Japan is still a cash-heavy country, and not every ATM accepts foreign cards. Knowing which ones to look for before you need cash makes a real difference.
15-Second Answer
Two ATM types are reliably your best options: 7 Bank ATM (inside 7-Eleven convenience stores) and Japan Post Bank ATM (inside post offices). Start with 7 Bank — it's the easiest to find nationwide. Do not assume that an ordinary bank ATM will accept your foreign card. Most don't.
The Two ATM Types Travelers Should Remember First
7 Bank ATM (Seven Bank)
This is the most practical first choice for most travelers. 7 Bank ATMs are installed in 7-Eleven stores across Japan, which means they're easy to find in cities, towns, and tourist areas alike. They're also available at major airports and some train stations.
- Multilingual interface including English
- Accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, and other major international cards
- Generally available during store hours, which are often 24 hours
- Fees depend on your card issuer and the specific transaction conditions
7 Bank ATMs are available at most major airports including New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, and Kansai. Withdrawing cash right after arrival is a good habit — it means you're covered before you start moving.
Japan Post Bank ATM (ゆうちょ銀行)
Post office ATMs are a reliable second option, especially in areas where 7-Eleven stores are less common. They accept most major international cards and have a multilingual interface.
- Available at post offices nationwide
- Service hours can be more limited than convenience store ATMs — many post offices are not open in the evenings or on weekends
- Larger post offices in city centers may have longer ATM access hours
Another Useful Option: AEON Bank ATM
If you're near an AEON mall or supermarket, AEON Bank ATMs also accept foreign cards and support English. They're worth knowing about as a backup, though you're less likely to encounter one than a 7-Eleven. Check hours before relying on one, as availability can vary.
ATMs That May Not Accept Foreign Cards
This is where many travelers run into trouble. Do not assume an ordinary bank ATM will work with your foreign card — many don't.
- Major city banks (Mitsubishi UFJ, Mizuho, Sumitomo Mitsui): Foreign card support is not guaranteed. Some newer machines may work, but it's not reliable enough to count on.
- Regional and local bank ATMs: Generally not set up for foreign cards.
- FamilyMart and Lawson convenience stores: These sometimes have 7 Bank ATMs installed inside — if so, they work fine. But the ATM brand inside varies by location, so check before assuming.
Practical Tips Before You Try
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1Some cards have withdrawal limits or overseas use restrictions that need to be adjusted in advance. Contact your card issuer if you're unsure.
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2Some travelers run into PIN-related issues at Japanese ATMs. If you have any doubts, check with your card issuer before your trip.
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3Withdrawal limits depend on your card issuer and the ATM. If you need a larger amount, you may need to withdraw in multiple transactions.
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4This is what most people do in Japan. Search "7-Eleven" or "セブンイレブン" in Google Maps to find the nearest one.
Bottom Line
If you need cash, start with a 7 Bank ATM inside a 7-Eleven. If that's not nearby, try a Japan Post Bank ATM at a post office. Don't assume an ordinary bank ATM will accept your foreign card — most won't, and it's not worth the frustration of finding out when you actually need cash.
