Top 6 Crypto Exchanges Used By Japanese
Cryptocurrency exchanges are where people buy and trade digital assets like Bitcoin. For beginners, choosing the right platform can be confusing. Each exchange has different fees, price spreads, and methods for purchasing crypto.
Some platforms let you trade directly, while others use a third-party service. These differences make it challenging to know the best fit, especially if you want to keep costs low.
This article will introduce and rank the top cryptocurrency exchanges recommended for users in Japan.
Recommended Cryptocurrency Exchange Rankings by Asset Variety
(*Based on Kabutan Data)
- Bitbank
- GMO coin
- bitFlyer
- Coincheck
- BITPOINT
- Zaif
1. Bitbank
The appeal of bitbank lies in its strong security, wide variety of supported cryptocurrencies, and user-friendly design. These features make it accessible to everyone, from beginners to advanced traders.
Bitbank has maintained a flawless security record, with zero hacking incidents since its launch. This is thanks to its proprietary security system and strict asset protection measures.
Funds are stored securely offline in cold wallets, and the platform uses multi-signature authentication to guard against external attacks and insider threats. With Bitbank, your crypto assets are in safe hands.
Opening an account is simple: Use your smartphone's “Quick Identity Verification” feature to scan your My Number card or driver’s license. There’s no need to upload photos of your ID manually. To get started, register your email address, verify your identity by scanning the IC chip on your ID, and begin trading immediately.
According to the official website, here are the main advantages of using Bitbank:
- Withdraw from as little as 1,000 yen
- 24/7 real-time deposits and withdrawals
- Over 40 cryptocurrencies are available for purchase in Japanese yen
- Strong security measures with zero hacking incidents since launch
- Crypto lending with competitive interest rates of up to 5% annually
Official Site (JP): Okaneko
Official Site (JP): Bitbank
2. GMO Coin
GMO Coin is a beginner-friendly crypto exchange that makes it easy to start.
The app allows you to begin investing with as little as 100 yen and start trading in as fast as 10 minutes. The platform also offers a "Recurring Crypto Purchase" option, allowing you to invest from 500 yen per month.
GMO Coin provides access to:
- 28 cryptocurrencies
- 14 currency pairs for foreign exchange (FX) trading
With zero fees on many services and strong security, it’s an excellent choice for first-time users looking for a safe and easy way to trade.
According to the official website, GMO Coin is ranked No.1 in Japan for overall capabilities. It offers a top-tier variety of tradable assets, including rare tokens like ADA and ATOM, which are hard to find on other Japanese platforms. Many of these assets are also available for margin trading and crypto accumulation, making GMO Coin a highly versatile exchange.
Official Site (JP): GMO Coin
Official Site (JP): Kabutan
3. BitFlyer
BitFlyer stands out for its ease of use, with zero fees on various transactions, strong security that offers peace of mind, and the ability to purchase Bitcoin from as little as 1 yen.
You won’t be charged fees for buying and selling on the exchange, trading with bitFlyer Crypto CFD, or transferring from certain banks. For more details, check the official website.
BitFlyer has had zero hacking incidents since its launch, made possible by next-generation security measures. It also provides strong support to help users trade with confidence. In addition, you can buy and sell 38 different cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple (XRP), and Shiba Inu, starting from just 1 yen.
According to the Kabutan website, the benefits of using BitFlyer include being Japan’s No.1 in Bitcoin trading volume for nine years in a row, the ability to exchange T-POINTs for Bitcoin, a strong security record with zero hacking incidents since its founding, and the option to earn Bitcoin through credit card purchases. T-POINT is a popular rewards program in Japan that lets you earn points based on spending at partner stores. These points can then be used nationwide or exchanged for ANA miles and various products.
Official Site (JP): bitFlyer
Official Site (JP): Kabutan
Official Site (JP): Enechange
4. Coincheck
Coincheck stands out for being the No.1 crypto app in Japan by total downloads, offering one of the largest selections of cryptocurrencies in the country, featuring zero fees for Bitcoin trading on the exchange, and allowing users to start buying Bitcoin from just 500 yen.
You can start trading in as little as one day by registering through your smartphone and submitting your basic information along with ID documents. Be sure to review the registration details through the official source.
The Kabutan website describes Coincheck as one of the leading exchanges in Japan in terms of the number of cryptocurrencies it supports. In addition to major cryptocurrencies, it offers a wide variety of popular altcoins, making it a valuable platform for both experienced traders and those just getting started. It even supports unique assets like PLT and SAND, which are available only on Coincheck within Japan.
Official Site (JP): Coincheck
Official Site (JP): Kabutan
5. BITPOINT
According to the Crypto Insight website, BITPOINT offers several advantages, including a strong focus on listing new cryptocurrencies, access to both an exchange and a direct purchase service, the ability to earn through a lending service, staking rewards paid in Japanese yen, and a variety of regularly held promotional campaigns.
BITPOINT actively focuses on introducing new cryptocurrencies that are not available on other domestic exchanges. It was the first platform in Japan to list four tokens including TRON (TRX), ADA, Jasmy (JMY) and DEAPcoin (DEP), with each listing accompanied by a generous promotional campaign that often includes special offers for new account holders, so if you are considering opening an account with BITPOINT, it is a good idea to do so during one of these campaign periods to take advantage of the extra benefits.
According to Kabutan website, BITPOINT has become a strong platform for altcoins, with the highest number of new altcoin listings in 2021, and since all spot trading fees are completely free, it is a highly recommended exchange for anyone looking to actively invest in altcoins.
Official Site (JP): Crypto Insight
Official Site (JP): Kabutan
6. Zaif
The appeal of Zaif lies in features such as fee-free trading, the ability to start investing with small amounts, a wide selection of cryptocurrencies and services, and easy-to-follow explanations that make it beginner-friendly and suitable for long-term use.
As mentioned above, Zaif allows users to start investing with small amounts, making it an easy entry point for beginners, especially through the "Easy Trade" feature, which offers fee-free transactions and enables crypto trading from just a few hundred yen.
The platform supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, giving users the chance to learn about each token’s features, background and use case while enjoying the experience of investing in assets they personally want to support.
With additional services like recurring purchases and automated trading, users can choose an investment style that fits their needs, and even beginners can feel confident using the platform thanks to helpful articles and news updates that make it easier to gradually learn and stay motivated throughout their investment journey.
Official Site (JP): Zaif
Conclusion
Cryptocurrency exchanges are important platforms for buying and selling digital assets like Bitcoin. However, since each exchange has different fee structures, supported currencies, and available services, it can be especially challenging for beginners to find the one that best fits their needs.
This article highlights top recommended cryptocurrency exchanges in Japan, focusing on the number of supported assets, with examples ranging from bitbank, known for its strong security and broad selection of cryptocurrencies, to GMO Coin and bitFlyer, which offer low fees and user-friendly interfaces, and BITPOINT, which actively lists newly emerging tokens, each offering distinct advantages for different types of users.
It is important to choose an exchange that matches your needs by considering factors such as whether the platform is designed to support app based payments, is beginner-friendly and offers reliable support, as well as which services you value most. Use the information provided here as a reference to find the trading environment that best suits you.
