Cash exchange is a final-payout problem Tokyo's useful comparison areas are the Shinjuku ticket-shop corridor, Ueno–Ameyoko and Akihabara. An ATM can still beat a counter if your bank's overseas and withdrawal fees are low, so calculate both routes for the same amount. Interbank, often called Ninja Money Exchange, in Shinjuku showed 4.7 from 1,127 Google reviews on 31 August 2026. Recent reviews praised the headline rate and speed. Low-rated reports repeatedly alleged unexpected 8–10% commission, queues, confusing machine steps, no receipt or cash-count disputes. Ask for the yen total, not just the board rate. Ueno Ameyoko Money Exchange showed 4.9 from 751 reviews. Many current reviews praised the rate and friendly service. The low-rated sample included poor EUR or INR quotes, better rates at neighbouring counters, rejection of dirty notes and missing receipts. The unusually high rating also contains many short posts. Akihabara Money Exchange on the first floor of Don Quijote showed 4.9 from 281 reviews. It is easy to locate and reviews often mention friendly help. Contrary reviews reported rates worse than Shinjuku or even the airport. Many recent five-star posts are generic and owner-replied, so do not treat the score as a price guarantee. The counter script Ask: “If I sell US$1,000, exactly how many yen will I leave with after commission?” Repeat at two nearby counters. Confirm whether worn or smaller notes receive a different quote. Count the yen, request a receipt and walk away if a fee appears only after the handover. For ATMs, compare your bank's fixed withdrawal fee, percentage FX fee and the machine fee. Decline any offer to charge your home currency; choose JPY. Keep some backup cash because card acceptance is not universal. Crypto Japan's FSA publishes registered crypto-asset and stablecoin providers. That does not make an unlisted physical USDT desk legitimate. Use the registered entity and its permitted service rather than a social-media broker or personal wallet.