Getting Cash in Japan: Which ATMs Take Foreign Cards (7-Eleven, Japan Post)
Japan still runs on cash in many small shops, temples and food stalls. Which ATMs accept foreign cards, the withdrawal limits and fees, and how to avoid paying more than you need to.
Cards are accepted in most hotels, department stores and chain restaurants in Japan. But you will still need cash for small restaurants, food stalls, temple entry fees, some buses and the occasional coin locker.
The good news: getting cash with a foreign card is easy if you know where to go.
The short answer
- Go to a 7-Eleven. Seven Bank ATMs accept most foreign cards, are open almost 24 hours, and have an English menu.
- Or use a Japan Post Bank ATM at post offices.
- Choose to be charged in yen, not in your home currency, if the ATM asks.
7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs
Seven Bank runs the ATMs inside 7-Eleven stores, with more than 28,000 ATMs across Japan. For travelers, they are the easiest option.
| Seven Bank | |
|---|---|
| Cards accepted | Visa, PLUS, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, UnionPay, American Express, JCB, Discover, Diners Club |
| Limit per withdrawal | ¥100,000 (¥30,000 if the card is read by magnetic stripe) |
| Hours | Basically 365 days. Visa and Mastercard 24 hours; other brands roughly 00:05–23:55 |
| Languages | English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, French, German, Portuguese and more |
| ATM fee | Charged; the amount depends on your card brand. The ATM shows it before you confirm |
Seven Bank: using an overseas card (official)
Japan Post Bank ATMs
The ATMs at post offices also accept foreign cards.
| Japan Post Bank | |
|---|---|
| Cards accepted | Visa, PLUS, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, JCB, UnionPay, Discover |
| Limit per withdrawal | ¥50,000 |
| ATM fee | ¥220 per withdrawal with some foreign cards |
| Hours (post office ATMs) | Weekdays and Saturdays 7:00–23:00, Sundays and holidays 7:00–21:00 |
Post office ATMs are common in towns and rural areas, where a 7-Eleven may be harder to find. Hours can vary by location, so check the sign on the ATM.
What does a withdrawal really cost?
Up to three things can be charged on one withdrawal:
- The Japanese ATM fee (for example ¥220 at Japan Post Bank with some cards; varies by brand at Seven Bank).
- Your own bank's fee for using a foreign ATM, plus any foreign transaction fee. Check with your bank before you fly; some travel-friendly cards refund these.
- The exchange rate. This is where people lose the most without noticing.
Always choose "charge in yen"
Some ATMs offer to charge your card in your home currency instead of yen (this is called "dynamic currency conversion"). It looks convenient, but the conversion rate is usually worse than your own bank's. Choose yen, and let your bank convert. Seven Bank offers this choice for Visa cards.
Tip: withdraw a larger amount fewer times, rather than ¥10,000 every day. Fixed fees hurt less that way. Just don't carry more than you are comfortable with.
How much cash do you need?
It depends on your style, but a few typical cash-only costs:
| Thing | Typical cash need |
|---|---|
| Temple and shrine entry | A few hundred to ¥1,600 each |
| Street food and small restaurants | ¥500–¥1,500 per meal |
| Coin lockers | Coins (some accept IC cards) |
| Local buses in the countryside | Coins or IC card |
Many travelers keep ¥10,000–¥20,000 in cash at a time and pay by card or IC card wherever possible. Japan is generally safe, but keep your cash in a secure place.
Tips
- Carry two cards from different banks or brands in case one is blocked. Tell your bank you are traveling.
- Coins are real money in Japan. ¥500 coins are worth a lot. Carry a small coin purse.
- IC cards help. Load a transit IC card and use it at convenience stores and on most trains and buses to cut down on coins.
Sources
Prices change
Prices, exchange rates and rules in this article were checked on the date shown above. They can change at any time, so please confirm on the official website before you book or buy.
