Money

Currency and Money Exchange

There is no limit on the amount of any currency that may be brought into or taken out of Japan. However, if you transport (any currencies, checks, securities or other monies) exceeding 1,000,000 yen worth in Japanese currency into or out of the country then you must complete a customs declaration.

The unit of Japanese currency is yen. Coins are available 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.




You can buy yen at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchangers. At the international airports, currency exchange counters are usually open during normal office hours. The exchange rate fluctuates daily depending on the money market.

Travelers Checks and Credit Cards

Travelers Checks are accepted by leading banks, hotels, ryokan (Japanese inns) and stores in major cities.

International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard are also acceptable at these major establishments. However, credit card transactions are not always convenient outside big cities so obtaining cash beforehand is recommended when you travel to the countryside.

ATMs

Foreign credit and cash cards can be used at Post Office and Seven Bank ATMs throughout Japan.

There are over 26,000 Post Office ATMs in Japan and post offices which provide this service display stickers indicating which cards are accepted. Cards from the Cirrus, PLUS, Maestro and Visa Electron networks can be used. Accepted credit cards include VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.

Seven Bank ATMs is also available for international cash cards and credit cards. Over 14,000 Seven Bank ATMs are placed at 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout Japan and the service will be given 24 hours a day in English, Korean, Chinese and Portuguese. Cash cards from the PLUS and Cirrus* networks can be used. Accepted credit cards are VISA, MasterCard*, American Express, JCB and China UnionPay.
*As of December 14, 2009, users of overseas-issued MasterCard brand cash cards and credit cards (including Cirrus and Maestro brands) will no longer be able to withdraw Japanese yen or perform balance inquiries at Seven Bank ATMs.

It is, however, advised to contact each credit card company beforehand and check the location of each ATM and its availability as these conditions vary from machine to machine.