ATMs in Japan: locations, fees, and tips (2024)

Planning a trip to Japan from the UK? Whether you’re exploring the bright lights of Tokyo or marvelling at the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, you’ll need to sort out some spending money.

If you prefer to use cash, read on. We’ve put together the essential guide on using ATMs in Japan, so you can withdraw Japanese yen (JPY) whenever you need it. This includes info on where to find ATMs in Japan and tips for keeping fees to a minimum.

We’ll even show you a super convenient way to spend abroad using the Wise card, which works in 150+ countries.

Where do I find ATMs in Japan?

You’ll find ATMs in Japan at major airports, as well as in cities and busy tourist areas. However, not all ATMs will accept cards issued outside of Japan.

So your best bet if you have a UK-issued card is to look for ATMs at post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores - there are thousands of these spread across the country.¹

Foreigner-friendly ATMs are available at international airports and in larger department stores. Aeon Bank ATMs also accept cards issued outside the country.¹

To find ATMs in Japan, you can use these ATM locator tools:

• Japan Post Group - Postal ATM locator
• 7-Eleven and 7 Bank - ATM locator.
• Aeon Bank - ATM locator.

Remember - the crucial thing to look for when scouting out ATMs is the word ‘international’.

If you’re travelling to a remote part or island of Japan, bear in mind that there may not be any ATMs (especially not ones that accept foreign cards). So it could be a good idea to plan ahead and take out cash in advance.

What are ATMs called in Japan?

ATMs are generally called ATMs in Japan, so you don’t need to worry about any confusing terminology or translations.

They look similar to the cash machines you’ll find in the UK. Just look out for the ‘ATM’ sign.

Will my credit or debit card work in Japan ATMs?

Many ATMs in Japan will only accept cards issued within the country. This means that you may not be able to use your UK-issued card to withdraw cash.

There are many exceptions though. ATMs at post offices, 7-Eleven and 7 Bank locations, as well as Aeon Bank ATMs, all accept foreign-issued cards. This includes Visa and Mastercard, which are the most commonly issued cards in the UK.

Other major Japanese banks are starting to widen their acceptance of foreign-issued cards at their ATMs, especially in tourist areas.¹ But you’ll need to check to find your nearest and make sure it will accept your card.

You can search for your nearest cash machine with these global ATM locators:

• Visa ATM locator
• MasterCard ATM locator

Just remember that there’s a chance your card won’t be accepted at every ATM. So, be prepared to try a few, or hunt down a post office or 7-Eleven ATM instead.

Japan ATM Pins

ATMs in Japan usually ask for 4-digit PINs,² which is the same as the UK. So, you can simply enter your card and PIN as normal.

Whether withdrawing cash or spending in Japan, you should find that chip and PIN is widely accepted. Some merchants and ATMs may still use the swipe system, where you swipe the magnetic strip of your card.

Japan ATM max cash withdrawal limits

The maximum amount you can withdraw from an overseas ATM will largely depend on your bank back at home. Most UK banks set daily, weekly and/or monthly withdrawal limits, including specific limits for spending and withdrawing cash overseas.

However, the ATM itself may have maximum withdrawal limits. These vary between banks and ATM operators, but you can expect a limit of around 50,000 to 100,000 JPY.³

Let your bank know before you travel

These days, it’s no longer essential to tell your bank that you’ll be using your UK debit card abroad. But you might want to do it anyway, just in case your transactions in Japan are flagged up by anti-fraud systems. If this happens, your card could end up being blocked.

Find an international travel card

It could even be worth getting an alternative spending card, one that is specially designed for international travel.

The Wise card is the ideal travel companion, as it works in 150+ countries and lets you withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) from overseas ATMs without any fees*.

You’ll just need to check that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fees.

Choose to withdraw in JPY or whatever the local currency is, and your Wise card will do the currency conversion at the mid-market exchange rate for a small, transparent fee*.

This means no expensive mark-ups eating into your spending money.

What are the ATM fees in Japan?

Now, let’s take a look at how much it’ll cost you to withdraw cash in Japan. Below, we’ll look at bank and ATM fees, along with currency conversion.

Exchange rate fees at ATMs in Japan (DCC)

When you’re using an ATM in Japan, you’ll usually be asked if you want the transaction to be converted into your local currency (British pounds) or carried out in the local currency (JPY).

It’s always recommended to withdraw in the local currency, without a currency conversion. This will mean you get a better rate, as the conversion will be done by your bank or card provider back home.

However, if you choose to be charged in British pounds, the ATM will choose its own exchange rate using something called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This rate will almost certainly be unfavourable, and can make the transaction expensive for you.

So the bottom line is - always press ‘no’ when asked about currency conversion.

Home bank ATM fees

Some UK banks charge fees for foreign transactions, including cash withdrawals. So always check before you travel, either by contacting your bank or reading the terms and conditions for your account.

Japan bank ATM fees

Unless you have a Japanese bank account and card, ATMs in Japan tend to charge fees of around 110 to 220 JPY per transaction.⁴

However, cash withdrawals at 7-Eleven ATMs are fee-free,⁴ so it’s always worth looking out for one during your trip.

Can I get free cash withdrawals in Japan?

Yes, it is possible to get fee-free ATM withdrawals in Japan.

Look for ATMs operated by either 7 Bank or 7-Eleven convenience stores, as these charge no fees to international customers.⁴ There are thousands of them spread across the country, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one during your trip.

Tips for avoiding ATM fees in Japan

Always choose to be charged in the local currency

Some ATMs may offer you a ‘service’ of being charged in your local currency (i.e. GBP). While you may feel relieved to see the figures on terms you’re more familiar with, it’s always best to decline this option.

Being charged in the local currency helps you avoid hidden ATM rip-offs by giving you the best possible exchange rate. Choosing to see the transaction shown in British pounds gives the ATM permission to give you an arbitrary (generally much more unfavourable) exchange rate for your withdrawal.

Check out the latest currency conversion below:

Check whether your home bank has partner banks in Japan

If your UK bank has an overseas ATM network or partners with banks in Japan, you may be able to benefit from low or no fees on ATM withdrawals. It’s always worth finding out before you travel.

Use 7-Eleven ATMs and pay no fees

You can find 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan wherever you go, which charge no fees to international customers.

• 7-Eleven ATM locator

Choose the right fee-free card

Some UK banks don’t charge fees for using ATMs and spending abroad. If you travel frequently, it may be worth switching banks so you can benefit from a fee-free card.

Another important tip - never use a credit card to make ATM withdrawals. Paying with a credit card is usually a lot more expensive than using a debit card, as fees are charged for cash transactions.

Plus, interest will likely start accruing right away, so you won’t benefit from your usual interest-free period.

Spend and withdraw worldwide with the Wise card

If you travel regularly, the Wise card is the perfect way to spend and withdraw cash worldwide.

It’s a dedicated travel card, letting you spend like a local in 150+ countries worldwide. It automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange ratewhenever you spend for a tiny, transparent conversion fee*.

And when you need cash, you can use it to withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) fee-free*.

Of course, you’ll just need to check whether the ATM operator charges its own fees.

Your Wise card awaits 💳

Wise only ever charges small, transparent fees for currency conversion, and it’s fee-free if you already have the currency in your Wise account*.

Sign up for a Wise account online and you can get your own Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7. With a Wise account you can send, spend and convert money like a local in 160+ countries and in 40+ currencies.

Sign up for a Wise account 🌍

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ATMs in Japan FAQs

What is the minimum ATM withdrawal in Japan?

The smallest value Japanese yen note is 1,000 JPY, and ATMs don’t dispense coins. So the minimum withdrawal amount is likely to be 1,000 JPY, although it may vary between ATM operators.

How can I avoid foreign transaction fees in Japan?

To swerve ATM fees during your trip to Japan, use ATMs at 7-Eleven convenience stores. These charge no fees to international customers.

How much does Japan Post charge for ATM withdrawal?

Japan Post charges around 110 JPY per ATM withdrawal,⁵ correct at the time of writing.

Is it better to use cash or card in Japan?

While cards are widely accepted in Japan, especially in cities and tourist areas, it’s sensible to take a mix of cash and cards with you. In some remote areas and islands, you may not be able to pay on card - so having some Japanese yen on you could be useful.

Read more on the best ways to pay in Japan here.

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Sources used:

1. Japan Guide - ATMs in Japan
2. Japan Rail Pass - How to find and use ATMs in Japan
3. A Social Nomad - Japan ATMs – Fees, Charges and how to save money
4. Coco Tran - How to get cash in Japan ATM guide and tips
5. Shinsei Bank - Domestic ATM

Sources last checked on date: 13-Jun-2024