How to Transfer Money From Japan: What You Need to Know

It can be stressful when needing to make an international bank transfer from Japan to wherever it needs to be.

Whether it’s supporting your family, paying for services, or managing your finances, this guide will walk you through how to transfer money from Japan.

What to prepare when sending money from Japan

Most methods require the following:

• Japanese bank account: A legitimate local one with your name attached

• Recipient’s US bank account information: such as the account/routing number, and the SWIFT/BIC code

• ID for verification: MyNumber, residence card, passport, etc.

Money transfer methods from Japan to abroad

a. Bank transfers (国際送金)

International bank transfers, also known as wire transfers or 国際送金 (kokusai sōkin), are one of the most common and secure ways for sending money from Japan.

This is the most direct method from your Japanese account to your account abroad, meaning there’s no intermediary between. It’s usually done through an international banking network, usually via SWIFT.

Japan Post Bank

Starting August 29, 2025, Japan Post Banks will stop their international remittance services at their branches and post offices.

But they will allow online international remittances through their Yucho Direct International Remittance site. I highly recommend having a translation extension on your browser, as there’s limited English support with this service. 

First, you need to complete the online application. You will be required to submit any necessary documents before making your first transfer.

Additionally, they advise people to have the following prepared:

• Verified Japan Post Bank Account

• MyNumber registered r with your Japan Post bank account 

• Download and register “Japan Post Bank Authentication App”

• The recipient’s banking information, such as the bank’s name, SWIFT/BIC code, branch address, account number, etc.

Each transfer is about ¥3,000 with a remittance limit:

• Less than 1 million yen per transaction

• Less than 2 million yen per day

• Less than 5 million yen per month

Other banks

Other banks will have a similar international remittance process. Here is some relevant information to know about each bank:

MUFG Bank (Mitsubishi UFJ) 

They have in-branch support, but online international bank transfers have lower fees (about 3,000 yen). You must also register for this service in advance before making the first transfer.

Their international remittance limits will depend on your circumstances, your transfer method, and the destination country.

SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation)

You must set up with SMBC Direct’s Foreign Money Transfer Service (外国送金サービス). I recommend having a translator extension to follow their instructions. 

Their transfer fee is 3,500 yen per transaction. And their remittance limit is:

• 5 million yen per transaction, daily

• 2 transactions per day

Mizuho Bank

Mizuho Bank has in-branch and online international transfers (through Global e-Banking). If you decide to make the transfer in person, you must go to a specific branch that can handle foreign remittances.

Their international transfer fees are higher than the other options, with ¥5,000 for online transfers and ¥8,500 for in-branch transfers.

Mizuho Bank doesn't list a universal international transfer limit.

SBI Shinsei Bank

SBI Shinsei Bank is a very foreigner-friendly Japanese bank account with English online banking. It is easy to set up international remittances with them through their GoRemit service.

The remittance fee is JPY 2,000 per remittance. 

There is a 2,000 yen cash-back program where 2,000 yen will be returned for every incoming foreign exchange remittance for customers in a certain program tier.

Their remittance limit is 1 million yen, but you can apply for it to be 1.2 million yen.

b. Online transfer services

In addition to traditional bank transfers, there are online money transfer services that will let you send your money abroad from Japan.

These services are faster, usually with lower fees and better exchange rates. 

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is one of the most popular international online bank transfer services out there. 

It doesn’t use the SWIFT network, but instead, it uses its own local bank accounts in each country to make transfers. For example, you transfer from your Japanese bank account to their bank in Japan. After confirming the payment, they will send the amount from their account to the recipient’s account abroad.

After making an account and verifying your identity, you can start transferring money from Japan. Only the sender needs a Wise account, and the transfer fee is about 0.5% to 1% of the amount sent. 

I use their service and have no trouble at all when making an international bank transfer.

Revolut

Revolut is a digital banking app that lets users hold, exchange, and transfer multiple currencies from one account.

After setting up an account and getting verified, you can insert Japanese yen via bank transfer or card payment. Then you can convert your JPY into other currencies using the current exchange rate and send it directly to an international bank account via SWIFT.

Their free plan offers a fee-free currency exchange, which allows exchanges up to ¥100,000 per month with about 0.5% fee. But please note that SWIFT transfers usually have additional fees.

A great thing about Revolut is that it’s free when transferring between Revolut users.

Western Union

Western Union is another common online international banking method. 

In Japan, you can send money online or in person through convenience stores like FamilyMart or Lawson with Western Union.

Once the payment is confirmed, the recipient can pick up the funds in cash at a Western Union location. They can also receive directly into their bank account, but that depends on the destination country.

Many fees are based on the destination, payment method, delivery option, and the exchange rate. 

This method is great when sending money to someone abroad, as they will be able to receive the amount within minutes. 

Useful tools

There are many useful tools out there to help you with international bank transfers:

• Google Translate extension: especially useful if the website is in Japanese when needing to apply for an international remittance service.

• Current exchange rate calculator: Simply Googling [currency to currency] will help you see the exchange rate for that day. 

• International money transfer fees: You can also use Wise or XE.com to see the exchange and transfer fees of other similar services. 

Legal and tax considerations

Without getting too much into the details about legal and taxation information, here’s what you need to be aware of when sending international remittances from Japan:

• MyNumber Requirement: When sending money abroad from Japan, you are usually required to provide your MyNumber (個人番号) as this is part of Japan’s anti-money laundering and tax transparency laws

• Purpose of Remittance: For any transfer over 1 million yen, Japanese banks are obligated to confirm the purpose of the remittance. You might be required to submit certain documents, such as contracts or tuition invoices.

And here’s what you need to be aware of when receiving money from Japan:

• Recipient’s tax obligations: it will vary depending on the country. For example, in the U.S, gifts from a foreign individual are not taxable as long as it’s under $100,000/year. If it’s over, then it must be reported when filing taxes (See IRS Page here).

• Gift tax: depending on the country and its rules on gift tax, the receiver may be taxed for the amount they receive.

• Foreign Exchange Declarations: In some jurisdictions, the recipient may need to declare large foreign currency coming into the bank.

In closing

Transferring money from Japan to abroad can be complicated, especially in the beginning.

But after your first transfer, you can save the recipient information. Then all you have to do is repeat the transfer, just like any other domestic bank transfer.

Whether you choose a traditional bank transfer or online banking, you’ll be able to send and receive your money securely and with more confidence each time.