The world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, and choosing the right exchange is a critical first step for any investor. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of the most popular crypto exchanges in Japan, helping you find the platform that best suits your needs for trading Bitcoin and a wide range of altcoins.
Top-Ranked Japanese Crypto Exchanges for 2025
Based on user account openings and platform access data, here are the leading crypto exchanges as of mid-2025.
Coincheck
A member of the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime-listed Monex Group, Coincheck is a major player in the Japanese market. It offers access to a large selection of 31 different cryptocurrencies.
- Supported Assets: 31 types, including BTC, XRP, ETH, BCH, XEM, LSK, LTC, and many more.
- Trading Fees (BTC): 0% for both exchange and store transactions.
- Minimum Trade (BTC): Exchange: 0.005BTC (or ~¥500 equivalent); Store: ~¥500 equivalent.
It's a strong choice for beginners looking to start investing from a low entry point.
SBI VC Trade
Operated by the financial giant SBI Group, SBI VC Trade offers a robust and secure trading environment with a wide array of supported assets.
- Supported Assets: 36 types, including BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, BCH, LINK, DOT, ADA, and SOL.
- Trading Fees (BTC): Store: Free; Exchange: Maker -0.01%, Taker 0.05%.
- Minimum Trade (BTC): 0.00000001 BTC for both store and exchange.
Rakuten Wallet
Part of the Rakuten Group, this exchange integrates seamlessly with the Rakuten ecosystem, allowing users to utilize Rakuten Points.
- Supported Assets: 9 types, including BTC, ETH, BCH, and XRP. Note that XRP, LTC, XLM, XTZ, DOT, and ADA are only available for leverage trading.
- Trading Fees (BTC): Spread-based in the store.
- Minimum Trade (BTC): Purchase: ¥100; Sale: 0.0001 BTC.
bitbank
Known for its strong focus on security and a user-friendly interface for both mobile and desktop users, bitbank boasts one of the highest numbers of supported assets.
- Supported Assets: 42 types, including BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, MONA, DOT, and DOGE.
- Trading Fees (BTC): Store: Spread; Exchange: Maker -0.02%, Taker 0.12%.
- Minimum Trade (BTC): Store: 0.00000001 BTC; Exchange: 0.0001 BTC.
GMO Coin
Operated by the GMO Internet Group, a TSE Prime-listed company, GMO Coin is a well-established and trusted name in the industry.
- Supported Assets: 22 types, including BTC, ETH, BCH, LTC, XRP, SOL, and AVAX.
- Trading Fees (BTC): Store: Spread; Exchange: Maker -0.01%, Taker 0.05%.
- Minimum Trade (BTC): Store: 0.000001 BTC; Exchange: 0.00001 BTC.
BITPOINT
Another exchange under the SBI Group umbrella, BITPOINT promotes a fee-free structure for all its services, including high-reward staking.
- Supported Assets: 30 types, including BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, DOGE, SHIB, and AVAX.
- Trading Fees (BTC): 0% for both store and exchange.
- Minimum Trade (BTC): Store: 0.00000001 BTC; Exchange: 0.0001 BTC.
bitFlyer
A pioneering and user-friendly platform in Japan, bitFlyer is often recommended for those new to cryptocurrency.
- Supported Assets: 38 types, including BTC, ETH, XRP, SHIB, DOGE, AVAX, and BCH.
- Trading Fees (BTC): Store: Free; Exchange: 0.01%–0.15%.
- Minimum Trade (BTC): Store: 0.00000001 BTC; Exchange: 0.001 BTC.
CoinTrade
A standout platform for staking services within Japan, CoinTrade offers competitive staking interest rates and is backed by a TSE Prime-listed parent company.
- Supported Assets: 19 types, including BTC, ETH, XRP, BCH, LTC, ADA, and SOL.
- Trading Fees (BTC): Free in the store.
- Minimum Trade (BTC): 0.00005 BTC.
BitTrade
This exchange caters to diverse user needs by offering various investment methods like accumulation plans and crypto lending services.
- Supported Assets: 43 types, including BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, BCH, DOGE, and SHIB.
- Trading Fees (BTC): Store: Free; Exchange: Maker 0.000%, Taker 0.000%.
- Minimum Trade (BTC): Store: 0.0001 BTC; Exchange: 0.00001 BTC.
Understanding Crypto Market Trends
Beyond Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency market consists of thousands of "altcoins." Staying informed about market trends, price movements, and the total market value of these assets is crucial for making informed investment decisions. Real-time charts and market cap rankings help investors identify which assets are gaining traction.
Weekly Market Capitalization Rankings
This data offers a snapshot of the most valuable crypto assets.
| Rank | Crypto Asset | Market Cap (¥) | Price (¥) | Circulating Supply | Weekly Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bitcoin (BTC) | ¥301,787,540,240,205 | ¥15,175,760.47 | 19,886,156 BTC | -0.18% |
| 2 | Ethereum (ETH) | ¥41,713,931,784,675 | ¥345,549.81 | 120,717,564 ETH | -1.39% |
| 3 | Tether (USDT) | ¥22,620,910,579,663 | ¥143.42 | 157,715,226,185 USDT | -0.04% |
| 4 | Ripple (XRP) | ¥18,425,483,808,407 | ¥312.26 | 59,005,546,715 XRP | -1.24% |
| 5 | Binance Coin (BNB) | ¥13,067,063,605,672 | ¥92,749.59 | 140,885,399 BNB | +0.45% |
Source: public market data
How to Choose a Crypto Exchange: 7 Key Factors
Selecting a trustworthy platform is the foundation of a secure crypto investment experience. Here are the critical points to evaluate.
- Exchange vs. Store: Understand the difference. An exchange matches buy and sell orders from users (like a stock market), often resulting in lower fees. A store sells crypto directly to you from the company, usually at a slightly higher price but with guaranteed execution.
- Fees and Spreads: Carefully review the fee structure. This includes trading fees (often a percentage of the trade), withdrawal fees, and the "spread" (the difference between buy and sell prices in a store).
- Security Measures: Prioritize platforms with robust security features like two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for funds, and a proven track record of protecting user assets.
- Supported Assets: Ensure the exchange offers the specific cryptocurrencies you wish to trade. The variety differs significantly from one platform to another.
- Liquidity and Volume: Higher trading volumes generally lead to better price stability and faster order execution.
- Ease of Use: The platform's interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate, especially if you are a beginner.
- Customer Support: Reliable and accessible customer service is essential for resolving any issues that may arise.
👉 Compare real-time exchange metrics and features
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I start trading cryptocurrency?
A: To begin, you need to choose a registered exchange, complete its identity verification process (KYC), open an account, and deposit funds. You can then place buy or sell orders for your chosen cryptocurrencies.
Q: What is the difference between an exchange and a store?
A: An exchange is a marketplace where users trade with each other, typically offering lower fees. A store is where you buy from or sell directly to the platform operator, which is often simpler but may have a higher built-in cost (spread).
Q: Can I buy less than one Bitcoin?
A: Absolutely. Bitcoin is divisible, and you can buy a very small fraction of it. Most exchanges allow you to start investing with as little as ¥500.
Q: Are crypto exchanges safe?
A: Reputable exchanges registered with financial authorities implement strong security measures. However, the crypto space is not without risk. It's crucial to use strong passwords, enable 2FA, and never share your private keys. Always research an exchange's security history before depositing funds.
Q: What are the risks of leverage trading?
A: Leverage trading allows you to amplify your gains but also your losses. It is a high-risk strategy where you can lose more than your initial investment quickly, especially given the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. It is not recommended for beginners.
Q: Could a cryptocurrency lose all its value?
A: Yes, it is a possibility. The value is based on market demand and utility. If a project fails, suffers a critical technical flaw, or loses market confidence, its value could drop significantly.