Japan is a strange place for using cards. Only place I could get money out on my AmEx was at a Citibank. All the local japanese banks ATM's would not work, even though they displayed the AmEX logo.

Even more strange was trying to use it for purchases. I was able to buy tickets for teh bullet train on my Centurion via the e-kiosk with no issues but my buddy who also has a UK Centurion card could not. Only differences were I'd called to tell AmEx I was going to Japan, and mine was cash activated.

Thanks,
Richard