Kyoto Currency Exchange - Helpful Guide for Visitors

Japanese Yen ¥

The official legal currency of Japan is the Yen (¥ )

Money Exchange (Cash) in Kyoto

In Kyoto one can exchange currency at:
1). Currency Exchange Counters,
2). Banks in Major Tourist areas,
3). Big hotels, 
4). Department Stores like Takashimaya & Daimaru department store, and
5). Currency Exchange Machines in all tourist areas and attractions

Currency Exchange Counters at Kyoto Station :

World Currency Shop located in the Kyoto Station building.
You can find this on the 8th floor of the station building.
On the 8th Floor, this currency exchange is located on the south side of the “Daikaidan” Grand Stairway.

Kyoto Currency Exchange counters Hours :

In Kyoto, Private currency exchange counters open hours are usually:
- 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Weekdays) - Some on weekends as well.
- 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Weekends)

Currency Exchange Machines located in the Convenience Stores and attractions are usually open 24 hours.

Department stores Currency Exchange are open during store hours including weekend and public holidays.

Bank Business hours in Kyoto for currency exchange:
- 9:00 am - 3:00 pm except for Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, a few are open till 4 pm

Credit Cards in Kyoto

Your credit card provides you with the absolute best exchange rate for purchases in Kyoto.

Please check beforehand with your bank for additional fees before you decide to use your credit card.

Major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Kyoto area establishments.

ATMs in Kyoto

Post Office or Seven Bank (in Seven-Eleven convenience stores) ATM machines allow cash withdrawal in local Yen ¥.

One can use international credit cards like Visa/Plus and Mastercard/Cirrus on these ATMs in Kyoto.

Please check with your bank for any additional fees for using your ATM card in a foreign country before you decide to use the ATM card.

Traveller's Cheques

Traveller's cheques are accepted by hotels, banks and Post Office in Japan.

Traveler cheques may be subject to a fee.

Tips for Currency in Kyoto

Japan is still a cash society.

Many places including taxi, small shops, and restaurants in Japan requires payment in Cash only.

Please keep cash (local currency) on hand all times in Kyoto.

Currency exchange machines usually have higher rate but open 24x7 in Kyoto.