World currency shop kyoto

Currency Conversion, Exchange Rates and ATMs in Japan

The Japanese landscape for payments has transformed in the last decade to keep pace with the revolution in digital and contactless payments. Still, for many smaller businesses (like ramen shops) or vendors outside the cities, cash is still king and it pays to keep sufficient currency on you when travelling in Japan.

It's just as well then that Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, but that still leaves the conundrum of how to get your currency and when to do so.

Read on to learn more about currency conversion or find out more about money in Japan in our guide.

Currency conversion: exchange rate tool

See up-to-the-minute exhange rate information, courtesy of Wise, a provider specialised in cross-border payment transfers and sending money abroad. See real-time exchange rate updates to help you plan for your trip and determine when to switch from US dollars (or change to your currency) to Japanese yen:

Withdrawing Cash at ATMs

One way to exchange currency is simply to use your card in a domestic ATM and let the operator/banks handle the exchange rate and conversion behind the scenes. Let's look at th

Foreign Currency Exchange

We handle 21 currencies from around the world in-store!
Rely on Tokai for your currency exchange, whether it be US dollars, Chinese yuan, or Korean won!

Tokai’s foreign currency exchange is convenient and a great value!

Foreign currency exchange available even on weekends and after
3:00 p.m.!
We have 13 shops in Kyoto. All shops are near station and convenient!

Foreign currency exchange is offered by all Ticket Shop Tokai locations!
For details, please contact your nearest Ticket Shop Tokai location.

※ Please note that some stores are closed on Sundays.

Exchange Rates

As of September 06, 2025, 9:00 am

Currency Pair

yen → Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency → yen

US Dollar

149.14yen

141.64yen

Euro(※1)

175.67yen

167.17yen

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

22.07yen

18.57yen

South Korean Won（100）

11.88yen

9.38yen

British Pound

209.62yen

188.92yen

Canadian Dollar

115.45yen

99.30yen

Australian Dollar

105.68yen

87.11yen

New Zealand Dollar

94.74yen

77.49yen

Thai Baht（100）

499.00yen

416.00yen

Hong Kong Dollar

20.68yen

16.48yen

Taiwan

Best places to exchange currency in Kyōto

You've got a few options if you want to exchange currency in Kyōto. Whether you’re thinking of visiting Japan or you’re already there, we’ll take you through the best ways to get travel money in Kyōto.

You might decide to pop into a physical currency exchange store in Kyōto - but many customers will find it more convenient to pick up a low cost travel card instead, for on the go payments, cash withdrawals and easy to convert currencies with great exchange rates.

Exchanging Foreign Cash for Yen

Unlike many countries in Asia, Japan has few foreign exchange offices free for tourists, even in well-liked areas. This can be frustrating for tourists who carry local currency and do not need to exchange much at the airport. Naturally, no one wants to exchange all their cash upon arrival at the airport. It is important to move cash in Japan because there are many shops that agree cash payments only. In particular, some cash-only shops may only accept bills of 1,000 yen or less. Since cash is absolutely necessary, exchange offices should be quick and easy to use.

Cash Exchange Options:
● Exchange before departing your country: Least favorable exchange rates
● At the airport: Great for getting started when you arrive, but only for small amounts
● Hotels: The worst option for exchange rates, but fine for emergencies
● Banks: Slightly unfavorable rates, but also too much paperwork and time spent waiting (and closed weekends). Not recommended
● Exchange counters in the city: Best rates, faster service, and good for exchanging small amounts at a time.
Exchange counters in the city
Other places like Japan Post Bank, convenience store

	💡 Quick summary:	Pros & Cons
💱 Exchange shops in Kyōto	Exchanging in Kyōto means there’s nothing to organize in advance, but does take time out of your vacation. Exchange rates and fees can vary enormously, so shop around.	✅ Good last minute option - no need to arrange in advance ✅ Exchange as you go, depending on your spending ❌ Exchange rates may not be favorable ❌ You’ll need to check the provider is regulated and legit
🏦 At banks	Using a bank at home or in Kyōto is safe, but it may be tricky to find one which offers currency exchange if you’re not a customer. Compare the rates and fees to make sure you get a good deal.	✅ Currency Exchange
1F	KIX Currency Exchange International Arrival Area 1F North Shop	Phone: +81(0)72-455-4115 Business Hours: 06:15-23:00
	Automatic currency exchange machine	Phone: +81(0)72-455-4115 Business Hours:Open 24 hours
	Kiyo Bank	Phone: +81(0)72-456-7026 Business Hours: 06:30-23:00 *Opening hours may change.
	Travelex International Arrival Lobby Central Shop	Phone：+81(0)72-447-8198 Business Hours：06:15-23:00
	Travelex International Arrival Lobby South Shop	Phone：+81(0)72-447-7243 Business Hours：06:15-23:00
4F	Travelex *Japanese International Departure Lobby South Shop	Phone: +81(0)72-447-5725 Business Hours: 06:30-23:00
	KIX Currency Exchange International Drparture Area 4F North Shop	Phone: +81(0)72-455-4115 Business Hours: 06:30～23:00
	Automatic currency exchange machine	Business Hours: Open 24 hours
International Gate Area After Immigration	KIX Currency Exchange	Phone: +81(0)72-455-4115 Business Hours: 06:30-24:25
International Gate Area After Immigration	Automatic currency exchange machine	Business Hours: Open 24 hours