Japan is still a cash-heavy country, and finding an ATM that actually accepts your foreign card is not as simple as it sounds. The wrong ATM will decline you at the most inconvenient moment. Here’s exactly which ATMs work for foreigners and how to use them.
Which ATMs Accept Foreign Cards?
✅ 7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank) — Best Option
Seven Bank ATMs are the most foreigner-friendly in Japan.
- Accept: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, and most international cards
- Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, and more
- Available: 24/7 at most 7-Eleven stores (27,000+ locations nationwide)
- Withdrawal limit: ¥50,000 per transaction, ¥300,000 per day
- Fee: ¥110–220 per transaction (charged by Seven Bank) plus any fee from your home bank
Seven Bank ATMs are found in 7-Eleven convenience stores and at some Ito-Yokado, Sogo, and Seibu department stores.
✅ Japan Post ATMs (ゆうちょ銀行)
- Accept: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, UnionPay
- Languages: English available
- Available: Post offices (24/7 in many locations) and some train stations
- Withdrawal limit: ¥100,000 per transaction
- Note: Closed on some holidays; check hours at smaller branches
✅ AEON Bank ATMs
- Accept: Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, UnionPay
- Languages: English, Chinese, Korean
- Available: AEON malls and MINI STOP convenience stores
- Open: 24/7 at most locations
- Fee: No AEON Bank fee for international withdrawals (just your home bank fee)
✅ Citibank / SMBC Trust ATMs
Available at limited locations, primarily in major cities. Useful if you have an account there.
ATMs That Usually DON’T Accept Foreign Cards
| Bank | Foreign Cards |
|---|---|
| MUFG (三菱UFJ) | Usually NO |
| SMBC (三井住友) | Usually NO |
| Mizuho | Usually NO |
| Resona | Usually NO |
| Shinkin banks | NO |
Some of these banks have updated specific ATMs to accept international cards at airports or major tourist locations — but don’t count on it.
ATM Fees Explained
You’ll typically pay two fees:
- ATM operator fee: ¥110–220 per transaction (Seven Bank, Japan Post)
- Your home bank’s international withdrawal fee: Varies — often $3–5 or 1–3% of the amount
To minimize fees:
- Withdraw larger amounts less frequently
- Use a card with no international fees (Charles Schwab, Wise, Revolut)
- Use AEON ATMs which charge no ATM-side fee
Using Wise or Revolut Instead
For residents of Japan, the smarter long-term solution is to open a Japanese bank account and use Wise to transfer money cheaply from your home country.
For tourists or new arrivals before a bank account is open: Seven Bank ATMs are your best friend.
See how to open a bank account in Japan as a foreigner once you have your residence card.
Airport ATMs
All major international airports have Seven Bank or Japan Post ATMs in the arrivals area. This is the easiest first stop — withdraw enough cash to cover your first few days before you’ve sorted out a local bank account.
Narita: Seven Bank, Japan Post ATMs in Terminal 1, 2, and 3 Haneda: Seven Bank ATMs in the international terminal Kansai (KIX): Seven Bank ATMs throughout the terminal
Tips for Using ATMs in Japan
- PIN: Most ATMs only accept 4-digit PINs. If yours is longer, contact your bank
- Cash is king: Many restaurants, izakayas, and small shops are cash-only — always carry some
- Night fees: Some ATMs charge extra ¥110 outside business hours; Seven Bank doesn’t
- Chip required: Swipe-only cards may not work — use a chip card