Money Exchange in Japan

Japan Currency Exchange at Shinjuku

It’s a fact you should know before your Japan adventure that, cashes are popular with Japanese people even to the present time. As a hot destination for travelling, Japan has many places to exchange money for visitors. It’s easy to find a reliable money changer, especially in the big cities.

When to Exchange Money for Your Japan Trip

In view of the fact cash is heavily used in Japan, you can exchange some for emergency beforehand or just on arrival at the airport. After that, you can exchange more at the hotel or nearby money changers at any time.

It’s noted that the currency you take, including cashes, cheques and more, should be no more than JPY 1 million when entering or leaving Japan.

Where to Exchange Money in Japan

Money Exchange Stores

There are usually special money exchange stores at the most prosperous and the most-visited districts in a city center in Japan, such as Shinjuku in Tokyo. Greenport Agency (GPA) and Travelex are the money changers that offer the most types of currency to exchange with Japanese money. The famous store Daikoku (大黑屋) often provides money exchange service, too. Don’t worry about the language barrier as the staff receive oversea visitors often.

The exchange rates might be somewhat different at each store, but such a difference is too slight to be noted.

)

ATMs & Banks

The major banks and their ATMs in Japan have the service to exchange money. You can withdraw Japanese cashes directly with your credit card there. Japan Post (JP) Bank, Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) Bank, etc. are often friendly to foreigners.

Generally speaking, most common international credit cards can be used on ATMs of these banks, and the language can also be selected on the machines. However, only withdrawal is allowed, while deposit and transfer functions are unavailable. You can consult the bank for more details, or ask staff for help if encounter any difficulty/problem in the course of use.

Convenience Stores

You can often find an ATM inside konbini, convenience stores in Japanese pronunciation. In particular, the convenience store giant 7-Eleven has developed its own bank – Seven Bank. The chain convenience stores FamilyMart & Lawson have ATMs in their stores likewise. Although not all the stores are equipped with an ATM, it is a quite convenient way to exchange Japanese currency.

By the way, the self-service money exchange machines or ATMs are placed in some grand hotels, supermarkets, large train stations, and so on.

Money Exchange Counters at Airports

Each international airport has counters to exchange money, of varied money changers and banks. Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai Airport in Osaka, and Central Japan Airport in Nagoya are the international airports operate flights to/from the world, with a variety of money exchange counters. Besides, some smaller airports with flights to/from neighboring Asian countries, such as New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, hold money exchange service, too.

The following locations are for your reference:

Automatic currency purchasing machine (24 hours) and banks (6:30-23:00) in Tokyo Narita Airport:

Terminal 1: Central Bldg., 1st Floor (Arrivals); South Wing, 1st Floor (Arrivals)

Terminal 2: Main Bldg., 1st Floor (Arrivals)

Terminal 3: Main Bldg., 2nd Floor; Main Bldg., 1st Floor

Currency exchange (24 hours) at Tokyo Haneda Airport:

Terminal 3: Mizuho Bank on 2nd Floor (International Arrivals)

Where is the Best Place to Exchange Money?

Try to get the cash you need for the trip in Tokyo, as the exchange rates are less favorable in other cities. However, you’d better not change too much money at the airport because the exchange rate there is not good.

Exchange Machine at Airport (less favorable rate)

A Money Exchange Store at Shinjuku

According to our expert’s field survey on May 9th, 2024:

1. The automatic money exchange machines at the airport have the worst rate at JPY 130 to USD 1, while the bank counters at the airport are better at 150 to USD 1.

2. The money exchange machines at the hotels are also not recommended, about JPY 130 to USD 1.

3. The exchange rates are the best in some currency exchange shops in downtown Tokyo, where USD 1 can buy JPY 153, or even JPY 154 if you are exchanging more than JPY 100,000. The ones in Shinjuku are highly recommended. Outside the Exit D3 of Shinjuku Nishiguchi subway station, you can find a dozen money exchange shops, and compare the rates by yourself. Please mark this address to find them:

1 Chome-2-12 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023

Try the ‘Ninja Money Exchange’, next to the Exit D3, or ‘ACCESS TICKET Shinjuku Nishiguchi’, 70 meters to the south (search them on your mobile map app), for a good exchange rate. Never choose ‘Amazon’ in the middle, which will charge an 8% commission without telling you.

More Tips

Please exchange money at the publicly recognized counters or shops. Never exchange with the undependable changers such as an individual person.

A service fee is required to exchange money. In particular, if you exchange on the ATMs for a few times, instead of a one-off withdrawal, multiple service fees would be charged. Pay attention to the limit of money amount for each withdrawal.

Credit card is also well acceptable in Japan, particularly for large expenditures. On the one hand, you can use it directly; on the other hand, you can withdraw money from the card. But just in case, it’s suggested to take both the magnetic-stripe credit card and IC credit card on your Japan journey.