ATM strategy for Japan — why only 7-Eleven and Japan Post work reliably

Japan is unique in the ATM world: most bank ATMs simply don't accept foreign cards. This isn't a fee issue — they technically won't process the transaction at all. The two reliable networks are 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs, available 24/7 across the country, and Japan Post ATMs, available during post office hours. Knowing this before you land removes all confusion.

Why most Japanese ATMs don't work

Japan's domestic payment infrastructure developed largely independently of the international Visa/Mastercard network. Most major Japanese banks — Mizuho, MUFG, SMBC, and Resona — have ATMs that process domestic cards only. Some international airports have international-enabled ATMs at those banks, but reliability is inconsistent. Don't rely on anything other than the two networks below.

Seven Bank ATMs (7-Eleven)

Seven Bank ATMs are located inside every 7-Eleven convenience store in Japan — there are over 21,000 7-Elevens nationwide, so you're rarely far from one. They accept all international Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards. They're open 24 hours, 7 days a week. They charge ¥110–220 per foreign withdrawal (shown on screen before you confirm). The interface is available in English. For foreign visitors, this is the default ATM of choice.

Japan Post ATMs

Post offices across Japan have ATMs that accept international cards. They're available during post office opening hours — typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, shorter hours on weekends, closed on public holidays. Japan Post ATMs charge a similar fee to Seven Bank. The limitation is the restricted opening hours, making them a secondary option to 7-Eleven.

How much to withdraw and how often

ATM limits at Seven Bank are typically ¥100,000 per transaction and ¥300,000–500,000 per day depending on your card's daily limit. Given Japan's cash-heavy culture, withdrawing ¥30,000–50,000 at a time is reasonable for a 3–4 day period. The per-withdrawal fee of ¥110–220 makes larger, less frequent withdrawals more economical.

Best cards for Japan

Wise is particularly excellent for Japan — you can pre-load your Wise account with Japanese Yen before departure at the live mid-market rate, then spend from that balance in Japan with no conversion at all. Starling works well too: zero forex fee, use at Seven Bank ATMs, pay only the local ¥110–220 ATM fee. Revolut similarly — just be aware of weekend markup if you convert on a Saturday or Sunday.

IC cards for trains

For transport, Japan's IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) are invaluable. They work on trains, buses, and in many convenience stores. You can now add Suica to Apple Pay or Google Pay using a foreign card in many cases. Top up from your phone and avoid the need for cash specifically for transport.

Key takeaways