Japan is still a heavily cash-based society, and navigating ATMs as a foreigner can be frustrating. Most domestic Japanese bank ATMs reject foreign cards entirely. Here’s exactly what works and what doesn’t.
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