Ethereum (ETH) remains one of the most popular cryptocurrencies for investors and traders in Japan and around the world. If you're looking to buy Ethereum using bitFlyer, one of Japan’s leading and most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step—whether you’re using Japanese yen (JPY) via the coin sales desk or trading Bitcoin (BTC) for ETH on the bitFlyer Lightning exchange.
We’ll cover both methods clearly, highlight key differences, and help you avoid common mistakes—especially confusing Ethereum (ETH) with Ethereum Classic (ETC). Let’s dive in.
Understanding Your Buying Options on bitFlyer
Before making a purchase, it's essential to know that bitFlyer offers two distinct ways to acquire Ethereum:
- Sales Desk (販売所) – Buy ETH directly with JPY at a fixed price.
- Exchange (bitFlyer Lightning) – Trade BTC for ETH using real-time market pricing.
Each method has its pros and cons depending on your experience level, funding source, and price sensitivity.
👉 Discover how to start trading Ethereum with low fees and high security.
Method 1: Buying Ethereum via the Sales Desk (ETH/JPY)
The sales desk is ideal for beginners who want a simple, straightforward way to buy Ethereum using Japanese yen.
Step 1: Log In to Your bitFlyer Account
Ensure you’re logged into your verified bitFlyer account. If you haven’t completed identity verification, do so before proceeding.
Step 2: Navigate to the Altcoin Sales Desk
From the homepage, look at the left-hand menu and click on “Altcoin Sales Desk” (アルトコイン販売所).
This section allows you to purchase various altcoins—including Ethereum—using JPY.
⚠️ Important: When selecting your currency pair, make sure to choose ETH/JPY for Ethereum.
There is a similarly named option: ETC/JPY (Ethereum Classic). These are entirely different assets—double-check before buying!
Step 3: Enter Purchase Amount
Once on the ETH/JPY page:
- Input the amount of Ethereum (in ETH) you wish to buy.
- The JPY equivalent price will update automatically based on current rates.
If you’re thinking in yen (e.g., “I want to spend ¥1,000”), adjust the ETH quantity until the JPY total matches your desired spend.
Step 4: Confirm and Execute Order
Click “Buy Coin” (コインを買う).
You’ll then see a prompt: “Execute order within 6 seconds.” Click “Order Execution” (注文実行) immediately to complete the purchase.
Step 5: Verify Transaction Completion
After execution, return to the sales desk page and scroll down to Order History.
- If the status shows “Trade Completed” (取引成立), your purchase was successful.
- The purchased ETH will also appear in your asset balance on the main dashboard.
That’s it—you now own Ethereum purchased with JPY!
Method 2: Buying Ethereum on bitFlyer Lightning (ETH/BTC)
For more experienced users seeking better pricing and trading flexibility, bitFlyer’s Lightning platform offers an exchange-based option where you trade Bitcoin for Ethereum.
This method typically offers lower prices than the sales desk but requires prior ownership of BTC.
Step 1: Access bitFlyer Lightning
From the bitFlyer homepage, locate and click on “bitFlyer Lightning” in the navigation menu.
This advanced trading interface supports multiple BTC-based pairs, including ETH/BTC.
Step 2: Select the ETH/BTC Trading Pair
On the top-left of the Lightning interface, you’ll see several currency tabs such as BTC/JPY and BTC-FX/JPY. Click on ETH/BTC to open the Ethereum-Bitcoin trading chart and order book.
Option A: Placing a Limit Order (Recommended for Beginners on Lightning)
A limit order lets you set the exact price at which you want to buy ETH using BTC.
Steps:
- Under the order form, switch to “Limit” (指値) if not already selected.
Enter:
- Price (BTC per ETH) – Set your target rate.
- Amount (ETH) – How much Ethereum you’d like to buy.
The system will auto-calculate:
- Estimated Cost in BTC
- Fee in ETH
Review these values carefully.
- Click “Buy” (買い).
- Confirm the order in the pop-up window by clicking “Buy” again.
Your order will now appear in the Open Orders section. It will execute when market conditions match your specified price.
🔍 Note: If only part of your order fills, it means only a portion traded. Unfilled amounts remain open until canceled or executed.
To cancel an open order, click the × icon next to it and confirm with “Yes.”
👉 Learn how professional traders use limit orders to maximize profits.
Option B: Using a Market Order (For Immediate Execution)
If you need to buy Ethereum instantly, use a market order.
This executes immediately at the best available price—but beware: prices can fluctuate rapidly.
Steps:
- Switch from “Limit” to “Market” (成行).
- Enter only the amount of ETH you want to buy (no price input needed).
- Review the estimated BTC cost and fee.
- Click “Buy”, then confirm in the next screen.
⚠️ Warning: Market orders may result in slippage, meaning you pay slightly more than expected during volatile conditions.
After completion, check your Transaction History—you should see a new entry marked “Completed” (取引済).
Sales Desk vs. Exchange: Pros and Cons
Choosing between methods depends on your priorities. Here's a clear comparison:
✅ Sales Desk (ETH/JPY)
Pros:
- Simple interface; great for beginners.
- Prices shown in JPY—easy to understand.
- Instant purchases with yen deposits.
Cons:
- Higher premiums compared to market rates.
- Limited to JPY funding.
✅ Exchange (ETH/BTC on Lightning)
Pros:
- Lower prices due to direct peer-to-peer trading.
- Better for larger purchases or active traders.
- Supports BTC transfers from external wallets.
Cons:
- Requires existing BTC balance.
- Slightly steeper learning curve.
- Risk of slippage or failed orders during high traffic.
👉 Compare real-time ETH pricing across global exchanges now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I buy Ethereum directly with yen on bitFlyer Lightning?
A: No. The Lightning exchange only supports BTC-based pairs like ETH/BTC. To use yen, use the Altcoin Sales Desk instead.
Q: What’s the difference between ETH and ETC?
A: Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC) are separate blockchains. ETH resulted from a 2016 fork; ETC continued the original chain. Always confirm you're buying ETH/JPY or ETH/BTC—not ETC.
Q: Why didn’t my order go through on Lightning?
A: High server load or network issues can delay order processing. Also, limit orders won’t execute unless market prices meet your specified rate.
Q: Are there fees for buying Ethereum on bitFlyer?
A: Yes. The sales desk includes a built-in premium (effectively a fee). On Lightning, taker fees apply—currently around 0.01%–0.05%, depending on volume.
Q: Can I transfer my ETH to an external wallet?
A: Yes. bitFlyer allows withdrawals of Ethereum to personal wallets. Ensure you select ETH (not ETC) and double-check the recipient address.
Q: Is bitFlyer safe for buying crypto?
A: Yes. bitFlyer is regulated by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (JFSA), uses cold storage for assets, and has a strong track record of security compliance.
Final Thoughts
Buying Ethereum on bitFlyer is accessible whether you're a beginner using JPY or an experienced trader leveraging Bitcoin. The sales desk offers simplicity, while bitFlyer Lightning provides cost efficiency and control.
Your choice should depend on your comfort level, funding method, and investment goals. For new users, starting with small purchases via the sales desk is recommended before moving to exchange trading.
As always, double-check currency pairs, monitor fees, and store your assets securely after purchase.
By following this guide, you’re well-equipped to confidently buy Ethereum on one of Japan’s most reputable platforms—without confusion or costly mistakes.