SWIFT codes in Japan
JP · JPY
543 banks in Japan, from MUFG BANK, LTD. (BOTKJPJ2) onward; every code carries JP as its country part.
Banks
543
SWIFT codes
6
Branches
14
Currency
JPY
Banks and SWIFT codes in Japan
MMIZUHO BANK, LTD.
| SWIFT/BIC | City |
|---|---|
MHCBJPJTXXX | CHIYODA |
MHCBJPJTCLS | MINATO |
MMIZUHO BANK, LTD. (POOLING)
| SWIFT/BIC | City |
|---|---|
MHCBJPJ5XXX | CHIYODA |
MMIZUHO BANK, LTD. (SCORE)
| SWIFT/BIC | City |
|---|---|
MHCBJPJ6XXX | CHIYODA |
MMUFG BANK, LTD.
| SWIFT/BIC | City |
|---|---|
BOTKJPJ2XXX | TOKYO |
BOTKJPJTXXX | CHIYODA |
BOTKJPJTSMO | KITAKYUSYU |
BOTKJPJTSAD | TOKYO |
BOTKJPJTSAP | SAPPORO |
SSUMITOMO MITSUI TRUST BANK,LIMITED
| SWIFT/BIC | City |
|---|---|
STBCJPJTXXX | CHIYODA |
STBCJPJTSAD | TOKYO |
STBCJPJTSBS | FUCHU |
STBCJPJTCUS | CHUO |
STBCJPJTCLS | TOKYO |
Japan SWIFT code questions
What does a Japan SWIFT code look like?
BOTKJPJ2XXX (MUFG BANK, LTD.): bank BOTK, country JP, location J2, branch XXX.
What are the SWIFT codes for Japan's major banks?
Key Japanese bank SWIFT codes include: MUFG Bank — BOTKJPJT, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) — SMBCJPJT, Mizuho Bank — MHCBJPJT, Resona Bank — DIWAJPJT, Fukuoka Bank — FUKBJPJP, and Japan Post Bank — JPPYJPJT. Regional banks have their own SWIFT codes distinct from the megabanks. Always confirm with the recipient's specific bank.
Do I need a branch code as well as a SWIFT code for a transfer to Japan?
Yes. Japanese banks require both the SWIFT code and the recipient's branch code (店番号, three digits) plus account number for incoming international wires. The branch code is different from the SWIFT code's location identifier — it is a specific number assigned to each branch within the bank. The recipient can find their branch code on their bank card or in their online banking app.
What is the Zengin System and how does it relate to SWIFT?
The Zengin System (全銀システム) is Japan's domestic interbank settlement network, handling JPY transfers between Japanese banks. It is entirely separate from SWIFT and cannot receive international payments. When a SWIFT transfer arrives at a Japanese bank, the bank processes it through its internal systems and credits the recipient's account. Domestic JPY transfers between Japanese bank accounts use Zengin, not SWIFT.
How long does a SWIFT transfer to Japan take?
SWIFT transfers to Japan typically take one to three business days. Transfers from the United States and Europe to major Japanese megabanks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) usually arrive within one to two business days. Transfers to regional banks may take an additional day due to internal routing. Japan's time zone (UTC+9) means that transfers sent late in the US business day may not be processed by Japanese banks until the following day.
What fees do Japanese banks charge for receiving international wires?
Japanese banks typically charge an inbound wire processing fee of JPY 2,500–4,000 per transfer. Additionally, if the transfer involves a currency conversion, the bank's telegraphic transfer rate applies, which includes a spread over the mid-market rate. For regular inbound transfers, some providers use JPY-denominated local payout networks to avoid bank wire fees entirely.
Can I receive USD or EUR directly in my Japanese bank account?
Most standard Japanese bank accounts are JPY-denominated, and inbound foreign currency transfers are automatically converted to JPY. However, major banks such as MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho offer foreign currency deposit accounts (外貨預金) that can hold USD, EUR, and other currencies. These accounts require separate setup at the bank.
Is it better to use a remittance service or a bank SWIFT transfer to send money to Japan?
For most personal transfers, specialist remittance providers (such as Wise, Revolut, or Remitly) offer significantly better exchange rates and lower fees than bank-to-bank SWIFT transfers. Japanese banks' inbound wire fees (JPY 2,500–4,000) plus the conversion spread can make standard SWIFT expensive for smaller amounts. Specialist providers often deliver to Japanese bank accounts within one business day at lower total cost.
How SWIFT works in Japan
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) oversees the financial system, and Japan's domestic transfers use the Zengin System (全銀システ) for real-time yen settlements between Japanese banks. For international wire transfers, SWIFT codes are required. Japan's three major banking groups — MUFG, SMBC Group, and Mizuho — handle the vast majority of inbound and outbound international payments.
- The three megabank SWIFT codes most frequently used for inbound transfers are MUFG Bank (BOTKJPJT), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBCJPJT), and Mizuho Bank (MHCBJPJT). These codes route to each bank's Tokyo international operations centre. Regional banks such as Resona, Fukuoka Bank, and Shizuoka Bank also have their own SWIFT codes for international wires.
- Japanese banks require both a SWIFT code and the recipient's branch code (店番号) plus account number for an international wire. When providing beneficiary details, include the branch name and number in addition to the account number, as the Zengin network uses these internally to route funds to the correct branch after the SWIFT payment arrives.
- Inbound international transfers to Japan are typically converted to JPY at the bank's telegraphic transfer buying rate on the settlement date. Banks such as MUFG and SMBC charge a standard inbound wire fee of around JPY 2,500–4,000. Providers that use local JPY payout networks can often deliver funds more cheaply than a bank-to-bank SWIFT transfer.
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