Image credit: paylessimages
Yen is the currency of Japan. Banknotes are available in 1,000, 2,000 (very rare), 5,000, and 10,000 denominations. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen. Take note that the 1 and 5 yen coins are not accepted by vending machines.
Japan is known as a technologically advanced country. True to its image, even exchanging currency has gone high-tech with the emergence of money exchange machines. You can find these “money vending machines” at airports, hotels, malls, and selected convenience stores.
These machines only accept 13 major currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, KRW, HKD, SGD, TWD, CNY, PHP, MYR, and THB. Just feed your cash into the machine and you will receive your yen instantly. The machines’ touch panels provide instructions in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese.
It is a quick way to get Japanese yen at any time of the day. However, their exchange rates are not as good as those at forex shops. In Tokyo, currency exchange chains are service providers that offer the best rates in town.
If you bring traveler’s cheques along, just exchange them at a major bank or big hotel. Only a few forex shops in Tokyo accept this type of cheque.
In this article, we have compiled a list of accessible and reliable money changers for you to add more yen to your wallet.
Image credit: World Currency Shop
World Currency Shop is the most famous foreign exchange network in Japan, operated by a subsidiary of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ.
It has 29 branches in Tokyo, which are located in commercial districts, shopping malls, tourist attractions, and near train stations.
World Currency Shop accepts currencies from 19 countries. Note that they only buy traveler’s cheques of these 6 currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, and CHF.
Best rates for
– EUR
– USD
– CNY
– KRW
– GBP
– AUD
– CAD
Recommended branches
1. World Currency Shop @ Shibuya
– This branch is within walking distance from the Hachiko statue at Shibuya crossing
– Address: 7F Daigai Bldg., JR Shibuya Sta. Hachiko Exit or Subway Sta. Shibuya Exit5, 2-3-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-5728-3781
– Opening hours: Mon to Fri 09:00 – 19:00; Sats, Suns & PHs 11:00 – 17:00
2. World Currency Shop @ Shinjuku
– It is 5 minute walk from Shinjuku station to this branch
– Address: B2F Shinjuku Bldg., 1-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-5325-6941
– Opening hours: Mon to Fri 09:00 – 19:00; Sats, Suns & PHs 11:00 – 17:00
3. World Currency Shop @ Ginza
– Ginza Core is just 2 minutes by foot from Ginza station
– Address: 5F Ginza Core, 5-8-20 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-6254-6851
– Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 20:00
4. World Currency Shop @ Roppongi Hills
– Roppongi Hills is next to Sakurada Shrine and Sakura-za Park
– It is within walking distance from Snoopy Museum and Azabu-juban station
– Address: 6F West Walk, Roppongi Hills, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-5413-9722
– Opening hours: Mon to Fri 11:00 – 19:00; Sats, Suns & PHs 12:00 – 17:00
5. World Currency Shop @ Sky Tree Town
– This branch is recommended if you are planning to visit Tokyo Sky Tree
– Address: 1F Tower Yard, Tokyo Sky Tree Town, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-5610-3167
– Opening hours: Daily 12:00 – 17:00
Image credit: Daikokuya
Daikokuya started its business in 1981 as a store that sells brand goods, tickets, and electronics. It later expanded to include currency exchange and money transfer services.
Daikokuya has 30 branches in Tokyo, which have handy locations in commercial and tourist spots.
They accept only 11 currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CNY, KRW, SGD, HKD, TWD, and THB. Daikokuya exchange rates for these currencies are very competitive.
Make sure to bring a valid ID with you as it may be needed when making transactions.
Best rate for
– USD
– AUD
– HKD
– KRW
– SGD
– THB
– TWD
Recommended branches
1. Daikokuya @ Shibuya
– This branch is a quick 2-minute walk from Hachiko Statue at Shibuya Crossing
– Address: 2F REM Bldg., 23-11, Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-3464-2278
– Opening hours: Mon to Fri 11:00-20:30; Sats, Suns & PHs 11:00 – 19:30
2. Daikokuya @ Shinjuku
– You can walk to this branch from Golden Gai, Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku Station, and Shinjuku-Sanchome Station
– Address: 1F Isshiki Bldg., 3-18-1, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-5363-1951
– Opening hours: Mon to Fri 11:00 – 20:30; Sats, Suns & PHs 11:00 – 19:30
3. Daikokuya @ Ginza
– You just need to walk 1 minute from Ginza Station to reach this branch
– Address: B1F, 5-7-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-5537-7541
– Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 20:00
4. Daikokuya @ Tokyo Station
– This branch is in the vicinity of Tokyo Station
– It is within walking distance from the Imperial Palace
– Address: 1-6-19, Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-3278-3081
– Opening hours: Mon to Fri 11:00-19:30; Sats, Suns & PHs 11:00 – 18:30
5. Daikokuya @ Akihabara
– This branch is located right within Akihabara Electric Town
– It is 4 minutes on foot from Akihabara Station
– Address: 1-11-7, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-3254-5351
– Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 20:00
Note: The exchange rates vary among their branches. To check their daily (reference) rates, follow this link
NIHONEX is a unique and reliable currency exchange service with an established customer base in Japan. They take pride in providing unbeatable exchange rates. NIHONEX often offers currency exchange sales, and discounts on larger orders.
Unlike other currency exchange offices, NIHONEX can deliver your foreign currency to your doorstep. Simply order your currency from the website, enter your details, and confirm to place your order.
Customers can enjoy rapid money exchange from NIHONEX, with some orders only taking two working days to reach you. You can exchange currency from over 17 different currencies.
Best rates for
Contact
For customers that would like to visit the store, make a reservation at least one working day before you intend on buying or selling your currency.
Image credit: Sakura Currency Service
Sakura Currency Service is more than a money changer. It is a multi-service company that caters to different needs of travelers. Their friendly staff is willing to provide local information and assist in hotel booking.
This currency exchange chain also offers many useful services for free, including free luggage storage, free using of their resting area, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary tea.
Their 5 branches are strategically located in Tokyo major tourist hubs, including Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza. They accept USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, SEK, CNY, KRW, SGD, HKD, TWD, THB, IDR, PHP, AED, and RUB.
Although its brand name is Sakura Currency Service, each of its branches is called differently, depending on the location it is situated at. For example, the branch at Shibuya has a signage with “Shibuya Exchange”. So it is hard to recognize a Sakura Currency Service outlet through reading the words. A useful tip to confirm that a forex shop is a child of Sakura Currency Service is look at its logo symbol on the left of the outlets’ names (see the above photo).
Best rates for
– USD
– CAD
– SEK
– EUR
– IDR
– PHP
– THB
Branches
1. Sakura Currency Service @ Shibuya
– This branch closes late at 23:00 everyday
– It is within walking distance from Shibuya Crossing, and Meiji Jingu
– Address: 1F 26-7 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3 6416-3137
– Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 23:00
2. Sakura Currency Service @ Shinjuku
– This branch is only 2-minute walk from Golden Gai and Hanazono Shrine
– It is accessible from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station
– Address: 1F Hakuou Building, 5-17-11 Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3 3505-0477
– Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 22:00
3. Sakura Currency Service @ Ginza
– You just need to walk 5 minutes from Shinbashi Station to reach this branch
– Address: 2F Ginza Nine, 8-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3 3505-0477
– Opening hours: Daily 11:30 – 20:00
4. Sakura Currency Service @ Roppongi
– It is within walking distance from Roppongi Hills and Azabu-juban Stations
– Address: 3F JMN Building, 2-5-2 Azabujuban, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 50 3803-8877
– Opening hours: Daily 09:30 – 20:00
5. Sakura Currency Service @ Asakusa
– The branch is within walking distance from Asakusa’s top tourist attractions like Senso-ji Temple and Sumida Park and 6-minute walk from Asakusa Station
– Address: Sakai Building, 2-3-10 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3 6795-0345
– Opening hours: Daily 11:30 – 20:00
Image credit: Sakura Exchange
Sakura Exchange is another big money exchange chains in Japan, with 12 branches in Tokyo that are all located in commercial and tourist districts. The chain is well loved because of its good rates and pleasant customer service.
Best rates for
– USD
– EUR
– HKD
– CNY
– KRW
Recommended branches
1. Sakura Exchange @ Shibuya
– This is just 3-minute walk from the Hachiko exit of Shibuya station
– Address: 4F Metro Bldg., 26-9 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-6455-1147
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 20:30
2. Sakura Exchange @ Harajuku
– This branch is right along the famous Takeshita Street of Harajuku
– It is within walking distance from Meiji Shrine and Harajuku Station
– Address: 3F Misugu Bldg., 1 Chome-20-6 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-6804-1618
– Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 20:00
3. Sakura Exchange @ Ikebukuro North
– It is within walking distance from Tokyo Metropolitan Theater and Ikebukuro Station North Exit
– Address: 1F Onda Bldg., Nishi-Ikebukuro 1-25-1, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-5956-2833
– Opening hours: Daily 10:30-19:30
4. Sakura Exchange @ Ueno
– This branch is within the vicinity of Okachimachi Station and 10-15 minute walk from Ueno Park and Zoo
– Address: 6 Chome-4 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Phone: +81 3-5826-4705
– Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 18:00
5. Sakura Exchange @ Shinjuku
– You can walk to this branch from Golden Gai, Seibu-Shinjuku Station, and Shinjuku-Sanchome Station
– Address: 1F Sankei Bldg., Kabuki-cho 1-2-6, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
– Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 20:00
