Where is the best place to exchange money in Japan?

Compare airport counters, banks, exchange offices and ATM withdrawals, and learn what to expect about rates, fees, opening hours and identification before changing cash.

Published October 20, 2026 at 5:54 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: For most visitors, the best options are an ATM withdrawal with a foreign card or a bank or exchange counter, since airport counters are convenient but often give less favorable rates. Typically, rates and fees differ between providers and change daily. Passports are often requested for cash exchange, so carry one and compare the quoted yen amount before agreeing.

The main places to change money

Japan Travel by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) says all major airports have exchange points in their arrival halls, and that foreign currency can usually be exchanged at exchange counters, banks, some hotels and shops that deal in foreign currency. The page lists major banks, including Japan Post Bank, among the places that handle foreign currency.

Each option has a different strength. Airports are the easiest on arrival, since counters are open when flights land. Banks generally offer a formal, regulated exchange, but their branch hours are limited. Exchange counters in city centers are often open later and focus on tourists. ATMs skip exchange altogether and pay out yen from a card.

The question of "best" depends on priorities: speed, price, or convenience. A traveler who needs yen for the train from the airport might change a small amount at the arrival hall, then use a bank or ATM later in the city for larger amounts.

How exchange works step by step

At a counter, hand over the cash in the foreign currency, and the staff will show the rate and the yen amount. A common approach is to ask for the total in yen after fees, since some providers quote a rate and add a separate commission. Counting the notes at the counter helps avoid mistakes, and a receipt is usually provided.

Identification is commonly needed. JNTO's page does not state what ID is required, so the safest approach is to carry a passport and, if possible, to check the provider's own page or call ahead. Requirements are set by each provider and can change.

For ATM withdrawals, insert an international card at a machine that supports it, choose a language and enter the PIN. JNTO names Japan Post Bank machines and a large convenience-store network's machines as options that work with international cards. A fee may apply, and the card issuer may add its own charge.

Rates, fees and what to compare

Exchange rates change daily. JNTO says rates fluctuate in accordance with financial market trends, and it does not give a fixed figure. The Bank of Japan publishes daily reference rates for the yen against the US dollar, which are market mid rates and not the rate a counter will offer. Counters add a margin, so the rate offered is usually less favorable than the reference rate.

When comparing, look at the total yen received for a given amount, not only the headline rate. Some providers show a flat commission, others bake the cost into the rate. A simple method is to ask for a quote for the same amount from two providers, then pick the one that gives more yen.

For ATMs, the costs may include a machine usage fee, a foreign transaction fee from the issuer, and a currency conversion charge if the machine offers to bill in the home currency. Japan Post Bank, for instance, notes a usage fee of 220 yen per use for certain foreign cards. Check the current pages for fee details.

Who this suits

Short-stay visitors who arrive with a small amount of cash usually do well with a first exchange at the airport, then ATM withdrawals as needed. Travelers carrying a large sum of foreign cash may prefer a bank or an exchange counter, which handles larger amounts more easily. JNTO also notes that a customs declaration is required when entering or leaving Japan with more than 1 million yen in cash or similar items.

Visitors whose cards do not work well at ATMs, for example because of PIN issues, may rely more on exchange counters. Older travelers who prefer face-to-face service may like bank counters, though bank branches often close early, and JNTO notes that many close at 3 p.m.

Families and groups can reduce the number of transactions by exchanging once for a shared budget, while solo travelers might keep money in different places for safety. Whichever method is used, small notes and coins are handy for everyday spending.

Exchange errors to avoid

A frequent mistake is exchanging everything at the first counter. Airport counters are convenient, but the convenience can cost more, so a small first exchange works better. Another is arriving at a bank after closing time and finding the counter shut.

A third mistake is not checking the currency list. JNTO says which currencies can be exchanged depends on the exchange counter, so less common currencies may not be accepted at every location. Checking the currency before leaving home avoids a wasted trip.

Some travelers also forget to count their yen after exchange or accept an offer without comparing. Another trap is dynamic currency conversion at an ATM or shop terminal, where the machine offers to charge in the home currency at its own rate. Reading the screen and choosing carefully keeps costs predictable.

Paying without exchanging at all

A debit or credit card used in shops avoids exchange altogether. JNTO says international cards are generally accepted nationwide, though some shops do not show logos, and recommends asking staff. Cards do not always work for short-distance train or subway fares, so some cash is still useful.

A transit IC card, such as Suica or Pasmo, can be topped up with cash at stations and used for trains, buses, convenience stores and many shops. Using one means less cash is needed day to day. JNTO recommends carrying cash in a country it describes as very much cash-based.

Mix methods: a little cash from home, a card for larger purchases, and an ATM for top-ups. Keep a backup card in a separate bag. Plan exchange visits for the early part of the day because many counters and bank branches close in the afternoon.

A simple plan for changing money

For most visitors, a small starter exchange on arrival plus ATM or bank exchange later is a flexible approach. Compare the total yen received, bring a passport, and avoid exchanging more than needed at any single counter, since extra yen can always be withdrawn later.

Before the trip, check the Bank of Japan's daily rates for context and check each provider's page for fees. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act.

When in doubt, ask the counter for the final yen amount before handing over cash. Keep receipts until the trip ends, in case of questions later, and store the yen in more than one place in the luggage so that a single misplaced bag does not take all the cash with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do exchange counters in Japan need a passport?

Often, yes. Counters commonly ask for identification, and a passport is the standard document for visitors. JNTO's page does not list requirements, so carry a passport and check the provider's own page if unsure.

Are airport exchange rates always worse?

Not always, but airport counters are often priced for convenience, so they may offer less favorable rates than banks or ATMs. Comparing the total yen for the same amount at two providers is the most reliable way to decide.

Can visitors exchange yen back to their own currency in Japan?

Some counters buy back yen, usually at airports and large banks, but availability depends on the provider and the currency. Coins are often not accepted. Ask before spending down, and check the provider's page for current terms.

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