Money exchange in Japan

Hello, I have a small question about money exchange.
We are going to be in Japan in about two weeks, we will be bringing Yen with us, but also dollars.
Where will we be able to exchange the dollars to Yen? How much time does it take? Are the exchange rates good?
We will be staying in all major cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and more)
Thanks!

It normally takes 5-10 mins while the exchange shop is not busy.
The major banks accept foreign currencies but they are not at good rates as well as exchange shops which open sat and sun days.
I went to a ticket shop called "Daikoku-ya" in this Jan and they offered me a good rate there.
But Daikoku-ya is not large shops.
http://gaika.e-daikoku.com/

I think a cash card (ATM) with the union pay or plus will probably be better than carrying dollars, or even a credit card.

I have found the exchange rate at the airport is better than in the U.S.
There is an exchange counter as you exit Customs into the lobby at Narita. Banks take a long time, you have to fill out a form and the exchange rate is not good. Japan is very safe and everyone carries cash.
Japanese post offices have ATMs.

Japan Post is very good rates I founded.

Hope this helps!

Have fun!!

A comparison of the various ways to change dollars to yen: http://traveljapanblog.com/wordpress/tag/getting-the-best-rate-to-chan...

Airport exchange rates are bad (even at Narita for USD - I have the photos of their terrible rates). If you are exchanging at the airport, check the different exchange booths as there can be a 5% difference between places.

This question has been asked and answered countless times, so you might do a search on it.
A lot depends on where you are coming from. If from the US, then buy your yen in Japan. If from the UK or Australia, it is often better to but yen before you arrive in Japan.
But if you want to check current rates, look at:

http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/exchange_e/index.html

Using your ATM is really the smart way to go, however. See:

http://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/ias/en_ias_index.html
http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/card2.html

If you do plan to use your ATM in Japan, make sure the bank knows about it first so they don't freeze your account and suspect fraudulent usage. And find out what they charge for using it - hopefully you don't put your money in a rip-off big bank.

US BANK charges 3%, so it's much better to change all your money when you arrive in Narita from the U.S.