Introduction: Money Matters in Paradise
The Yaeyama Islands are a dream destination—remote, tropical, and deeply traditional. But while the white-sand beaches and lush mangroves might feel far away from urban Japan, travelers still need to manage the practicalities of money. ATMs, banks, and payment methods here can be quite different from Tokyo or Osaka, so knowing how and where to access your funds is essential for a stress-free stay.
ATMs in the Yaeyama Islands
Ishigaki Island (Main Hub):
Ishigaki has the widest choice of ATMs. You’ll find them at Japan Post Bank branches (ゆうちょ銀行), Okinawa Bank (沖縄銀行), Bank of the Ryukyus (琉球銀行), and convenience stores such as FamilyMart and Lawson.Japan Post ATMs are the most reliable for international cards (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Cirrus, Maestro).
Seven Bank ATMs are limited, but FamilyMart and Lawson ATMs often support foreign cards.
Remote Islands (Taketomi, Kohama, Kuroshima, etc.):
Most small islands do not have banks. Instead, you’ll find one or two Japan Post ATMs (often near the port or village office). On Taketomi, for example, there is only a single post office ATM in the village. Travelers should withdraw enough cash before leaving Ishigaki.Yonaguni & Iriomote:
These larger islands have at least one or two bank branches and post offices, but ATMs may close at night or on weekends. Don’t expect 24-hour service everywhere.
Traveler’s Tip: Withdraw extra before ferry trips. A storm or typhoon can delay boats and flights, leaving you stranded without easy access to cash.
Bank Branches in the Yaeyama Islands
Okinawa Bank (沖縄銀行) – Central Ishigaki City, open weekdays. Handles domestic transfers, yen cash withdrawals, and limited foreign exchange.
Bank of the Ryukyus (琉球銀行) – Also in central Ishigaki, with services similar to Okinawa Bank.
Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) – Present across the islands, reliable for ATM access.
Foreign currency exchange is limited. Most travelers exchange cash at Naha Airport or the main island of Japan before flying to Ishigaki, or use international ATMs to withdraw yen directly.
Payment Options: Cash, Cards & Mobile
Cash (現金):
Still king in Yaeyama. Local guesthouses (民宿), small restaurants, and ferry ticket counters often accept only yen cash. Always carry enough for daily expenses.Credit & Debit Cards:
Accepted at resort hotels, rental car offices, diving shops, and larger restaurants in Ishigaki City.
Less reliable on smaller islands—expect “cash only” signs.
Visa and Mastercard are the safest bets; American Express and Diners are less common.
Mobile & IC Card Payments:
PayPay and Rakuten Pay are increasingly accepted in Ishigaki shops and taxis.
Suica and Pasmo (Tokyo IC cards) can be used in some convenience stores, but not widely elsewhere.
Apple Pay/Google Pay are accepted only where credit cards are already in use.
Handy Extras & Tips for Travelers
ATM Hours: Not all ATMs are 24-hour. Many post office ATMs close by 21:00, and rural ATMs may close even earlier.
Service Fees: International withdrawals usually carry a fee (¥110–¥220 per use). Your home bank may add extra charges.
Cash Denominations: Carry smaller bills (¥1000, ¥2000, ¥5000). Some small shops cannot break ¥10,000 notes.
2000 Yen Bills: A curiosity—ATMs in Okinawa sometimes give ¥2000 bills, rarely seen elsewhere in Japan. They are legal tender and fun souvenirs.
Typhoon Preparedness: During typhoons, ferries and flights are canceled, and stores may only take cash. Always keep an emergency stash.
Cash for Remote Islands: Before heading to Hatoma, Aragusuku, or Hateruma, make sure you have enough. No ATMs are available there.
FAQ: Money in the Yaeyama Islands
Q: Can I pay with US dollars, Euros, or other foreign cash?
A: No. Only Japanese yen is accepted. Exchange before arrival or use ATMs.
Q: Are ATMs open 24/7 in Ishigaki?
A: Some convenience store ATMs are, but many post office and bank ATMs close at night.
Q: Can I use credit cards on ferry boats?
A: Most ferry companies (Anei, Yaeyama Kanko Ferry) still prefer cash, though Ishigaki terminal sometimes accepts cards.
Q: What’s the daily withdrawal limit?
A: Usually ¥50,000 to ¥100,000 for foreign cards, depending on the ATM and your bank.