Japan Tax Refund at the Airport: Step by Step
From Nov 1, 2026 the refund depends on a customs confirmation when you leave Japan. Do it before checking your bags.
- Go to the tax-free procedure terminal in the departure lobby, before baggage check-in (Customs).
- Scan your passport. At Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha you can also use Visit Japan Web on the dedicated Wi-Fi (Customs).
- Green = done. Red = show your goods at the customs inspection area.
- Then check in your bags. The refund is paid by the shop or refund operator by the method you registered (fees may apply).
Domestic connection? Do the procedure at your final departure point from Japan (JNTO). Leave within 90 days of purchase.
→ Printable departure-day checklist · Refund calculator
Planning a Japan trip after Nov 1, 2026?
- Tax-Free Refund Field Guide ($7) — a step-by-step English guide to the new refund process, from shop to airport.
- Japan Trip Planner Pack ($9) — planning templates for a first Japan trip.
- Tax-Free Receipt Tracker 2026 (from $5) — spreadsheet that flags the ¥5,000 minimum, 90-day deadline and estimated refund per shop/day.
Paid products by GuroWorks, the publisher of this free site (advertisement for our own products). 14-day refund on Gumroad for the guide. The calculator stays free.
Official sources
Rules checked October 30, 2026 (JST). Rules can change; always confirm with the official pages and your shop.
- Japan Customs — Tax Exemption (Refund) Program for Foreign Visitors: customs.go.jp
- Japan Tourism Agency (観光庁) — From November 2026 leaflet (with National Tax Agency / Customs): PDF; Changes to Tax-Free Goods: PDF; リファンド方式 (shops): mlit.go.jp
- JNTO — Japan's New Tax-Free Shopping System: japan.travel
- National Tax Agency (国税庁) — consumption tax rates 10% / reduced 8%: nta.go.jp