Cash in Japan: how to get yen and when you'll need it

Japan has a reputation as a cash country, and while the situation has improved considerably in recent years — especially since the 2021 Olympics and the post-pandemic return of mass tourism — that reputation still has a solid basis. There are situations where cash is essential, and arriving without yen or assuming cards will be accepted everywhere can complicate a trip.

Where to withdraw money

7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank)

The most reliable option for foreign cards. They’re located in every 7-Eleven across the country — thousands of locations, open 24 hours — and accept practically any Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card with a PIN. Instructions are available in English, the process is straightforward, and the fees are reasonable. If you can’t find another ATM that works, you’ll find a 7-Eleven.

Post offices (Japan Post)

The second most reliable option. Japan Post ATMs (identifiable by the red letter-with-bar symbol) accept foreign cards and are located at every post office. Hours are more limited than convenience stores, but large cities usually have an ATM accessible outside opening hours.

Airport ATMs

Narita and Haneda airports both have multiple ATMs that work with international cards, including Seven Bank and Japan Post. Withdrawing some cash on arrival is a good idea — the journey from the airport to your hotel may require cash if you’re taking a bus or the airport limousine bus.

ATMs to avoid

Standard Japanese bank ATMs (Mitsubishi UFJ, SMBC, Mizuho) typically don’t accept foreign cards or work inconsistently. It’s not worth trying if an alternative is nearby.

Currency exchange

If you prefer exchanging cash, authorised exchange offices (ryougaejo, 両替所) are found at airports, major stations, and tourist areas. Exchange rates vary, and airport rates tend to be slightly worse.

In Tokyo, the Akihabara area and some streets in Shinjuku have exchange offices with competitive rates. If you’re bringing euros or dollars in cash from home, compare rates before exchanging.

One warning: avoid hotels for currency exchange. The rate is usually noticeably worse than any alternative.

When you’ll need cash

Card acceptance has improved significantly, but there are still contexts where cash is necessary:

Always cash:

• Temples and shrines (entrance fees, offerings, omamori)
• Many small independent restaurants
• Vending machines (though more are accepting card or Suica)
• Market stalls and festival food stands
• Taxis (some now accept cards, but not all)
• Some rural accommodation and traditional ryokan

Generally card-friendly:

• Department stores (Takashimaya, Isetan, Mitsukoshi)
• Supermarkets and convenience stores
• Restaurant chains
• City hotels
• Electronics stores (Yodobashi, Bic Camera)
• Museums in large cities

The IC card (Suica or ICOCA)

The rechargeable transport card is a different tool but a very useful one. It works for paying on the metro, train, and bus in most cities, and also at convenience stores, vending machines, and some fast food chains. It doesn’t replace cash, but it significantly reduces the amount of coins you need to handle.

It can be topped up at metro ticket machines with cash or card (depending on the machine model). It can also be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay before you travel.

How much to carry

A rough guide for a one-week trip without particularly expensive hotels:

• ¥50,000–70,000 is a comfortable amount to have on hand, with a card for larger purchases.
• On days visiting temples, markets, or rural areas, carrying ¥10,000–15,000 is sensible.
• On city days with chain restaurants and shops, ¥5,000 may be enough.

You don’t need to carry large amounts all the time — 7-Elevens are everywhere and topping up is easy. More than the total amount, the important thing is not to run out of cash in a rural area on a Sunday afternoon with no ATM nearby.

A note on banknotes

¥10,000 notes are the most common and what ATMs usually dispense. The problem is that small places often can’t make change for large notes — when paying at a food stall or small shop, having coins or ¥1,000 notes is more practical. If you end up with large notes, break them at convenience stores or vending machines when you have the chance.

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Related reading

If you found this useful, these guides go well with it:

• The best apps for travelling in Japan
• Japan’s departure tax triples to ¥3,000 from July 2026
• Driving in Japan: licence, car rental and what you need to know