SMART EXCHANGE passes 1,000 currency exchange machines in Japan

SMART EXCHANGE Co., Ltd. says its unmanned foreign currency exchange network topped 1,000 units nationwide in February 2026 and handled more than 2 million transactions a year as Japan’s inbound tourism keeps rising. The Tokyo-based company is now targeting 1,500 units, with new placements planned beyond major cities and into regional tourist areas.

Why it matters: - SMART EXCHANGE’s network gives international visitors faster access to Japanese yen at places where cash is still widely used, including tourist sites, hotels and transportation hubs. - The expansion comes as Japan’s inbound travel market keeps growing, with 42.68 million visitors in 2025, up 15.8% from the prior year. - The company’s rollout could reduce the need for travelers to pre-exchange cash before arrival or at the airport.

What happened: - SMART EXCHANGE Co., Ltd. announced that its unmanned foreign currency exchange machine service reached more than 1,000 installed units nationwide. - The company said the installation count passed 1,000 units in February 2026. - Annual transaction volume surpassed 2 million. - SMART EXCHANGE marked its 10th anniversary alongside the milestone. - The network now spans 40 of Japan’s 47 prefectures.

The details: - SMART EXCHANGE machines are installed at airports, train stations, shopping centers, hotels and tourist facilities across Japan. - The machines use a multilingual interface designed to make currency exchange simple for travelers. - The service converts 12 foreign currencies into Japanese yen. - SMART EXCHANGE says the service is now available at major transportation hubs and tourist destinations throughout Japan. - The company says travelers can exchange currency on the spot at virtually any tourist destination across Japan. - The company’s website is More information.

Between the lines: - The milestone reflects how inbound tourism is reshaping basic travel infrastructure in Japan, especially for visitors who still need cash for smaller merchants and local experiences. - SMART EXCHANGE is betting that convenience and visibility will matter as much as machine count, since many travelers still do not know these exchange machines exist. - The company’s emphasis on regional destinations suggests a push to capture demand outside the biggest urban centers.

What's next: - SMART EXCHANGE plans to expand beyond major cities into regional tourist destinations and accommodation facilities. - The company is targeting 1,500 total units. - Masato Nakano, representative director and president, said the remaining gap is in places where exchange convenience still does not exist.

The bottom line: - SMART EXCHANGE has built one of Japan’s largest unmanned currency exchange networks, and the next phase is wider coverage rather than a new product.