Japanese domestic bank transfers (振込, furikomi) require: bank name, branch name (支店, shiten), account type (普通 = savings), and 7-digit account number. Transfers between same-bank accounts are usually free or low cost. Cross-bank transfers cost ¥110–880 depending on amount and whether done online vs. at a counter. Online banking (especially Rakuten Bank and PayPay Bank) makes transfers free or very cheap. ATM transfers work but cost more. International transfers from Japan require a separate process — use Wise for those.
“Please transfer your rent by the 25th to: 三菱UFJ銀行、新宿支店、普通、1234567”
This is what a Japanese rent payment request looks like. If you’ve never done a Japanese bank transfer (furikomi), the process is completely unfamiliar — and making a mistake (wrong branch, wrong account number) means the money bounces back or lands in the wrong place.
Here’s how it works.
What You Need to Make a Transfer
Every Japanese bank transfer requires four pieces of information about the recipient:
| Information | Japanese | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bank name | 銀行名 | 三菱UFJ銀行 |
| Branch name | 支店名 | 新宿支店 |
| Account type | 口座種別 | 普通 (savings) or 当座 (checking) |
| Account number | 口座番号 | 1234567 (7 digits) |
The recipient’s name is also required. Japanese bank systems verify that the name you enter matches the account holder’s name — errors here will be flagged before the transfer completes.
Transfer Methods
Online Banking (Most Convenient)
If you have online banking set up (recommended), you can transfer from your computer or smartphone:
- Log in to your bank’s app or website
- Select “振込” (furikomi)
- Enter the recipient’s bank, branch, account type, and number
- Enter the amount
- Confirm the recipient name that appears
- Confirm transfer
Cost: Free to same-bank transfers at most banks. ¥110–330 for cross-bank transfers via internet banking.
Recommended banks for low-cost transfers:
- Rakuten Bank — transfers to same bank free; cross-bank from ¥145
- PayPay Bank — very low fee structure
- Japan Post Bank — free to other Japan Post accounts; ¥110+ to other banks
ATM Transfer
All major bank ATMs and 7-Bank ATMs support furikomi:
- Select “振込” from the ATM menu
- Enter recipient bank and branch code (or select from list)
- Enter account number
- Enter amount
- Confirm and complete
Cost: Typically ¥220–330 per transfer. Higher than online banking.
Note: There are daily transfer limits (usually ¥1,000,000 per day at ATM; higher limits via online banking).
Bank Counter
The most expensive and slowest option. Useful for large transfers or complex transactions. Fee: ¥550–880+.
Branch Codes
Each branch of a Japanese bank has a 3-digit branch code (支店コード). When using ATMs, you may need this code rather than the branch name. Your recipient should provide this, or you can look it up on the bank’s website by searching the branch name.
Rent Payments
Most Japanese landlords or property management companies collect rent via furikomi. You’ll be given the recipient’s bank details when you sign your lease.
Important: send rent on or before the due date — even one day late can damage your rental record and in rare cases trigger a warning from the guarantor company.
Transfer Limits and Reversals
Daily limits: Online banking typically allows ¥1–10 million/day depending on your account type and verification level.
Reversals: Japanese bank transfers are generally irreversible once completed. If you send money to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately. They will contact the recipient’s bank, but recovery depends on the recipient’s cooperation.
Wrong amount: Transfers are reversible before they’re submitted but not after. Double-check everything before confirming.
International Transfers From Japan
International wire transfers from Japanese banks cost ¥3,000–5,000 per transaction and use mid-rate exchange rates. For international transfers, use:
Send money to Japan at the real exchange rate — no markups, no hidden fees.
Wise transfers from Japan are significantly cheaper than bank wires and use the real exchange rate.