Bought Tax-Free in October, Leaving in November? What to Do at the Airport
Short answer: the purchase date decides. October purchases: you already paid no tax, so there is no refund to claim. Just carry them out. November purchases: do the kiosk before bag check-in to get your refund (Customs, Kansai Airport).
| Bought on | At the shop | At the airport |
|---|---|---|
| Up to Oct 31, 2026 (old system) | Paid the tax-free price | Show your passport to customs. Customs may check the items. No refund to collect (Customs Answer 5004). |
| From Nov 1, 2026 (refund method) | Paid full price incl. tax | Scan your passport at the kiosk before bag check-in. Green = done. Red = show items. Refund comes after (Customs, JTA). |
Your airport steps (mixed October + November)
- Pack all tax-free items where you can show them. Don't check them in yet.
- Go to the tax-free kiosk in the departure lobby, before check-in. Scan your passport. At Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha you can use Visit Japan Web on the dedicated Wi-Fi instead (Customs).
- Green: done. Red: take the items to the customs inspection area (Customs).
- Then check in your bags (JTA FAQ).
Things that did not change
- Minimum ¥5,000 before tax, same shop, same day (Customs).
- You must take the goods out of Japan. If you don't, the tax is collected (Customs Answer 5004, JTA FAQ).
Unsure which system a receipt uses? The official pages say the purchase date decides; your shop can confirm (Kansai Airport).
Quick answers
I bought tax-free in October and leave in November. Which rules apply?
The purchase date decides. Purchases up to Oct 31, 2026 use the old system; purchases from Nov 1, 2026 use the refund method (Customs, Kansai Airport).
Do I get money back for October purchases?
No refund to claim. Under the old system you already paid the tax-free price at the shop (Customs).
What do I do at the airport for October purchases?
Keep the items with you. Under the old system you show your passport to customs at departure, and customs may check the items. If they are not taken out of Japan, the tax is collected (Customs Answer 5004).
What about my November purchases?
Before checking bags, scan your passport at the tax-free kiosk (or use Visit Japan Web at the 7 major airports). Green = done. Red = show the items to customs (Customs, JTA).
Related: Old vs new system · Airport order, step by step · Made a mistake? · Departure checklist
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 November 4, 2026 (JST). Rules can change; always confirm with the official pages and your shop.
- Japan Customs — Tax Exemption (Refund) Program for Foreign Visitors: www.customs.go.jp
- Japan Customs — Customs Answer 5004 (tax-free system before Nov 2026, Japanese): www.customs.go.jp
- Japan Tourism Agency — Traveler FAQ (Refund Method, Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp
- Japan Tourism Agency — Traveler page (Refund Method, Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp
- Kansai International Airport — Tax refund guide (Japanese): www.kansai-airport.or.jp