How to Buy Bitcoin in Japan 2026 — FSA Compliant Guide
Quick Answer
To buy Bitcoin legally in Japan 2026: Use Kraken Japan (FSA registered). Deposit JPY via bank transfer. Buy BTC/JPY pair. Tax: gains taxed as miscellaneous income up to 55%. Binance and Bybit are NOT FSA-licensed — avoid for Japan. Minimum buy: ¥1,000.
🇯🇵 Japan Important: Binance and Bybit are NOT registered with Japan's FSA. Using unregistered exchanges as a Japanese resident carries legal risk. Use only FSA-registered exchanges.
FSA-Licensed Exchanges for Japan
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) requires all cryptocurrency exchanges serving Japanese residents to register. As of 2026, the following are FSA-registered:
Kraken Japan ★ Our pick
Global exchange, FSA registered, JPY deposits
CoinEx ★ Our pick
Japan-friendly, some services available
bitFlyer
Japan-native exchange, oldest in Japan
Coincheck
Popular Japan exchange, JPY trading
bitbank
Japan-native, professional trading
GMO Coin
GMO Group exchange, regulated
Step-by-Step: Buy Bitcoin in Japan
Choose FSA-registered exchange
Select Kraken Japan or another FSA-registered exchange. Do NOT use Binance or Bybit — not FSA licensed in Japan.
Complete KYC verification
Upload Japanese government ID (My Number card, passport, or driver's license). Takes 1-3 business days for approval.
Deposit JPY
Transfer JPY from your bank account via furikomi (bank transfer). Minimum deposit is typically ¥1,000.
Buy Bitcoin
Place a buy order for Bitcoin (BTC/JPY pair). Use limit order for better price, market order for instant purchase.
Secure in hardware wallet
For significant amounts, transfer to Ledger or Trezor hardware wallet for self-custody.
Best Exchange for Japan
Kraken Japan — FSA registered, JPY deposits, established security record.
Bitcoin Tax in Japan 2026
Japan has some of the strictest Bitcoin taxation in Asia. Key rules:
- Income category: Bitcoin profits classified as "miscellaneous income" (雑所得)
- Tax rate: 5-45% national + 10% local = up to 55% total
- Crypto-to-crypto: Converting BTC to ETH IS a taxable event in Japan
- Loss deduction: Crypto losses can offset crypto profits in the same year (not other income)
- Record keeping: All trades must be recorded. Use crypto tax software compatible with Japanese exchanges.
JPY Bitcoin Price Reference
Current Bitcoin price in Japanese Yen can be tracked on Kraken or use our Bitcoin Calculator.
At recent prices (~¥14,000,000 per BTC), common entry amounts:
¥10,000
~0.00071 BTC
¥50,000
~0.0036 BTC
¥100,000
~0.0071 BTC
FAQ: Bitcoin in Japan
Is Bitcoin legal in Japan?▼
Yes — Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are legal in Japan. Japan was one of the first countries to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender in 2017 under the Payment Services Act. The FSA (Financial Services Agency) regulates crypto exchanges.
Which exchanges are FSA-licensed in Japan?▼
FSA-registered exchanges include: Kraken Japan, bitFlyer, Coincheck, bitbank, SBI VC Trade, GMO Coin. Foreign exchanges like Binance and Bybit are NOT FSA-registered and should be avoided by Japanese residents.
How much tax do I pay on Bitcoin in Japan?▼
Bitcoin profits in Japan are taxed as "miscellaneous income" at progressive rates up to 55% (45% national + 10% local). This applies to all trades including crypto-to-crypto. Japan's National Tax Agency (NTA) provides specific guidance for crypto taxation.
Can I buy Bitcoin with JPY?▼
Yes — Kraken Japan and all FSA-registered exchanges allow JPY deposits via bank transfer (furikomi). The minimum deposit is typically ¥1,000. Bank transfers are free; debit card purchases have fees.