There is no limit on the amount of any currency you may bring into or taken out from Japan. However, you must complete a customs declaration if you need to transport (any currencies, securities, checks or other money) more than 1,000,000 yen worth in Japanese currency into or out of the country.

Yen is the unit of Japanese currency. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen and bank notes in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen.

* Until November 2004, old bank notes are still in wide circulation.

              
You can buy yen from any foreign exchange banks or other authorized money exchanges. Currency exchange counters in the international airports usually open during normal office hours. The exchange rate fluctuates daily depending on the money market.

        Travelers Checks and Credit Cards

Travelers Checks are accepted by leading banks, hotels, ryokan (Japanese inns) and stores only in major cities.

International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard are also acceptable at the major establishments. However, credit card transactions are not always convenient outside the major cities, and hence

you are highly recommended to prepare cash before you travel to countryside of Japan.

ATMs

Foreign credit and cash cards can be used at Post Office and Seven Banks’ ATMs in Japan. There are over 26,000 Post Office ATMs in Japan, providing the service display stickers (shown in the picture) indicating which cards, are accepted. Cards of the Cirrus, PLUS, Maestro and Visa Electron networks can also be used. Major accepted credit cards include VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.

Yucho (Japan Post Bank) - International ATM Service

From 11 July 2007, Japanese Yen of international cash cards and credit cards are available to be withdrawn from Seven Bank ATMs. Over 12,000 Seven Bank ATMs are placed at 7-Eleven convenience stores in Japan and provide 24 hours service in English, Korean, Chinese and Portuguese. Cash cards of the PLUS and Cirrus networks can also be used. Credit cards of VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and China UnionPay are accepted.

Seven Bank - International ATM Service

You are advised to contact each credit card company beforehand to check the location of each ATM and its availability as the conditions vary from machine to machine.