ATMs in Japan: About Using International Cash and Credit Cards | LIVE JAPAN travel guide (2024)

First, while ATMs in Japan that accept international cards are generally not difficult to find, it's important to note that the cards they accept may be limited.

Some cash and credit cards may have a restriction during what times they can be used. In addition, note that not all ATMs will operate 24 hours a day, and that there is typically a daily cap (often ￥300,000) on the amount of money that can be withdrawn from a given card.

Be sure to check our tips below for additional suggestions before using an international ATM in Japan.

ATMs of the Japan Post Bank (JP Bank in short) can be found in post offices and many other locations all across Japan. If the ATM itself is located inside a post office, it won’t be accessible if the office itself is closed. Japan Post Bank ATMs in other locations, though, such as Ministop convenience stores or stations, can be accessed at all times.

Service hours
Monday - Saturday:
0:05 a.m. - 11:55 p.m. (Holidays excluded. From 7:00 a.m. on Monday and the day following a holiday.)

Sundays, holidays and December 31:
0:05 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (From 7:00 a.m. on Monday and the day following a holiday)

January 1 - 3
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Withdrawal limits
50,000 yen per withdrawal

Cash and credit cards accepted at JP Bank ATMs
VISA, VISAELECTRON, PLUS, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, JCB, China Unionpay, and Discover.
It should be noted that certain Maestro cards with an IC chip currently cannot be used.

ATM usage fee
\216 (tax included) per use may apply; cards issued overseas may have additional fees imposed by the respective financial institution.

The ATMs of Seven Bank, found at every 7-Eleven convenience store, operate in a variety of languages and accept just as many cards. In addition, 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan can be found at many international airports, large train stations, and larger shopping malls.

Service hours
Open 24 hours/7 days per week

Withdrawal limits
100,000 yen per withdrawal.
(For cards with magnetic stripes, limit of 30,000 yen; for American Express cards, limit of 30,000 yen per withdrawal.)

Cash and credit cards accepted at Seven Bank ATMs
VISA, VISA PLUS, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, JCB, China Unionpay, Discover, Diners Club.
It should be noted that certain Maestro cards with an IC chip currently cannot be used.

ATM usage fee
An ATM usage fee per use may apply; cards issued overseas may have additional fees imposed by the respective financial institution.

Operated by Aeon, Japan’s largest shopping mall chain, Aeon Bank’s ATMs also accept a wide range of international cash and credit cards. While there are not as many as from Seven Bank or JP Bank, Aeon Bank’s ATMs are also installed in supermarkets and convenience stores operated under the umbrella of the Aeon Group.

Service hours
Open 24 hours/7 days per week

Withdrawal limits
50,000 yen per withdrawal.

Cash and credit cards accepted at Aeon Bank ATMs
VISA, VISA PLUS, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, JCB, China Unionpay, and Discover.

ATM usage fee
An ATM usage fee per use may apply; cards issued overseas may have additional fees imposed by the respective financial institution.

Ensure that you do the following at home before your trip to Japan, so that you are able to use international ATMs in the country:

1. Notify your bank that you will be using your card overseas, so that they do not inadvertently block access to your card. Most banks let you do this online for free.

2. Make sure that your card can be used overseas. While most of the international ATMs in Japan also allow cash withdrawls directly from credit cards, it's good to check with your financial institution that this is the case for you.

3. Check what fees are involved for international transactions.

4. Know what your daily and/or monthly caps are for international ATMs. Also note that

5. Know the secret PIN for your credit card. If you do not know this, be sure you check with your bank. Note that many banks may not share this information directly for security purposes, and it may require them sending a postcard to your mailing address - which can take a week or few.

Units Commonly Used in Japan

Prices in Tokyo

Japanese Currency and Payment Methods in Japan

World Currency Shop is a group of money exchange stores belonging to Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. They are one of the most popular exchangers in Japan, with convenient locations, friendly staff, and reasonable rates equivalent to those of banks. The Shinjuku Minamiguchi location is particularly useful, as it is open daily until 19:00 and is directly connected to Shinjuku Station. They exchange more than 20 currencies including US dollars, Euros, Hong Kong dollars, and Philippine pesos, in units as little as one USD. They will also buy smaller notes of currency from many Asian countries. Whether you need one thousand or one hundred thousand yen, they’ll quickly process exchanges for travel, business, or extended stays in Japan. Feel free to stop by anytime to discuss a potential exchange (English-speaking tellers are available).

Let the staff of Shinjuku Minamiguchi Keio MallAnnex know this article to receive an original canvas bag.(limited quantity; first-come-first- served).

World currency shop

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.