Originally Posted by
acregal
I second the recommendation for Shinsei. Avoid the regular Japanese banks like the plague, they're so much more of a hassle.
(1) Try to do without a Japanese bank account for such a short time and just draw with your international ATM card - for that, you can indeed rely on CITI ATMs which are connected to the international networks. Not every ATM is.
(2) If you want an account, try the traditional Japanese banks. Frankly, it's medieval banking (lots of paperwork, stamps everywhere, office ladies in uniforms...) and quite mad. And most of the time, you would be asked for a registered hanko - although I managed to open my SMBC account without.
(3) Go for Shinsei - I am with them now, and it is a pleasure!