Japan’s new tax-free shopping rules
From 1 November 2026, Japan’s nationwide tax-free shopping system changes to a refund method. The usual sequence is: complete tax-free purchase procedures and pay the tax-inclusive price → obtain Customs confirmation at departure → receive a refund from the retailer or its refund provider.
Checked: 2026-10-07 | Not yet in effect1. Which purchases are covered?
The sale/delivery date determines the rules, not your departure date. Purchases through 31 October 2026 follow the old system; purchases from 1 November follow the new system, including trips spanning both dates. Retailers cannot choose to keep using the old system.
2. Eligibility and minimum spend
Eligible non-residents include foreign visitors with Temporary Visitor status; a foreign passport alone does not establish eligibility. Generally, eligible purchases by one person at one tax-free store on one day must total at least JPY 5,000 excluding tax. Do not assume purchases from different stores can be combined; approved shared counters have separate rules.
3. At the store
Present your passport or other required documents in person and request tax-free purchase procedures. The retailer verifies eligibility and records the purchase. Pay the tax-inclusive price and follow its refund-registration instructions. Keep receipts, instructions and contact details. An ordinary receipt alone does not prove that tax-free registration is complete.
4. Before departure
Obtain Customs confirmation when leaving Japan within 90 days of purchase, at your final departure airport or seaport. Complete it before checking in baggage. Have your passport and all registered goods available for inspection. Follow terminal instructions; if an inspection is required, complete it at the Customs counter. Allow extra time.
5. Who refunds the money?
Normally, the retailer or its provider refunds you after Customs confirmation. Customs confirms export; it does not operate a single nationwide refund-payment counter. Card, bank, app and airport-cash options depend on the retailer. Ask how to receive the refund, whether further action is needed and when it should arrive. Contact the retailer or designated provider about a missing refund.
6. Food and cosmetics
Special consumables packaging and the former JPY 500,000 cap are abolished, but consuming goods in Japan can prevent a refund. Confirmation is by purchase record: if even one item is missing, the other items on that record also cannot be confirmed or refunded. If anything has been consumed, report it to Customs staff rather than applying through the terminal.
7. Online procedures and shipping
Departure confirmation cannot be completed at your hotel. At designated major airports, Visit Japan Web procedures are available within the specified departure-lobby Wi-Fi area, subject to official instructions. The former traveller-arranged postal-shipping option has ended. Retailer-arranged direct overseas shipping follows separate rules; ask before buying.
8. Departure checklist
Bring your passport, all registered goods, receipts and refund details. Confirmation first, baggage check-in second. For an item priced at JPY 1 million or more excluding tax, Customs may also request a certificate of authenticity or warranty. This guide concerns visitor shopping at domestic tax-free stores; eligibility is not universal.
This is a traveller guide, not a refund-processing service. A retailer may offer an advance refund, but departure Customs confirmation remains necessary. Follow its terms and the latest airport and Customs instructions for terminal locations and procedures.