Currency / Money Exchange / Traveler's Checks / ATMs / Credit Cards

Currency

There are no restrictions on the amount of currency travelers may bring into or take out of Japan. However, a customs declaration must be filled out and submitted if the amount (in any currency, checks, securities, or other monies) carried into or out of Japan exceeds 1,000,000 yen or its equivalent.

The unit of Japanese currency is the yen. Coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen, and bank notes in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen.

Currency Exchange

In Japan yen can be purchased at foreign exchange banks or other authorized currency exchangers. Currency exchange counters are also located in international airports, and they are usually open during the normal operating hours of the airport. Exchange rates fluctuate daily depending on the currency markets.

Traveler’s Checks

Traveler’s checks are accepted at leading banks, hotels, ryokan(Japanese-style inns), and stores in major cities.

ATMs

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are commonly available in all major cities throughout Japan. However, many of them do not accept credit cards or cash cards issued outside of Japan, and their service hours are often limited. Many ATMs operate only during banking hours, though some operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. Weekend services are often restricted to only Saturday morning.

To find out about ATMs that accept credit cards, it is advisable to check with the credit card company beforehand concerning the location and procedures for such ATMs as their conditions for credit card use vary from machine to machine.

Some credit cards, debit cards, and cash cards issued outside of Japan can be used at the over 21,000 post office ATMs in locations throughout Japan. Post offices where this service is available display stickers showing which cards are accepted. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club are among the major cards accepted.

Credit Cards

Internationally recognized credit cards like American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and MasterCard are usually accepted at major facilities (hotels, large stores, restaurants, etc.). Outside of major urban areas, however, they may not be accepted at smaller shops, discount stores, and other places. When traveling to regional areas, travelers are advised to have a certain amount of cash on hand.