Shopping guide
Japan’s tax-free shopping rules change on November 1, 2026
For eligible purchases made from that date, you pay the tax-inclusive price first. The shop or its provider handles the refund after customs confirmation at departure.
Reviewed · Applies to purchases from
The existing process applies to eligible purchases through October 31, 2026. The purchase date determines which rules apply, even if your trip spans both months. JNTO overview ↗
What changes
The National Tax Agency confirms the refund method starts with sales on November 1, 2026. Eligible shoppers pay the tax-inclusive price. To receive the tax exemption, they must obtain customs confirmation at departure within 90 days of purchase. The period runs from the day after purchase through the 90th day. National Tax Agency reform outline (PDF) ↗
Who and what may qualify
For most foreign tourists, the relevant category is a non-resident with “Temporary Visitor” status who has been in Japan for less than six months since entry. Show your passport at the tax-free shop. Other eligible categories have their own document requirements; a foreign passport alone does not guarantee eligibility. Check the official eligibility and document list (PDF) ↗, including the separate rules for Japanese nationals living overseas.
Eligible purchases must total at least ¥5,000 before tax at the same store on the same day. Buy only goods you can personally carry out of Japan. Japan Tourism Agency traveler guide ↗
The general-goods and consumables categories, the ¥500,000 consumables ceiling and special consumables packaging will be abolished. Gold and platinum bullion and coins, plus goods already exempt from consumption tax, are excluded. Official goods revisions (PDF) ↗
Removing special packaging does not make it OK to consume the goods in Japan. If you consume any of them, report it to a customs officer rather than proceeding at the terminal. Official consumables FAQ ↗
What to do at departure
- Keep all purchased goods accessible. Complete the procedure before baggage check-in; checked bags cannot be retrieved for the tax-free process.
- Present your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal in the international departure lobby. A green result completes the procedure without an officer’s inspection.
- A red result requires you to bring the goods to the designated customs inspection area. Finish that inspection before proceeding with departure.
Leave time for an inspection; no fixed airport allowance is guaranteed here. Follow the official departure instructions ↗ for your travel date.
If you connect from a domestic flight, complete the procedure at the airport where you leave Japan. If even one item from a purchase transaction is missing, all goods in that transaction are ineligible for customs confirmation and refund. Japan Tourism Agency traveler FAQ ↗
How and when is the refund paid?
Each shop or its appointed provider handles the refund after customs confirmation. Possible methods include bank, card, app or cash, but availability and timing depend on the shop. Confirm the registration steps and payment terms when buying; this guide has not verified individual providers’ fees or payout schedules. Official refund FAQ ↗
Before you travel
- Confirm your eligibility and documents with the official guidance.
- Ask the shop about refund registration, payment timing and any service charges.
- Keep all purchases accessible until customs is finished, before baggage check-in.
- Recheck airport instructions close to departure.