How to Send Money from Japan: International Remittance Guide (2026)

Why Wise Is Cheaper Than Traditional Banks

In Japan, traditional bank international wire fees are steep, and the exchange rates are opaque:

The key difference: Traditional banks use a marked-up exchange rate (2–3% above the mid-market rate as a hidden charge). This doesn't appear on your receipt, but it silently reduces how much arrives at your destination. Wise commits to using the real mid-market exchange rate (the same rate you see on Google), with a single transparent fee.

Creating a Wise Account

Step 1 — Download the App or Visit the Website

• Website: wise.com
• App: Search "Wise" on the App Store or Google Play

Step 2 — Register

1. Click "Open Account" or "Register"
2. Enter your email address and set a password
3. Enter your phone number and receive an SMS verification code
4. Fill in basic personal information (name must exactly match your passport)

Step 3 — Identity Verification (KYC)

Wise is required to verify your identity under financial regulations:

1. Document verification: Upload photos of your passport or Residence Card
2. Selfie verification: Take a selfie — the system automatically compares it to your document photo
3. Address verification (in some cases): Upload a utility bill or bank statement

Verification usually completes within 1–2 business days — basic features are available while you wait.

Step 4 — Add a Japanese Yen (JPY) Account

After verification, go to the "Accounts" section and add a "JPY (Japanese Yen)" account. Wise will give you a Japanese local account number (virtual account at Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) or another bank) — you can use this to transfer funds in from your Japanese bank.

Transferring from Your Japanese Bank to Wise

Once you have your Wise JPY account number, transfer from your Japanese bank like this:

1. Log in to your Japanese bank's internet banking (or use an ATM)
2. Select Domestic Transfer (振込（振替）)
3. Enter the Wise-provided details:
   • Bank name (e.g.: Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行))
   • Branch code (支店名)
   • Account number (口座番号)
   • Recipient name (your name in English, as Wise registered it)
4. Enter the transfer amount and confirm
5. Your Japanese bank will charge its standard domestic transfer fee (most ATMs: ~¥110–¥220)

Once Wise receives the funds, you'll get an email notification and the balance will appear in the app.

Sending from Wise to a Recipient Bank Account — Step by Step

Step 1 — Start a New Transfer

1. Open the Wise app and tap Send (送金)
2. Select your source currency (JPY) and the destination currency (e.g., USD, EUR, TWD, HKD, KRW)
3. Enter the amount to send (you can enter either the JPY amount or the destination currency amount you want to arrive)

Step 2 — Review the Rate

Wise shows you in real time:

• The mid-market JPY/destination exchange rate
• The fee (amount and percentage)
• The estimated amount your recipient will receive
• Estimated arrival time

Step 3 — Enter the Recipient's Bank Details

Fill in the details for the recipient's bank account. Required fields vary by destination country:

• Recipient name (must match the bank account registration exactly)
• Bank name and address
• Account number / IBAN (format varies by country)
• SWIFT/BIC Code (required for most international transfers)
• Additional routing details as prompted (e.g., sort code for UK, routing number for US, BSB for Australia)

Wise will show you exactly which fields are required for your chosen destination country.

Step 4 — Confirm and Send

After reviewing all details, tap Send (送金する). Wise deducts from your JPY balance and begins processing.

Real Fee Examples

Approximate rates based on March 2026 reference — use Wise's live calculator for current rates:

JPY → USD (US Dollar)

Other Popular Destination Currencies (¥100,000 example)

Numbers are estimates. Always check Wise's real-time calculator before sending.

Arrival Times

Many transfers (especially JPY→USD and JPY→EUR) complete within 24 hours. For time-sensitive transfers, initiate Monday through Thursday — weekend and Friday afternoon bank processing may cause delays.

Important Notes

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Review

Wise is legally required to review large or unusual transfers:

• If your account makes a large transfer for the first time, you may be asked to provide proof of the source of funds (pay slip, employment contract, etc.)
• Verification may hold the transfer for 1–5 business days

Transfer Limits

Unverified accounts have lower per-transaction limits. After full KYC, limits increase substantially — but there are still monthly volume caps. High-frequency, large-amount senders should confirm their current limits in advance.

Recipient Bank Receiving Fees

The recipient's bank may charge an incoming international transfer fee — amounts vary by country and bank. It's worth checking with the recipient in advance so there are no surprises on arrival.

Comparison with Other Transfer Methods

Revolut is a solid alternative for smaller amounts — it offers a monthly free exchange quota and works well if you're moving money between multiple currencies frequently. Beyond the free quota, rates are slightly higher than Wise.

PayPay Bank has a fixed fee that works reasonably for occasional transfers but is less efficient for regular use.

For a guide to choosing and opening the right Japanese bank account for Wise transfers, see Best Banks in Japan for Expats.