Banking - Japan

As one of the world's foremost business centers, you will find no shortage of banks in any major city in Japan. A number of American banks have branches there, which can be helpful when having money sent from home. Some even have ATMs, though often they are only open during banking hours. Many close at 5pm every day while others stay open until 7pm or 8pm, and even the machines in convenience stores may close, although later, though many are now 24 hours.
Should you need more local currency, foreign currency or travelers cheques can be exchanged for yen at an 'Authorized Foreign Exchange Bank' or at major post offices and some of the large hotels and stores but few other places. US dollars are preferred. Taiwanese or Korean currency is normally not accepted. The majority of ATMs do not accept foreign-issued credit cards, although post offices ATMs are an exception. Look out for the Cirrus or Plus logos or check with your card company before departure.

Cash is still king in Japan, although the use of credit cards is pretty widespread in major cities for purchases in department stores and hotels. The Japanese are used to a very low crime rate and often carry wads of cash for the sacred ritual of cash payment. Foreign travelers can safely copy the cash habit, but should still take the usual precautions.

Some of the major banks in Japan are Aomori Bank, Awa Bank, Bank of Kyoto, Chiba Bank, Chubu Bank, Daiwa Bank, Fukuoka Bank, Higo Bank, Iyo Bank, Kagoshima Bank, Kyushu Bank, Mizuho Bank, Sakura Bank, Shimizu Bank, Tokyo Tomin Bank and Yamagata bank. SG Private Banking Asia Pacific, the bank operating around Asia, has a major branch in Japan. Many banks in Japan are getting merged to become big and more efficient. There are also foreign banks such as American Express, Citibank, and Bank of America.