Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are an indispensable part of daily life in Japan. Found in banks, post offices, and nearly every convenience store, they offer a wide range of services far beyond simple cash withdrawals. While many machines now feature an English-language option, this is not always the case, and knowing the standard Japanese terms can save you time and prevent confusion.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of using a Japanese ATM, from the initial screen to completing the most common transactions. We will break down the on-screen vocabulary for withdrawals, deposits, bank transfers, and the unique Japanese function of passbook updating. With this guide, you’ll be able to use any ATM in Japan with confidence.

 

Using the ATM for the first time (はじめに)

The initial screen will prompt you to begin your transaction, usually by inserting your cash card (キャッシュカード) or bankbook (通帳). Once you insert your card, you will be asked to enter your 4-digit PIN (暗証番号). The main menu will then appear, presenting you with a list of transaction options. Note that most buttons are universal across different banks.

— Essential Navigation Vocabulary —
カード/通帳 (かーど/つうちょう, Kādo/Tsūchō) – Card/Passbook
暗証番号 (あんしょうばんごう, Anshō bangō) – PIN (Personal Identification Number)
確認 (かくにん, Kakunin) – Confirm
訂正 (ていせい, Teisei) – Correct / Revise
取消 (とりけし, Torikeshi) – Cancel
終了 (しゅうりょう, Shūryō) – End / Finish

 

Making a Withdrawal (お引出し)

This is the most common ATM transaction. After selecting the “O-hikidashi” option and entering your PIN, you will be prompted to enter the desired amount of money. Once you confirm the amount, the cash will be dispensed. You will also be asked if you want a receipt (ご利用明細票).

— Example Transaction Flow (Withdrawal) —
① 「お引出し」ボタンを押す (Select the “Withdrawal” button)
② 暗証番号を入力する (Enter your PIN)
③ 金額を入力する (Enter the amount)
④ 「確認」ボタンを押す (Press the “Confirm” button)
⑤ 現金とカードを受け取る (Receive your cash and card)

— Withdrawal Vocabulary —
お引出し (おひきだし, O-hikidashi) – Withdrawal
金額 (きんがく, Kingaku) – Amount of money
万円 (まんえん, Man’en) – 10,000 Yen
千円 (せんえん, Sen’en) – 1,000 Yen
円 (えん, En) – Yen
ご利用明細票 (ごりようめいさいひょう, Go-riyō meisaihyō) – Transaction receipt

 

Making a Deposit (お預入れ)

To deposit cash into your account, you will select the “O-azukeire” option. A slot on the machine will open for you to insert your bills (紙幣) and sometimes coins (硬貨). The machine will count the money, display the total on the screen for you to verify, and then complete the transaction once you press the confirm button.

— Example Transaction Flow (Deposit) —
① 「お預入れ」ボタンを押す (Select the “Deposit” button)
② 入金口に現金を入れる (Insert cash into the deposit slot)
③ 金額を確認する (Confirm the amount on the screen)
④ 「確認」ボタンを押す (Press the “Confirm” button)
⑤ カードを受け取る (Receive your card)

— Deposit Vocabulary —
お預入れ (おあずけいれ, O-azukeire) – Deposit
現金 (げんきん, Genkin) – Cash
紙幣 (しへい, Shihei) – Paper money / Bills
硬貨 (こうか, Kōka) – Coins
入金 (にゅうきん, Nyūkin) – Deposit / Money received

 

Bank Transfers (お振込み)

Bank transfers, or “O-furikomi,” are a vital function for paying rent and bills. This is the most complex ATM transaction, as it requires you to input the recipient’s banking details. You will need to know their bank name, branch name, account type (usually 普通 for savings), and their account number. The ATM will guide you through the process step-by-step.

— Transfer Vocabulary —
お振込み (おふりこみ, O-furikomi) – Bank Transfer
金融機関名 (きんゆうきかんめい, Kin’yū kikan-mei) – Financial Institution Name
支店名 (してんめい, Shiten-mei) – Branch Name
科目 (かもく, Kamoku) – Account Type
普通 (ふつう, Futsū) – Ordinary (Savings Account)
口座番号 (こうざばんごう, Kōza bangō) – Account Number
受取人名 (うけとりにんめい, Uketorinin-mei) – Recipient’s Name

 

Updating Your Passbook (通帳記入)

A unique feature of Japanese banking is the “tsūchō” (通帳), a physical passbook that records all your transactions. The “Tsūchō Kinyū” function at the ATM allows you to update it. Simply insert your passbook into the designated slot, select the option, and the machine will print all recent transactions directly into the book for your records.

— Passbook Vocabulary —
通帳記入 (つうちょうきにゅう, Tsūchō kinyū) – Passbook Update
残高 (ざんだか, Zandaka) – Balance
摘要 (てきよう, Tekiyō) – Transaction details/summary
お預り金額 (おあずかりきんがく, O-azukari kingaku) – Deposit amount
お支払金額 (おしはらいきんがく, O-shiharai kingaku) – Withdrawal amount

 

Other Options & Common Issues

Beyond the main transactions, there are other useful options. “Zandaka Shōkai” allows you to simply check your account balance. If you encounter a problem, such as your card not being returned, look for a button or phone to call an attendant (係員). Be aware of fees (手数料), which may apply if you use the ATM outside of normal business hours (時間外).

— Other Vocabulary —
残高照会 (ざんだかしょうかい, Zandaka shōkai) – Balance Inquiry
その他 (そのほか, Sono hoka) – Other / Etc.
係員をお呼びください (かかりいんをおよびください, Kakari’in o o-yobi kudasai) – Please call an attendant (A message you might see)
手数料 (てすうりょう, Tesūryō) – Handling fee
時間外 (じかんがい, Jikangai) – Outside of business hours

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