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In this article, we discuss the best crypto exchanges in Japan. We have tested and evaluated 133 exchanges based on 8 different categories. We analyzed all characteristics of their offering, including costs, platforms, mobile app availability, funding options, customer service, and safety protocols.
The crypto exchanges with the highest score are below.
Top 6 Crypto Exchanges In Japan
- bitFlyer – Best overall crypto exchange.
- OKX – Best For Low Trading Fees
- Coinmama – Excellent platform with an intuitive interface.
- Coincheck – Best exchange with a Japanese license.
- Coinbase – Great trading platform and low fees.
- Crypto.com – Excellent portfolio and trading app.
Best Crypto Exchanges In Japan – List
| Exchange | Overall Score | General info | Fees (Maker/Taker) | Spot Volume (BTC) | |
| #1 | bitFlyer | 2 | Best overall crypto exchange | 0.10%/0.15% | $928,121 |
| #2 | OKX | 3.1 | Best For Low Trading Fees | 0.8% /0.8% | $790,030,092 |
| #3 | Coinmama | 2 | Excellent platform with an intuitive interface | 0.01%/0.00% | $808,571 |
| #4 | Coincheck | 3.3 | Best exchange with a Japanese license | 0% maker/taker | $63,440,757 |
| #5 | Coinbase | 4.4 | Best crypto trading platform | 1.99%/1.99% | $451,706,550 |
| #6 | Crypto.com | 4.3 | Excellent portfolio and trading app | 1.99%/1.99% | $451,706,550 |
This section below breaks down the best crypto trading platforms in Japan, beginning with the best rated…
1. BitFlyer – Best Overall Cryptocurrency Exchange
bitFlyer is the best overall cryptocurrency exchange in Japan. It is a decentralized provider with its headquarters in Japan. bitFlyer has low trading fees and a hand-picked selection of crypto coins. bitFlyer has a valuable portfolio with access to Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum Classic, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
It offers a simple exchange platform with access to standard tools. bitFlyer has limited research and learning tools. It uses industry-leading safety protocols.
Pros
- Well regulated
- Very low trading fees
- Very good customer support
- Trading platform is easy to use and to navigate
Cons
- Small number of Crypto trading instrument available
- Derivatives and NFTs are not available
- Credit card deposits are only available in Japan
- Lacks some additional features (savings, staking ..)
Key features
- Spot Crypto trading
- Offers two different trading platforms
2. OKX – Top Crypto Platform for Low Trading Fees
OKX is a Malta-based cryptocurrency exchange established in 2014 that offers users access to crypto spot, futures, and derivatives trading. Besides offering access to over 600 cryptocurrencies, OKX users can trade with NFT’s and various crypto 2.0 products including crypto perpetuals, crypto swaps, and crypto options. Users can also generate a passive income using high yield crypto savings accounts, stablecoin staking, and liquidity farming.
OKX charges competitive trading fees of 0,08% maker/taker, that can be further reduced by up to 0,02% by holding OKT tokens. This makes them one of the cheapest crypto exchanges in the industry.
OKX also has a deep liquidity (currently ranked 5 in trading volume) and a slippage score of 500 that guarantees order execution even on the smallest altcoins.
Pros
- Competitive fees (0.8% maker/taker)
- Great availability of coins (600+)
- Simple trading features for beginners
- Advanced trading features and charting tools
- Great passive income options (staking, liquidity mining)
- Access to NFTs, perpetuals, swaps and options
Cons
- Low liquidity for certain coins
Key features
- 600+ available digital assets
- Industry lowest trading fees (0.08-0.10% maker/taker fee)
- Deep liquidity levels
- Passive income options (staking, and liquidity farming, high yield crypto saving)
- Integrated NFT trading platform
- Beginner to advanced trading features
3. Coinmama – Best Exchange With Intuitive Interface
Coinmama is a well-established crypto exchange that offers high-security standards. It has a reliable exchange platform with an intuitive interface. Coinmama is simple to use and offers an impressive user experience.
The Coinmama platform lets users buy and sell crypto coins with fast transaction rates. It offers standard trading features, financial products, and e-wallets. Coinmama has high trading fees when compared with other exchanges.
Pros
- Well regulated and licensed
- Easy to use trading platform
- Very good choice of deposit and withdrawal methods
- Good mobile application
- High levels of security
- Very good crypto wallet
Cons
- Limited number of crypto trading instruments
- Margin trading is not available
- Higher trading fees
- Not convenient for active traders
- No phone customer support
- Lacking some advanced features (savings, staking… )
Key features
- Spot crypto exchange for crypto investors (not traders)
- It an online crypto wallet where you can buy, sell, store and exchange most popular cryptocurrencies
4. Coincheck – Best Exchange With A Japanese License
Coincheck is a leading exchange with a license to operate as a digital exchange in Japan. The Japan Blockchain Association audits it. It offers professional tools and services for traders at all levels. The Coincheck portfolio is comprehensive and offers many popular cryptos, including Bitcoin, DASH, and Monero.
Their platform is well-designed and has intuitive usability. Coincheck offers a wallet hosting service, and it supports JPY and USD. This exchange has a good reputation and is a good fit for traders at all levels.
Pros
- Intuitive trading platforms and features
- Access to OTC trading and crypto exchanges options
- Great educational materials
- Competitive trading fees
Cons
- Customer support is slow
- Limited fiat currency options
Key features
- Japanese based crypto exchange
- Japanese Yen is the only accepted fiat currency
- Passive income options available
- No commissions charges on crypto trades
5. Coinbase – Best Exchange With Fast Execution Rates
Coinbase has an excellent reputation as a secure cryptocurrency exchange. It is a top choice for buying, selling, and exchange services for traders at all levels. Coinbase has professional platforms with intuitive interfaces and fast execution rates.
Coinbase has a dedicated platform for advanced traders. Coinbase Pro provides access to lower fees and advanced trading tools. This exchange has a versatile portfolio and access to industry-leading services.
Pros
- Strong selection of supported digital currencies
- Great trading volume
- Easy to use trading platform
- Great security standards
- Very good deposit and withdrawal options
- Great option for mobile trading
Cons
- No margin trading (Crypto derivatives)
- Customer service is sometimes hard to reach
- Fees are higher than average
- Your account can be closed depending where you send your cryptos
Key features
- Spot crypto trading
- Opportunity to earn cryptocurrencies through crypto learn
- Saving, staking, crypto borrow
- Coinbase Visa Card
- Built their own stable coin (USDC)
6. Crypto.com – Best Exchange With An Intuitive Trading App
Crypto.com stands out as a modern cryptocurrency exchange with an excellent trading app. It offers its credit card and e-wallets. Crypto.com is a top choice for traders looking for access to staking and rewards.
Their platforms are easy to use and available on Android and iOS. Crypto.com offers additional bonuses for holding specific cryptocurrencies. It has a comprehensive portfolio with 250 cryptos, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum.
Pros
- Highest security standards
- Great offer of crypto trading instruments
- Very good trading platform
- Very good research and educational tools
- Very good mobile trading application
- Very good wallet
Cons
- Slow customer service
- Very complex fee schedule (if you do not hold Cronos tokens fees are high)
- Difficult to navigate
Key features
- Spot and margin crypto trading
- Crypto payments
- Crypto.com Visa Credit Card
- Staking, crypto loans
- Proprietary Cronos tokens
How To Pick a Crypto Exchange?
To pick a crypto exchange, you need to consider the following criteria: fees, platforms, mobile trading, assets, deposits & withdrawals, customer service, liquidity, and safety.
Fees: You should avoid exchanges with expensive trading fees, overnight commissions, and hidden costs.
Trading Platforms: Search for user-friendly, intuitive, and fast executing trading platforms. Avoid exchanges that have complex platforms with no access to research tools.
Mobile Trading: Mobile trading contributes to an excellent crypto trading experience. Apps need to offer the same tools and charts as their other versions. Select an exchange with an intuitive mobile app and access to many crypto coins.
Deposit & Withdrawal: Select an exchange with your preferred deposit and withdrawal options with a transparent fee structure.
Assets: We recommend you choose a platform with the best asset coverage. Crypto traders should avoid exchanges that don’t offer popular altcoins like Ethereum, Tether, Polygon, and Cardano.
Customer Service: New and intermediate crypto traders should choose an exchange with professional customer service available in their language.
Liquidity: High liquidity and trading volumes guarantee you will sell your cryptocurrency assets.
Security: Look for regulated exchanges with an excellent reputation and a clean history of hack attacks.
*Safety Risks For Japanese Citizens
Trustworthy cryptocurrency exchanges for Japanese citizens are government-regulated and have trading licenses. Larger exchanges have a banking history.
Regulation Of Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Japan
The regulation of cryptocurrency exchanges in Japan is under the supervision of the Financial Services Agency (FSA). It offers clear regulation on stable coins and all online trading activities. The Japanese Virtual Currency Exchange Association (JVCEA) and the Japan STO Association offer guidelines on online trading activities. Both entities promote regulatory compliance and ensure each exchange follows strict rules. All exchanges in Japan need to be registered and follow strict FSA rules.
Is Cryptocurrency trading legal in Japan?
Trading cryptocurrency in Japan is legal. The Financial Services Agency (FSA) regulates digital coins in Japan. The Payment Services Act (PSA) defines cryptocurrencies as property, not legal tender. It describes crypto assets as payment methods not denominated in fiat currency.
How To Start Trading With – bitFlyer
BitFlyer is Japan’s most popular cryptocurrency exchange because of its user-friendly service, comprehensive portfolio, and competitive fees. Below are the steps you need to take to start trading on bitFlyer.
Step 1: Open up the bitFlyer official website
Find the link to the bitFlyer’s account section under this link here: https://bitflyer.com/en-eu/
Step 2: Click on the “Sign Up” button
Choose between an Individual Account and a Corporate Account. Add your email address and Sign up with bitFlyer. Next, you’ll have to create a password and submit personal information.
Step 3: Verify your bitFlyer account
You must verify your account to use the services available with bitFlyer. Check your email and follow the instructions to verify your account.
Step 4: Buy cryptocurrencies
After verifying your account, you can buy, hold and sell fractions of different cryptos. To own a digital coin, you don’t need to buy the whole coin.
Conclusion
We recommend bitFlyer as the best exchange for Japanese crypto enthusiasts. It offers straightforward exchange services, an intuitive interface, and access to popular digital coins. PayBis is our second choice as it offers many funding options, including simple credit card deposits.
FAQ
What Is A Centralized Cryptocurrency Exchange?
A centralized cryptocurrency exchange is a private company. It offers access to platforms to trade crypto coins. These exchanges follow strict rules and request identification under the Know Your Customer rule.
What Is A Decentralized Cryptocurrency Exchange?
A decentralized cryptocurrency exchange (DEX) is a provider with no central control point. This exchange works as a server and has an exact copy of the entire exchange on multiple devices. DEXs use the “automated market maker” protocol and the users’ liquidity pools. Decentralized exchanges are risky and don’t follow the rules of any regulatory body. DEXs are challenging to hack but come with significant security risks. If you use this type of exchange, you risk losing all your money.
Can You Own Cryptocurrencies In Japan?
Yes, you can buy and hold cryptocurrencies in Japan through a trusted and regulated exchange.
Is Crypto Legal In Japan?
Yes, crypto is legal in Japan. Japanese citizens and tourists use it as a payment method.
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