How to Transfer Money to Japan and Vice Versa?

Nowadays, global economics plays a role in the lives of ordinary people that is just as important as local economics. That's why it's vital to know how international transfers work in your country. In this article we'll look into all the ways to send money abroad from Japan. Let's begin!

Ways to Transfer Money

There are several reliable ways to send money abroad from Japan. Each method has its pros and cons depending on how quickly you need the transfer, the currency, and the amount you're planning to send. Let’s walk through the main options.

1. Bank Transfers Via SWIFT

This is the classic way to transfer money overseas — directly from your Japanese bank account to the recipient’s bank through the SWIFT network. It’s secure and suitable for larger transfers, but processing can take several business days and bank fees are often higher. Banks may also request supporting documents for compliance and proof of funds, especially for larger amounts. A MyNumber ID is required for all official financial operations in Japan.

2. Online Banks

Online banks offer international transfer services with lower fees and more competitive exchange rates compared to traditional banks. Transfers can be initiated easily via app or online banking, making them convenient for everyday users. However, supported countries and currencies may vary, and identity verification (including MyNumber) is still required.

3. Fintech Transfer Services

Fintech platforms are the fastest and most cost-effective way to send small to medium-sized amounts abroad. You can send funds directly from your Japanese bank account, debit card, or credit card. These services offer near-real-time transfers, transparent currency conversion, and lower fees than traditional banks. That said, some services may have transfer limits or may not support all destination countries and banks.

4. Seven Bank ATM

For those who prefer cash or need urgent transfers, Seven Bank multilingual ATMs allow you to send money without visiting a bank branch. Funds can often be picked up by the recipient in cash at a partner location abroad. Transfers are very fast, sometimes within minutes, but fees tend to be higher, and the recipient must physically collect the cash if direct deposit isn’t available.

5. Cryptocurrency Transfers

Crypto transfers allow sending digital assets such as USDT, Bitcoin, or USDC internationally. Transactions are processed on the blockchain and usually take seconds to a few minutes, regardless of destination country. This method avoids banking intermediaries and can be cost-efficient. After receiving the crypto, the recipient can convert it to local currency via an exchange or P2P platform.

Comparison of Transfer Methods

Each method of sending money to or from Japan has its own pros, but they differ in speed, cost, and convenience. We've prepared a table below so you can compare all of them in one place.

Transfer method	Speed	Average fees	Ease of use
Banks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, JP Bank)	Speed2–5 business days	Average feesHigh (fixed fee + markup on the exchange rate)	Ease of useHard
Online banks (Rakuten, Sony Bank, etc.)	Speed1–3 days	Average feesMedium–high	Ease of useModerate
Fintech Services (Wise, Revolut, Remitly, SBI Remit, PayPal, SBI Remit)	SpeedSeveral hours – 1–2 days	Average feesLow, transparent, real exchange rate	Ease of useEasy
Seven Bank ATM (WU, etc.)	SpeedMinutes–hours	Average feesMedium–high	Ease of useModerate
Cryptocurrencies	SpeedFrom a few seconds to minutes	Average feesLow (network + exchange)	Ease of useModerate

How to Send Money through Japanese Banks?

Traditional banks use the SWIFT network and are suitable for large transfers.

Here's how to send:

1. Visit a branch or online bank (if available).

2. Provide your passport/ID and MyNumber.

3. Fill out the international transfer form.

4. Provide the recipient's details and SWIFT/BIC.

5. Confirm the transaction and pay the commission.

The funds will arrive within a few business days.

How to Send Money Via Online Banking?

Online banks are a more convenient alternative to traditional branches, but they also use SWIFT.

Here are the steps to send through them:

1. Log in to your online bank.

2. Activate the international transfer service (if required).

3. Add the recipient's details and their SWIFT code.

4. Select the amount and currency.

5. Confirm the transfer.

Funds usually arrive within 1–3 business days, depending on the destination and bank processing times.

How to Transfer Money with Wise?

Wise is one of the most popular services for sending money to and from Japan. It offers transparent fees and uses the real mid-market exchange rate, so you know exactly how much the recipient will get.

Here’s how to make a transfer:

1. Sign up or log in to your Wise account (web or app).

2. Choose the amount and select the currencies — for example, from USD to JPY.

3. Enter the recipient’s data and bank details.

4. Upload documents to verify your identity and MyNumber (once).

5. Fund your transfer via bank transfer or card and confirm the transaction.

Transfers typically arrive within minutes to a few hours, but international bank deposits may take up to 1 business day.

How to Transfer Money with Revolut?

Revolut allows users to send and receive money internationally and instantly, often with no hidden conversion fees. It’s especially convenient for travelers, expats, and freelancers living or working in Japan.

Here’s how to send money:

1. Open the Revolut app and go to the “Transfers” section.

2. Add a recipient using their phone number, Revolut username, or bank details.

3. Enter the amount and currency, then check the displayed exchange rate.

4. Confirm the transfer — if both parties use Revolut, the money is delivered instantly and free of charge.

5. Recipients without a Revolut account can receive funds in their Japanese bank account via a standard transfer.

Revolut-to-Revolut transfers are instant; to bank accounts, funds usually arrive within 1 business day.

How to Transfer Money with Remitly?

Remitly is designed for fast and secure international money transfers. In Japan, it supports both direct deposits to local bank accounts and cash pickups through partner locations such as banks and money transfer agents.

Here’s how to send money with Remitly:

1. Sign up or log in to Remitly’s website or mobile app.

2. Select Japan as the destination country and choose how the recipient will receive the funds — bank deposit or cash pickup.

3. Enter the recipient’s information, select your payment method (card or bank account), and confirm the transfer.

Depending on the selected delivery speed, the transfer usually arrives within minutes or up to one business day.

How to Send Money via SBI Remit?

SBI Remit is a Japanese service popular among residents sending money to Asia (the Philippines, Vietnam, etc.).

Here’s how to send money with SBI Remit:

1. Register on the platform and verify your identity and MyNumber.

2. Add the recipient's details.

3. Transfer funds to your SBI Remit bank account. Select the method of receipt (bank or cash through partners).

4. Confirm the transfer and provide the code (if using cash withdrawal).

Funds typically arrive within minutes to several hours for cash pickup, and within 1 business day for bank deposits.

How to Transfer Money with PayPal?

PayPal offers a simple and secure way to send money using only an email address. The service links directly to your card or Japanese bank account and automatically converts currencies during the transaction.

Here’s how to make a transfer:

1. Sign in to your PayPal account or create one if you don’t have it yet.

2. Select “Send Money” and enter the recipient’s email address.

3. Enter the amount and choose the desired currency (for example, JPY or USD).

4. Review the fees and exchange rate shown before confirming the payment.

5. Confirm the transaction — the recipient will receive the funds in their PayPal account, which can then be withdrawn to a bank account or used for online purchases.

Transfers to another PayPal wallet are instant; withdrawal to a bank may take 1 business day.

How to Send Money via a Seven Bank ATM?

This method is suitable for those who want to send cash urgently without going to banks.

Here are the steps:

1. Go to a Seven Bank ATM.

2. Select the international transfer service.

3. Enter the recipient's details.

4. Deposit cash.

5. Obtain the MTCN and send it to the recipient.

Cash pickup transfers are usually available within minutes.

Best Way to Transfer Money from Japan

Crypto is now considered one of the most practical and cost-efficient ways to send money from Japan abroad. Transactions take place directly on the blockchain, getting rid of intermediaries and significantly reducing transfer time and fees. Funds can arrive within seconds, and users avoid the restrictions and high fees often applied by traditional methods.

To make a crypto transfer, you’ll need a crypto wallet and a platform where you can buy, sell, and exchange digital assets before sending or withdrawing them. One of the most convenient methods is peer-to-peer (P2P) trading, which allows users to exchange cryptocurrency directly with each other. Each transaction is secured by an escrow system, which safely holds the seller’s crypto until the buyer’s payment is confirmed.

For example, Cryptomus P2P offers over 560 payment methods, covering all major Japanese options, and fees of only 0.1%. The platform supports instant transfers, multi-currency trading, and automatic escrow protection, making it one of the most flexible and secure tools for sending money from Japan to anywhere in the world.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Buy Cryptocurrency via P2P Exchange

Buying cryptocurrency through a P2P exchange is simple and takes only a few minutes. The process below shows how it works using Cryptomus P2P.

Step 1. Sign up for a Cryptomus account to get your personal cryptocurrency wallet.

Step 2. Before buying crypto, complete the KYC verification process. At first, go to your account settings and activate 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) as an additional layer of protection.

Then scroll to the right, and open the section labeled “KYC Verification”. Follow the on-screen instructions to upload your identification documents and wait for verification approval. Once your KYC is verified, your wallet will be fully activated for P2P trading.

Step 3. Return to your dashboard and open the P2P section.

Select the tab “Buy” and choose the cryptocurrency you want to purchase — for example, USDT. Browse available offers from verified sellers. You can filter them by payment method and pick the one with the best rate and limit.

Step 4. Enter the amount you want to buy and click “Buy USDT”.

In the chat, ask the seller for any payment details you need, then send the payment according to those details and click “Transferred, notify seller”. The seller’s crypto remains locked in escrow until the payment is confirmed, ensuring both parties’ security.

Step 5. Once the seller confirms receipt, the cryptocurrency will be released automatically to your Cryptomus wallet balance. You can then hold, withdraw, or convert it to another asset within the platform. That’s all!

How to Transfer Crypto to Another Person?

After getting the crypto, you can send it to another person. To do this, follow these steps:

• Open the “Send” section in your wallet.

• Enter the recipient’s wallet address.

• Select the network that matches the recipient’s wallet.

• Enter the amount you want to send.

• Double-check all details, enter a 2FA code and click “Send”.

The transfer will appear in the recipient’s wallet once confirmed on the blockchain — usually within a few seconds or minutes.

Cashing out is also possible through a P2P platform — here’s how to do it:

• Go to the “Sell” section on a P2P platform.

• Choose the coin and amount you want to sell.

• Select your payment method (for example, a local bank).

• Choose a buyer from the available offers — check their rate and limits.

• Confirm the trade and wait for the buyer to send the payment.

Once you receive the money, confirm it, and the crypto will be released to the buyer automatically.

Sending money abroad from Japan has never been easier. Today, residents can choose from traditional banks, modern online payment services, and even fast, low-fee crypto solutions. Understanding how each option works makes it simple to select the most secure and cost-effective method for international transfers.

Was this article helpful for you? Have you ever tried sending money from or to Japan? How was it? Share your experience down below!