Originally Posted by MegatopLover

On my first trip to Japan, I bought yen from Amex in the US before departing, thinking I'd need cash to get into Tokyo and start getting around. I discovered that it was unnecessary. The airports have Citibank ATM's that your Wachovia card will work with, and now 7-11 stores, ubiquitous in Japan, have ATM's that work with US-based networks. I know, my account is with Wachovia, and it all worked just fine. You'll pay inter-bank exchange rates plus a 1% fee.

Don't waste your money and time with buying yen in the US.