Tax-free shopping in Japan from 1 November 2026: pay first, get the tax back

What changed

Until 31 October 2026, eligible visitors were exempted from consumption tax at the moment of purchase and paid the tax-exclusive price. For purchases made on or after 1 November 2026, you pay the tax-inclusive price, and the amount equal to the tax is refunded once the check at the airport or seaport is complete. The refund is handled by the shop, or by the procedure counter it uses, so ask in the shop how you will receive it.

Which purchases count

Purchases at the same shop on the same day totalling 5,000 yen or more before tax qualify; where shops hand the procedure to a shared counter, one day’s purchases at several shops can be combined there. The goods must leave Japan, in quantities you can carry out yourself when you depart. Gold and platinum bullion and items exempt from consumption tax are excluded. The special sealed packaging for consumables has been abolished, but food, drinks or cosmetics used in Japan cannot be refunded.

At the airport: before you check in your bags

Within 90 days of purchase, present your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal at the airport or seaport when you leave Japan. A green result means the procedure is complete; a red result means you take the goods to the customs inspection area. Terminals and inspection areas are in the international departure lobby, before baggage check-in. You must have all the tax-free goods with you, so do not check them in first: bags already checked in cannot be retrieved for the procedure.

Arrive early: the procedure, including any inspection, must be finished before boarding, and if you miss your flight for lack of time, neither the airline nor customs compensates you. If you connect from a domestic flight to an international one, complete the procedure at the last airport before you leave Japan. Confirmation is made per receipt: if one item on a receipt is missing, nothing on that receipt is refunded. If you have eaten, drunk or used up some items, declare it to a customs officer at the counter.

Online with Visit Japan Web

At major airports such as Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka and New Chitose, besides the terminals, you can complete the procedure online with Visit Japan Web while connected to the dedicated Wi-Fi in the international departure lobby, before the security check. It is open to visitors with the “Temporary Visitor” status of residence and a few other statuses. Set up Visit Japan Web beforehand; if the online procedure does not work, use a terminal at the airport.

A short checklist

Keep the receipts for each purchase together; keep tax-free goods in your hand luggage or within reach until the procedure is done; do not open food or cosmetics you plan to claim for; ask the shop how the refund is paid; and allow extra time at the airport on the day you leave.