Getting Yen

The Japanese Yen is the currency of Japan.  The currency code for Yen is JPY, and the currency symbol is ¥.

How to get cash in ¥

At an international airport, you can exchange your cash and travelers checks into yen at bank counters as long as you carry them in major currency. You can also withdraw cash at ATMs at any international airport using your bank cards with PLUS or CIRRUS logos.  Cirrus is a worldwide interbank network operated by MasterCard, and PLUS is operated by VISA.

Many ATMs in Japan do not accept credit, debit and ATM cards that are issued outside Japan.  But the ATMs found at post offices, 7-Eleven convenience stores, Citibank, and Shinsei Bank are available with various limitations on the type of cards they accept.  The following types of cards issued outside Japan can be used to withdraw cash in Yen:

ATMs at

Available Card Types

Post Office

VISA, PLUS, MasterCard, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, UnionPay, DISCOVER

7-Eleven

VISA, PLUS, American Express, JCB, UnionPay, DISCOVER, Diners Club

Citibank

Cirrus, PLUS, Diners Club

Shinsei Bank

Cirrus, PLUS

 ATMs also provide an English user menu. ATMs at 7-Eleven stores are available 24 hours per day around the year. 


In order to use international ATMs, ensure the following at home before leaving for Japan:

  1. Make sure that your credit or debit card can be used in Japan.
  2. Inquire what fees and daily and/or monthly limits are associated with international withdrawals.
  3. Remember your card's secret 4-digit PIN.
  4. Notify your bank that you are going to use your card overseas, since many banks will block a card which is suddenly used abroad, suspecting fraud.

Even though credit cards are becoming more and more common (now you can use them at convenience stores), Japan is still largely a cash-based society, especially at small restaurants. Make sure you carry enough cash with you.

Another important point is that personal checks are not used at all in Japan. Most banks close very early in Japan, like at 3pm, and do not open on weekends. 

In addition to all these options, it is also possible to change money and buy traveler’s checks at the World Currency Shop near Kashiwa Station.  They open even on weekends.

http://www.tokyo-card.co.jp/shop/wcs-shop-e.html

 Access map & available currencies at the World Currency Shop:

http://www.tokyo-card.co.jp/shop/kashiwa.html