Japan's New Tax-Free Shopping System from November 1, 2026: How the Refund Works for Tourists

What changes on November 1, 2026

Until October 31, 2026, eligible visitors could buy items at tax-free shops without paying Japan's consumption tax at the register. For purchases made on or after November 1, 2026, Japan uses a refund system: you pay the tax-inclusive price at the shop, and the consumption tax is refunded after customs confirms at your departure that the items are leaving Japan.

• At the shop: you pay the full price, including consumption tax
• When you leave Japan: customs confirms your purchases at the airport or seaport
• After that: the consumption tax amount is refunded

Who can shop tax-free

Tax-free shopping is for visitors who do not live in Japan — for example, travelers staying with "Temporary Visitor" status. Some Japanese nationals living overseas can also qualify under certain conditions. At the shop, show your passport; copies are not accepted.

Step by step: how to get your refund

1. Shop at a tax-free shop and pay the full, tax-inclusive price. Your total must be ¥5,000 or more (before tax) per shop, per day.
2. Keep all your tax-free items with you — don't put them in checked baggage. Once checked baggage is handed to the airline, it can't be retrieved for this procedure.
3. At your final departure airport or seaport, scan your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal in the departure lobby before checking in your baggage. At major airports, you can start the process online through Visit Japan Web.
4. If the result is green, you're done. If it's red, take your purchases to the customs inspection area.
5. After customs confirms the items are leaving Japan, the consumption tax amount is refunded.

Rules to remember

• You must leave Japan within 90 days of the purchase date
• Only quantities you can carry out of Japan yourself are eligible
• Each receipt is checked separately: if one item from a receipt is missing, none of the items on that receipt qualify
• Consumables (like cosmetics and food) no longer need special sealed packaging — but if you use them in Japan before leaving, they won't qualify for a refund
• If you've already used an item, don't use the terminal; report it to a customs officer at the customs counter
• Gold and platinum bullion, and items that are already exempt from consumption tax, are not eligible

Questions to ask at the shop

Official guidance doesn't explain one single way the refund is paid back to you, so it may depend on the shop or the service it uses. When you buy something tax-free, it's worth asking the staff how you will receive your refund.

• "Is this shop tax-free?" (Menzei desu ka?)
• How will the refund be paid to me?
• Is my total over ¥5,000 before tax?