ATM machines accepting Japanese bank debit cards and credit cards issued in Japan can be found at all banks, most 7-11s, and all Department Stores. Cash machines that accept foreign credit cards on the Cirrus network are only located in the Tsukuba Center Post Office. These machines operate in English or Japanese.
One of the puzzling things about Japanese banking is that you generally cannot use a foreign bank card in the ATM. There are a hundred symbols of systems accepted; many of them familiar ... e.g. VISA. But if your card is not from Japan, it is 99% probable that it will not work. A cute little character comes out, bows, and tells you to take your foreign card and beat it.
DO NOT DESPAIR! Your card will work in any Post Office cash machine. The Post Office machines will even talk to you in English. Any Post Office? Well, I've used mine in rural Aomori, and also while hiking through rural Shikoku. Good old Post Office.
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