Can I get yen from ATM at the airport in Japan?

I think that an ATM in Japan would certainly spit out Japanese Yen, since that is what Japanese residents carry in their wallets and purses for everyday purchases. It is the legal tender. I believe all you need to do is inform your bank of the dates you will be there so they don't deny the transactions due to suspected fraud.
If you are arriving at Tokyo Narita, the English language website shows dozens of ATMs. They say 30,000 Yen transaction limit, about $300 US.

As far as I remember, most ATMs in Tokyo do not accept foreign cards. Your easiest bets are ATMs of Citibank branches, post offices and 7-eleven stores. I would expect that at major hotels and airports you could find international ATMs; but be aware that sometimes you have to look around.

Not knowing your bank, but most larger banks can get you any foreign currency in about 2 business days, so if you go today you should still be able to get some in time. No guaranty that the rate would be good because most banks don't give a great rate on any foreign currency.

I really don't understand the Japanese ATM system. It is true they restrict anyone without a local ATM card from getting Yen at most ATMs other than 7-11 and the post office. This would be one country where the advise of waiting until you get to the airport there to get some would not seem to work.

Good news is that many more ATMs now accept foreign cards than in previous years. This is due to a push by the Japanese government to get ready for the influx of foreign tourists during the 2020 Olympics. By then, all ATMs operated by the major banks will accept all foreign cards. Until then, good luck.

"As far as I remember, most ATMs in Tokyo do not accept foreign cards. Your easiest bets are ATMs of Citibank branches, post offices and 7-eleven stores." Any explanation?

Sorry, some bad information here.

First, yes of course all Japanese ATMs dispense Yen (really, what would you expect them to spit out, sake? ;) ). It's the national currency and it's what you will need to use. Don't expect anyone to take dollars or euros or anything else.

Getting cash from Japanese ATMs is no more complicated than getting cash form any ATM anywhere.

In my experience, virtually all Japanese ATMs do work with US-based bank/network ATM and credit cards. Just as in Europe (or in the USA), you'll want to be familiar with what network your card uses (eg Plus, Interlink, Moneypass, etc.) and look for that logo on the ATM. Plus, which seems to be the most widely supported system, is quite common, but there are others. If you're unsure, you can give it a try with no fears - worst case, it'll tell you your card is not accepted.

Just like virtually every ATM here in the US, every Japanese ATM I've seen has a language selection screen. English is available.

There are oodles of ATMs at Narita Airport, right after you exit customs/immigration, when you emerge into the arrivals areas - as you exit the customs/immigration area, turn left, you'll see a wall full of ATMs. Easy, peasey, Japanesey. (I haven't flown into Haneda yet, going in October, so can't tell you about that....but IMHO things in Japan are well set up and things just work, so I'd be shocked if it was any more difficult at Haneda). Credit cards are also widely accepted in most places - except small shops/street vendors.

In addition to at banks, you will find ATMs prevalent in post offices and convenience stores (7-11s and "Lawson" and a couple others are everywhere).

Finally, I'll just add: visiting Japan is generally a LOT easier than many people probably worry it will be. If you stick to the major tourist areas, you should have no language issues whatsoever. Venture way off the beaten track, you will still find plenty of people who speak English. Japanese people tend to be incredibly polite and helpful. Remember that tourism is a major part of Japan's economy (and has been for a long time) - currently they're flooded with Chinese tourists (you will see). Things are generally very well set up for foreign visitors (English signage is quite prevalent).

In some ways, Japan is very foreign but also very familiar - it's very "developed" and technologically advanced (actually, obsessed), but culturally very distinct and different. Really interesting and fun. I can't wait to go back (I'm probably booking flights tonight, actually!). Have fun!

Bruce,

Japanese banks don't see any profit to be made by operating ATMs. They have to keep cash in them and then pay someone to keep them full and operating (no different than anywhere else of course so not really a valid argument). They are also very wary of fraud and just don't want to bother. So the choice until now is to not connect to international networks (Visa, MasterCard).

I have not been to Japan yet so I don't have any first hand knowledge. But several co workers have gone and did experience the lack of ATMs that would allow them to withdraw cash in some of the more out of the way towns as recently as last summer.