Access

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are commonly available in many areas throughout Japan. Many machines will have English menu options. However, many do not accept foreign credit cards or cash cards and their service hours are often restricted.

Many ATMs operate on weekends, although the operation hours vary widely. Some banks, such as UFJ, have started to offer 24-hour ATM access. Convenience stores have 24-hour ATMs that you can normally use if you have an account at a Japanese bank. Citibank also has 24-hour ATMs, but it only has branches in major cities.

Fees

There are sometimes fees for using a bank ATM on evenings or weekends, or for using an ATM that does not belong to your bank. The times and fees vary depending on the company that operates the ATM. The fees range from 105 yen to 630 yen. Check with your bank.

Functions

At most Japanese ATMs you can also deposit cash, do domestic transfers, and insert your passbook to get it updated.

Foreign cards

Foreign credit, debit and cash cards can be used at over 21,000 Post Office ATMs in locations throughout Japan, and at Seven Bank ATMs in 7-11 convenience stores (since July 11, 2007). You cannot use foreign cards at most other bank or convenience store ATMs.

Post offices where this service is available display stickers indicating which cards are accepted. Cards that carry the Cirrus, Plus, Maestro and Visa Electron network marks can be used. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.

At Seven Bank (7-11) ATMs, cards that carry the Cirrus and Plus marks can be used. Accepted credit cards are VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and China UnionPay.