart from that, majority of the bank ATMs charge between JPY 110 to JPY 660 per transaction as ATM Fees to foreign cardholders. In addition, one bank charges a fee of only JPY 75 for UnionPay cards. So, there are some fee-free options in Japan for a foreign cardholder.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Japan?
Definitely. Cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries can typically be used at ATMs in Japan.
Bitcoin ATMs?
Japan has a good number of Bitcoin ATMs, especially in big cities like Tokyo.
Foreign bank ATMs’ in Japan
Bank of America: Bank of America ATMs are not available in Japan.
Citibank: None.
Barclays: There aren’t any Barclays ATMs in Japan.
HSBC: You can find HSBC ATMs in Japan.
Standard Chartered: There’s one Standard Chartered ATM in Japan.
