Tax-free shopping in Japan

Yes. Visitors who don't live in Japan can get back about 6.9–9.09% of the price on purchases of at least ¥5,500 by claiming the consumption tax refund before they leave.

Changing on 1 November 2026: Japan switches to a refund system with no transition period. You will pay the full price including 10% tax, then customs confirms the export at departure before check-in and the store or refund operator pays you back by the method you chose at purchase (card, cash, e-wallet). The ¥5,000 per store per day minimum stays. The split between consumables and general goods, the sealed bags and the ¥500,000 consumables cap all end. Goods must leave Japan within 90 days of purchase. Items priced ¥1,000,000 or more before tax have serial numbers recorded and may be inspected. Operators may deduct handling fees of about 1.55-2.2%.

consumption tax: 10%
Minimum spend: ¥5,500
Net refund: 6.9–9.09%
Refund at till: Often

Minimum basis: Per store, per day: ¥5,000 before tax (¥5,500 including 10%); general goods and consumables count separately until 31 October 2026

Cap: ¥500,000 (Consumables only, per store, per day, excluding tax (rule ends 31 Oct 2026))

Who can claim

You entered Japan as a short-term visitor (for example Temporary Visitor status) less than 6 months ago.
If you are a Japanese citizen, you have lived abroad for at least 2 years and can show proof of overseas residence.

How to get the money back

Shop at a store showing the Japan Tax-Free Shop sign and spend at least ¥5,000 before tax that day.
Show your original passport at the till or tax-free counter before paying.
Pay the price without the 10% tax (some department store counters refund it in cash minus a fee).
Keep consumables sealed in the store's tax-free bag and do not use them in Japan.
At departure, let customs scan your passport and show the goods if asked.

Where to validate: At the customs desk or passport check at your departure airport or port; your purchase record is linked to your passport electronically.

Deadline: Take the goods out of Japan when you leave; consumables within 30 days of purchase. From 1 Nov 2026 the window becomes 90 days.

Paid out as: Tax deducted at the till; Cash at a department store tax-free counter (handling fee about 1.55%)

Not refundable

Goods you mail home or send through a forwarding service (not tax-free since 1 Apr 2025)
Consumables opened or used in Japan
Goods for business use or resale
Services (hotels, restaurants, transport)

Worth knowing

Buy tax-free with your passport in hand; stores cannot apply it afterwards.
If you shop in late October but leave after 1 Nov 2026, check which system the store applies on the day you buy.
Net refund range: 9.09% of the tax-inclusive price under the current at-the-till system; about 6.9-7.5% from 1 Nov 2026 if the operator deducts 1.55-2.2% of the price.

Estimate your refund for Japan

Sources

Rules last checked 24 September 2026. Refund operators and customs can change procedures at short notice; confirm at the store before you buy.

Before you go: check the entry rules for your passport and the best time to visit Japan.

Other refund rules: Australia, Austria, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam