Tax-Free Shopping in Japan: The New Refund System (from November 2026)

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Practical guide

Visitors to Japan can get the 10% consumption tax back on many purchases. Since November 1, 2026, the system works as a refund: instead of paying a tax-free price at the shop, you pay the full price and get the tax refunded after a customs check when you leave Japan. Here is how it works, step by step.

Who can use tax-free shopping?

Tax-free shopping is for visitors from abroad who are not residents of Japan, such as tourists on a short-term stay. You need to show your passport at the shop. Ask at the shop if you are not sure whether you qualify.

How it works from November 1, 2026

1. At the shop: buy from a shop with a tax-free sign, spend ¥5,000 or more (before tax) in that shop on that day, pay the full price including tax, and show your passport. Ask the shop how the refund will be paid to you.
2. Keep the goods: take them out of Japan without using them. Food, drinks and cosmetics that you consume in Japan cannot be refunded.
3. When you leave Japan: within 90 days of the purchase date, go to a tax-free procedure terminal (a kiosk) in the international departure lobby before baggage check-in and scan your passport.
4. Green or red: a green result means you are done. A red result means you take your goods to the customs inspection area in the lobby and show them.
5. Refund: the shop, or a refund company working for the shop, then pays the tax back to you.

At major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha), you can also do the procedure with Visit Japan Web in designated areas of the departure lobby, up to the security check.

Rules that can cost you the refund

• Checked luggage: all tax-free goods must be with you when you scan your passport. You cannot do the procedure after check-in, and you cannot get your checked bags back to do it. Pack tax-free items in your carry-on, or do the check before dropping your suitcase.
• One receipt, all items: the check is done per purchase. If even one item from a receipt is missing, none of the goods on that receipt can be refunded.
• Used items: if you have used up some of the goods, do not do the procedure yourself. Tell a customs officer at the counter.
• Time: finish before you board. If you skip the check because you ran out of time, the procedure is not completed, and neither the airline nor customs will compensate you. Arrive at the airport early on shopping-heavy trips.
• Connecting flights: do the procedure at the airport where you finally leave Japan.
• Not eligible: gold and platinum bullion, and goods that are not subject to consumption tax.

What about purchases before November 1, 2026?

Purchases made up to October 31, 2026 follow the old system, where the tax is taken off at the register. If you are in Japan around this date, keep the receipts from each system separately and ask the shop which rules apply.

Tips

• Carry your passport when you go shopping. A photo of it is usually not accepted.
• Department stores and big electronics and drugstore chains usually have a tax-free counter. Smaller shops may not offer tax-free shopping at all.
• Ask each shop how the refund is paid, for example to your credit card, and whether any fee is taken. This depends on the shop.
• Keep receipts and goods together, so you can show them quickly if you get a red result.

For money tips, cards and cash, see our money guide. Looking for things to buy? See Tokyo souvenirs and shopping and our depachika guide.

Shopping for snacks and souvenirs late at night? See Don Quijote in Tokyo.

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