Japan · Asia
Banking in Tokyo: Regulator, JPY Accounts & Transfers
If you bank from Tokyo, three things shape the experience: the currency (Japanese yen, JPY), the regulator that supervises providers (Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA)), and the way domestic Japan transfers are addressed and settled. Below, each is set out with the source it comes from — treat these as the checks to make, not marketing.
The regulator to check
The first check for a Tokyo account is the regulator standing behind the provider.
Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA)
Japan’s Payment Services Act contains the rules for Funds Transfer Service Providers. Verify the provider’s legal status and the services it can offer in Japan before you apply.
Visit the regulator →Currency & local account details
Domestic payments in Japan rely on a specific account format — get it exactly right before sending.
- Currency:
- Japanese yen (JPY)
- Local account format
- A Japanese domestic transfer requires the recipient bank and branch, account type, account number, and account-holder name. Bank and branch codes are commonly used to identify the destination.
How domestic transfers move
The payment rail behind Japan transfers determines timing and limits.
Domestic furikomi transfers use Japan’s nationwide Zengin network. Enter the recipient’s bank, branch, account type, number, and name exactly as supplied, then check the provider’s JPY processing window.
Before you open an account
- Confirm the provider is authorised by Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA) before depositing funds.
- Transact in Japanese yen (JPY) and check the provider's rate and fees for any conversion.
- Use Japan's domestic account format exactly as issued when sending or receiving locally.
- Check the provider's cut-off times and limits on the local payment rail before relying on instant settlement.
What people in Tokyo ask
Where can I open a savings account in Tokyo?
Most savings accounts in Japan are opened with a domestic bank, and many now let you apply online. Compare savings yields on the bank's own site, and check that it is supervised by Japan's Financial Services Agency before you deposit.
Banking options in Tokyo →Is there a high-yield savings account in Japan?
Rates change often and depend on the bank and the term, so we do not list a rate here. Check the current rate and any minimum balance directly with the provider before opening an account.
Compare accounts for Tokyo →Can a business in Japan use Airwallex or another multi-currency account?
Online business accounts let companies hold, receive and convert several currencies. Confirm on the provider's site that it accepts businesses registered in Japan before you apply.
Business accounts →What is the best online bank in Japan?
It depends on whether you need yen savings, a debit card, or money sent and received abroad. Use the facts on this page (regulator, account format, transfer system) to compare providers on the same terms.
Options for Tokyo →Sources
Every fact on this page traces to an official or authoritative source: