Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange is the first and most crucial step for anyone looking to enter the world of digital assets. With growing interest in Bitcoin, altcoins, and blockchain-based services, Japanese investors now have a wide range of platforms to choose from—each offering unique features tailored to different needs.
This guide ranks the top 11 cryptocurrency exchanges in Japan, evaluates key selection criteria, and explains essential risks and setup steps. Whether you're a beginner or expanding your investment strategy, this comprehensive overview will help you make informed decisions.
Top 11 Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Japan: A Detailed Comparison
To identify the best platforms, we evaluated each exchange based on:
- Number of supported cryptocurrencies
- Minimum trade amount
- Trading fees (maker/taker)
- Deposit and withdrawal costs
- Security measures
- Additional services (staking, lending, NFTs, etc.)
Here’s our expert-ranked list of Japan’s leading crypto exchanges as of April 2025.
1. GMO Coin – Ideal for Beginners Seeking User-Friendly Tools
GMO Coin stands out for its intuitive mobile app, making it perfect for newcomers. The platform offers two modes:
- Normal Mode: Simple interface with one-tap trading
- Trader Mode: Advanced charting and leverage trading
With 28 supported coins, zero trading fees on the sales desk, and negative maker fees (-0.01%), GMO Coin rewards active traders. It also supports staking, lending, and recurring purchases.
👉 Discover how easy crypto investing can be with a beginner-friendly platform.
2. SBI VC Trade – Best for Diverse Investment Strategies
SBI VC Trade supports 39 cryptocurrencies and caters to various trading styles:
- Spot trading for conservative investors
- Leverage trading (up to 2x) for aggressive growth
- NFT acquisition for digital collectors
- Auto-investment via staking and lending
Its integration with SBI Group services makes it ideal for users already in the ecosystem. All core fees—including deposits and withdrawals—are free.
3. BitTrade – Top Choice for Security-Conscious Investors
BitTrade prioritizes security by storing 100% of customer funds in cold wallets—offline storage immune to hacking. Since its launch in 2016, it has never suffered a breach.
It supports 42 coins, offers free trading, and includes staking options. While withdrawal fees apply (330 JPY), its robust protection system appeals to risk-averse users.
4. BITPOINT – Zero-Fee Trading for Cost-Sensitive Users
BITPOINT eliminates nearly all costs:
- No sales desk or exchange fees
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- No charges for staking or recurring buys
With 29 supported assets, it's ideal for those who want full transparency and minimal overhead. Its simple UI and detailed manuals make onboarding stress-free.
5. Coincheck – Most Feature-Rich Platform
Coincheck offers innovative services beyond basic trading:
- IEO (Initial Exchange Offering): Early access to new tokens
- Coincheck NFT: Buy/sell game items and digital art
- Coincheck Denki & Gas: Earn crypto when paying utility bills
- Surveys: Convert participation points into crypto
Supporting 31 coins, it’s great for users who want to integrate crypto into daily life.
6. bitFlyer – Highest Bitcoin Liquidity
As Japan’s most liquid Bitcoin exchange, bitFlyer ensures fast execution at market prices. With 38 tradable coins, it serves both beginners and pros.
Unique perks include:
- Earning BTC via partner sites (Yahoo! Shopping, Rakuten)
- Receiving BAT tokens through Brave browser integration
- Credit card rewards (bitFlyer Card)
Customer support includes phone assistance—a rare feature among exchanges.
7. bitbank – Best for Altcoin Enthusiasts
With 42 supported cryptocurrencies, bitbank leads in altcoin variety. All trades can be made directly in JPY—no need to convert via BTC or ETH first.
It offers deep liquidity for altcoins and supports margin trading. However, it lacks auto-investment tools like staking or recurring buys.
8. Zaif – For Unique and Rare Altcoins
Zaif specializes in lesser-known tokens such as:
- Fisco Coin (FSCC): Issued by publicly listed Fisco Ltd.
- Kaikai Coin (CICC): Exclusive utility token
Despite only supporting 24 coins, Zaif provides access to rare assets unavailable elsewhere in Japan. It also hosts a community chat for traders to share insights.
9. LINE BITMAX – Seamless Integration with LINE App
LINE BITMAX allows full crypto trading within the popular LINE messaging app. Users can buy/sell with just five taps—ideal for casual investors.
Features:
- JPY-denominated trades starting at ¥1
- PayPay Money integration for easy deposits/withdrawals
- Margin trading available
Perfect for those already using LINE Pay or PayPay for daily transactions.
10. CoinTrade – Lowest Entry Barrier
CoinTrade allows trades from just ¥1, making it perfect for testing strategies without risk. Though it only supports 18 coins, its low threshold helps beginners gain experience.
It offers lending programs and responsive chatbot support—great for resolving issues quickly.
11. Rakuten Wallet – Best for Rakuten Ecosystem Users
Rakuten Wallet integrates tightly with the broader Rakuten ecosystem:
- Invest using Rakuten Points (1 point = ¥1)
- Transfer crypto to Rakuten Cash for shopping
- Boost rewards via SUP Program (+0.5% points on Rakuten Market)
While it supports only 11 coins, its synergy with existing services makes it valuable for loyal Rakuten users.
How to Choose the Right Cryptocurrency Exchange: 6 Key Factors
Selecting the best platform depends on your goals and preferences. Consider these six criteria:
1. Compare Fees to Ensure Sustainable Trading
Look at:
- Sales desk vs. exchange fees
- Deposit/withdrawal costs
- Recurring purchase fees
Exchanges like BitTrade and BITPOINT offer zero trading fees, while others use maker-taker models (e.g., GMO Coin: -0.01% maker, +0.05% taker). Frequent traders should prioritize low or negative maker fees.
2. Confirm Supported Cryptocurrencies
Ensure your desired altcoins are available. For broad access, consider bitbank or SBI VC Trade. For niche tokens like Fisco Coin, Zaif is unmatched.
3. Prioritize Ease of Use
Beginners benefit from simple interfaces (GMO Coin, LINE BITMAX), while advanced traders may prefer detailed charts and order types.
4. Evaluate Liquidity Levels
High liquidity means faster trades at expected prices:
- Bitcoin: bitFlyer leads in volume
- Altcoins: bitbank dominates
Low-spread environments reduce slippage and improve profitability.
5. Check Integration with Desired Services
Match your needs with available features:
| Service | Supported Exchanges |
|---|---|
| Leverage Trading | GMO Coin, SBI VC Trade, BitTrade |
| Staking/Lending | GMO Coin, SBI VC Trade, BITPOINT |
| NFTs | SBI VC Trade, Coincheck |
| IEOs | Coincheck only |
| Point Investing | SBI VC Trade (V Points), Rakuten Wallet |
👉 See which platforms offer integrated earning opportunities beyond trading.
6. Assess Customer Support Quality
New users should look for strong support:
- bitFlyer: Phone support available
- Zaif: Community chat for peer advice
These features reduce frustration during onboarding.
Key Risks and Precautions Before Investing in Crypto
Price Volatility Is High
Cryptocurrencies lack intrinsic value backing, so prices swing based on sentiment and demand. For example, Bitcoin has seen price swings of over 50% within a year.
Start with small amounts and avoid investing more than you can afford to lose.
Security Threats Exist
Hacks remain a real danger. In 2024, DMM Bitcoin shut down after losing ¥48 billion worth of BTC.
Choose exchanges that use cold wallet storage (e.g., GMO Coin, BitTrade) and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
Beware of Scams
Phishing attempts often come via social media or dating apps with promises like:
- “Guaranteed returns”
- “Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”
Legitimate exchanges disclose risks. If it sounds too good to be true—it probably is.
Understand Hidden Costs: Spreads Matter
Even if trading fees are zero, spreads (buy-sell price differences) act as hidden costs. Spreads widen during volatility or low liquidity—avoid rushing into trades during such times.
Prices Vary Across Exchanges
Due to differing supply/demand dynamics, BTC might cost more on one platform than another. Arbitrage opportunities exist but require multiple accounts.
Taxes Apply to Gains
In Japan:
- Employees: Taxable if annual crypto gains exceed ¥200,000
- Self-employed: Must report all gains regardless of amount
Taxes apply when you sell, spend, or earn rewards via staking/lending.
Why Foreign Exchanges Are Not Recommended
Despite global options, domestic platforms are safer due to:
- Higher risk of fraud/hacking abroad
- Extreme leverage (up to 400x) leading to catastrophic losses
- No legal protection under Japanese law
- Language and currency barriers (non-JPY settlements)
Stick to regulated Japanese exchanges for peace of mind.
How to Open a Crypto Exchange Account: Step-by-Step
- Register email and set password
- Fill in personal details (name, address, bank info)
- Upload ID (driver’s license or My Number card) with selfie
- Wait for approval (usually same-day)
Most rejections occur due to age (<20) or document mismatch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do crypto exchanges run promotions?
A: Yes! Examples include GMO Coin’s daily cashback lottery and Coincheck’s referral bonuses (up to ¥3,500 in BTC).
Q: Can I trade crypto using only my smartphone?
A: Absolutely. All major exchanges offer mobile apps optimized for iOS and Android.
Q: What does “licensed by Japan’s Financial Services Agency” mean?
A: These exchanges pass strict audits on fund segregation and anti-money laundering systems—always verify status via the FSA registry.
Q: What’s the difference between a sales desk and an exchange?
A:
| Feature | Sales Desk | Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Counterparty | Exchange itself | Other users |
| Ease of Use | Simple | Complex |
| Fees | Often free | Variable |
| Spread | Wider | Narrower |
| Best For | Beginners, long-term holds | Active traders |
Begin with the sales desk; transition to the exchange as you gain confidence.
👉 Start your journey on a secure, high-performance exchange trusted worldwide.