Japanese ATM Machines: Everything You Need to Know

Japanese ATM machines are a convenient way to access your money while traveling in Japan. They're widely available, with over 400,000 machines across the country.

Most Japanese ATMs are operated by one of three major banks: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, and Resona Holdings. You'll often see their logos displayed prominently on the machines.

You'll need a debit or credit card that's compatible with Japanese ATMs, which typically require a four-digit PIN. Don't worry if you don't have a PIN; you can usually choose one when you withdraw cash.

Using ATMs in Japan can be a convenient way to get cash, but it's essential to know what to expect. Most ATMs in Japan accept major US bank ATM/debit cards with Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, or Plus logos.

You'll find over 30,000 Japan Post ATMs and 24/7 Seven Bank ATMs, making it relatively easy to find one. Daily withdrawal limits are usually around 50,000-100,000 yen, which should be enough for most travelers.

However, be prepared for fees per withdrawal, which can range from 105 yen for Japan Post ATMs to possible overseas fees. You should also notify your bank before travel to prevent any issues.

Here's a brief rundown of the fees you can expect:

Withdrawing cash from an ATM in Japan can be a good option, especially if you need a specific amount. Just be aware of the fees and daily limits to avoid any inconvenience.

Before you travel to Japan, it's essential to notify your bank of your trip to avoid any account freezes due to suspicious activity.

Call your bank and inform them of your travel dates and destinations. This will prevent them from freezing your account.

Most major cards like Visa and Mastercard will work overseas, but it's always a good idea to double-check with your bank.

International transaction fees can be a small percentage on foreign purchases, so be sure to ask your bank about this.

Your daily ATM withdrawal limit and the number of withdrawals you can make per day are important to know, as you don't want to hit a dispensing limit mid-trip.

Japan's ATM fees can be a bit of a mystery, but I've got the inside scoop. Foreigners can expect to pay 110-220 JPY per ATM cash withdrawal in Japan, unless they use a Seven Bank ATM, which doesn't charge foreign withdrawal fees.

If you're using an international debit or credit card, you'll likely be charged a fee by your home bank overseas, on top of the Japanese ATM fee. This can add up quickly, so it's a good idea to check with your bank before you leave.

7-Eleven's Seven Bank ATMs are the way to go if you want to avoid fees altogether. They don't charge foreign withdrawal fees, and you can use them 24/7.

Here's a breakdown of the fees you can expect to pay at different types of ATMs in Japan:

It's worth noting that some ATMs, like Japan Post ATMs, charge a basic fee of 105 yen on regular weekdays, with higher fees on holidays and weekends. However, these ATMs do accept most foreign bank cards, with limited hours.

7-Eleven ATMs in Japan are a great option for withdrawing cash, and the best part is that they don't charge large fees. The ATMs themselves are free to use, and you'll only pay a small service charge of about 1-2% per transaction, depending on your home bank's policy.

To withdraw cash from a 7-Eleven ATM, simply insert your card with the magnetic stripe down and enter your 4-digit PIN when prompted. Make sure to select "credit" when asked, even if it's a debit card, to process the transaction as a credit card transaction rather than a cash advance.

If you're not near a 7-Eleven, you can also use standalone 7-Bank ATMs, often located at train stations, which work just like 7-Eleven machines. Alternatively, you can try a post office ATM, which is another no-fee option that accepts overseas debit/credit cards and has an English mode interface.

If you're traveling to Japan, it's a good idea to know what coins are in use. Japanese yen coins are available in denominations from 1 to 500 yen.

One of the most common coins is the 1 yen coin, which is also known as ichi-en. You'll see it frequently in change.

The 5 yen coin, or go-en, is another small denomination coin you might receive in change. It's worth noting that these smaller coins are often used for public transportation and vending machines.

The 10 yen coin, or jū-en, is a bit more valuable than the 1 and 5 yen coins. You might receive this one in change at a restaurant or store.

If you need to make a larger purchase, you might receive a 50 yen coin, or gojū-en. This coin is worth 50 times the value of the 1 yen coin.

For bigger transactions, you might get a 100 yen coin, or hyaku-en. This coin is a good size and easy to spot.

Lastly, the 500 yen coin, or gohyaku-en, is a large denomination coin that's worth 500 times the value of the 1 yen coin.

You'll find that Japan has a variety of banknotes to withdraw cash with.

In Japan, the most common banknotes are 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen.

You can easily identify the banknotes by their denominations, such as the 1,000 yen being called "sen-en" and the 10,000 yen being called "ichiman-en".

Here's a quick rundown of the banknotes you'll commonly find:

7-Eleven ATMs in Japan don't charge large fees, and you'll only pay a small service charge of about 1-2% per transaction, depending on your home bank's policy.

You can withdraw cash from 7-Eleven ATMs without incurring a convenience fee, as long as you have a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card.

To withdraw cash, select "credit" when asked, even if it's a debit card, to process the transaction as a credit card transaction rather than a cash advance.

The daily withdrawal limit at 7-Eleven ATMs is typically 40,000-50,000 yen per transaction, so you can make multiple transactions as needed.

Here's a breakdown of the steps to withdraw cash at 7-Eleven ATMs:

Note that some convenience store ATMs, like Lawson or Family Mart, may also be used to withdraw cash, but not every store's ATM accepts foreign cards, and fees may be higher than 7-Eleven or post offices.

Japan's post offices are a great option for withdrawing cash, especially if you're looking for a fee-free experience. They have over 24,000 locations across the country, making it easy to find one near you.

The post office ATMs have an English mode and are simple to operate, even for those who don't speak Japanese. Just be aware that they have limited hours, typically from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Saturday, and only until 9:00 PM on Sundays and holidays.

Before visiting a post office for cash, check online to ensure the ATM will be available at that time. This will save you from a wasted trip and ensure you can get the cash you need.

One of the best things about post office ATMs is that they accept overseas debit/credit cards, making it a convenient option for foreigners. Just look for the 7-Bank or Japan Post logos to spot them easily.

Here's a quick rundown of the post office ATM hours:

Keep in mind that these hours may vary depending on the location, so it's always a good idea to check ahead of time.

In large cities, most ATMs in all 7-Eleven convenience stores and in major post offices run 24-hours.

You can find ATMs at major Japanese banks, including Seven Bank, Japan Post Bank, Aeon Bank, Mizuho Bank, and E-net.

If you're looking for a specific bank, here's a quick rundown of the major players:

Bank of America customers can withdraw cash fee-free from Seven Bank (7-Eleven) ATMs in Japan, simply by selecting the “International Networks” option on their debit or ATM cards. This is a convenient option for travelers.

If you're a Bank of America customer, you can also use your credit card at 7-Eleven ATMs, but you'll incur a cash advance fee and interest charges. This is something to keep in mind when planning your expenses.

Here's a summary of Bank of America's ATM options in Japan:

Keep in mind that these options are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check with Bank of America before your trip to confirm their ATM policies in Japan.

Regular bank ATMs in Japan are basically useless for foreign cards. They have limited compatibility with overseas networks.

Shinsei Bank and some Mibuyo Bank ATMs are the exceptions, allowing international withdrawals.

Random ATMs on the street or in banks won't cut it unless specifically labeled for foreign cards.

Always have a backup payment method when traveling in Japan to avoid getting stranded without money. Bringing a credit card as a backup is a good idea.

Having a backup payment method, such as a credit card, is especially useful because debit cards can stop working due to fraud protection or network issues. This happened to me on a trip to Japan, and I was glad I had a credit card to fall back on.

Notify your credit card company about using the card abroad before you depart to avoid any issues with transactions.

Digital payments are a convenient option in Japan, especially for locals with a Japanese phone number. You can top up your digital payment app at an ATM or link it to your bank account, credit card, or mobile service provider.

Some popular digital payment apps include PayPay, MerPay, Line Pay, and R (Rakuten) Pay. These apps allow you to make contactless payments or have a vendor scan your QR code.

If you're new to digital payments, don't worry - it's easy to get started. Just link your payment method to your chosen app and you're good to go.

Exchanging cash upfront can be a convenient option, but you'll need to find a currency exchange location, and the exchange rates might not be as good as ATM rates.

You can withdraw cash from over 30,000 Japan Post ATMs and 24/7 Seven Bank ATMs, making it a more convenient option.

Using an ATM in Japan allows you to withdraw the exact amount of yen you need, rather than exchanging a lump sum.

The exchange rate you get from an ATM will be determined by your card and the ATM operator, but generally, the rates set by card issuers like Visa and MasterCard are fair.

You can expect to pay a fee per withdrawal, such as 105 yen for Japan Post ATMs, and also possible overseas fees from your bank.

To get the best exchange rate, consider using a debit card, especially an international debit card from your bank or a specialist provider.

Here's a comparison of exchanging cash and using an ATM in Japan: