💴 Updated April 2026
Currency Exchange in Japan (2026):
Best Ways to Get Yen
Where you exchange your money makes a big difference. Here's how to get the best yen rate — and what to avoid.
Best option
7-Eleven ATM with a no-fee card
Second best
Japan Post ATM
Avoid
Airport exchange counters & hotels
Bring
A travel card with no foreign fees
Best Ways to Get Yen
ATM Withdrawal (Best Rate)
Withdrawing yen directly from a Japanese ATM gives you the closest rate to the interbank exchange rate — far better than any counter. The two best networks for foreign cards are 7-Eleven ATMs (found inside every 7-Eleven convenience store) and Japan Post ATMs (at post offices nationwide). Both accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, and most international cards. Use them with a travel card that charges no foreign transaction fees (Wise, Revolut, Charles Schwab) and your total cost is often under 0.5% — the closest thing to a perfect rate available to travellers.
Wise / Revolut (Pre-loaded Card)
Load your Wise or Revolut card with yen before you fly — both convert at the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google) with minimal fees. Wise charges around 0.4–0.6% for JPY conversion; Revolut offers fee-free conversion up to a monthly limit. Once loaded, use the card at ATMs or directly at shops. This approach works especially well if you want to lock in a rate before travelling or if you prefer a debit card over carrying cash.
Currency Exchange Counters (Last Resort)
Banks, post offices, and authorised exchange bureaux (both in your home country and in Japan) can exchange cash, but the spread between the buy and sell rate is typically 3–8%. Airport counters in Japan (Narita, Haneda) are the most convenient but the most expensive. If you must use a counter, Travelex and airport bank branches in Japan generally offer better rates than hotel desks or standalone booths claiming 'no commission'. Exchange currency at home only as a last resort.
Where NOT to Exchange Money
| Location | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Airport exchange counters | Worst rates on the market — fees built into the spread |
| Hotel front desk | Convenience mark-up; expect 5–10% worse than ATM |
| "No commission" booths | Commission hidden in the exchange rate — often the worst overall |
| Department store exchanges | Below-market rates; fine as a last resort, not a first choice |
| Foreign bank ATMs in Japan | International network fees vary widely; use 7-Eleven or Japan Post instead |
The golden rule: the more convenient the exchange location, the worse the rate. Airport counters bank on travellers being in a hurry.
How Much Yen Should I Bring?
Japan is still a heavily cash-reliant country — especially outside major cities. Budget travellers can manage on ¥7,000–¥8,000 per day; mid-range trips typically cost ¥20,000–¥25,000; comfortable travel runs to ¥50,000+. The table below gives rough totals per trip length.
| Trip Length | Budget | Mid-range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 week | ¥50,000 | ¥150,000 | ¥300,000 |
| 2 weeks | ¥100,000 | ¥300,000 | ¥600,000 |
| 3 weeks | ¥150,000 | ¥450,000 | ¥900,000 |
These are total yen estimates including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Actual spending depends heavily on your itinerary and accommodation choices.
Best Cards for Getting Yen
Wise – Best Overall
Wise converts at the mid-market rate and charges a small transparent fee (around 0.4–0.6% for JPY). You can hold yen in your Wise account and spend directly, or convert on the fly. Available in most countries. The Wise card works at ATMs worldwide; Note that Wise charges a small ATM fee after the first two free withdrawals per month.
Charles Schwab – Best for US Travellers
The Charles Schwab Investor Checking account reimburses all ATM fees worldwide — including the fee charged by the Japanese ATM itself. Combined with no foreign transaction fees, this is effectively free yen at the best available rate. The only catch: you need a US address to open an account.
Starling / Monzo – Best for UK Travellers
Both Starling and Monzo offer fee-free foreign currency spending and ATM withdrawals up to their monthly limits (Starling: unlimited; Monzo: £200/month free). Starling has a slight edge for international use due to no monthly withdrawal cap. Both use the Mastercard exchange rate, which is very close to the mid-market rate.
Note: Japan's 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs often charge a ¥110–¥330 machine fee per withdrawal regardless of your card. This is separate from any fee your bank charges. A Wise or Charles Schwab card eliminates your bank's fees; the ATM's own fee is harder to avoid.
Should I Exchange Before or After Arriving?
Exchange a small amount — ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 — before you fly. This covers your airport transfer, any immediate purchases, and gives you breathing room before you find an ATM. The rate at a bank or post office in your home country is rarely great, but it's usually better than a dedicated airport exchange counter.
For the bulk of your spending money, withdraw yen from a 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATM in Japan. The rate is significantly better than any over-the-counter exchange, and ATMs are available 24/7 at convenience stores across the country — you will never be far from one in any city or major tourist area.
One practical tip: withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise ATM fees. A single ¥50,000 withdrawal costs the same machine fee as a ¥10,000 withdrawal.
Common Questions
1. Where is the best place to exchange money in Japan?
2. Should I get yen before going to Japan?
3. Is it better to use card or cash in Japan?
4. Can I exchange money at Japanese convenience stores?
5. What is the best exchange rate app for Japan?
Planning your Japan trip budget?
See our full breakdown of what Japan costs — accommodation, food, transport, and activities — for every budget level.
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