There are special ATM machines that you can use your credit card at.
You probably won't be able to use your regular bank card though ... not sure since I have been over here too long.
Most large banks and large Post Offices should be able to convert Dollars to Yen.
I've tried hotels before but no go.
How many people were with you when you went out?
Beers are about 500 yen a mug. Depends where you are though.
Watch out for the "Hostess clubs", they drink on your tab, light your cigarettes and don't put out, even when you pay $$$.
Normally small places don't mind the hairy barbarians that seem to be lost barging in
You are a rare species to them and they tend to enjoy the mundane routine being broken up every so often even if they think that you are speaking Chinese or what not to them.
Beer mug clanking is a universal language in many distant lands.
Too bad you can't come up to Sapporo. The Snow Festival is in swing until the 11th.
It's really amazing!
lolo, I'd buy you a drink too!