Guides › Rules Q&A
Can I Combine Purchases from Different Shops?
No. The minimum is ¥5,000 before tax at the same shop on the same day (Customs, JTA).
| Purchases | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Shop A ¥3,000 + Shop B ¥3,000 (same day) | No |
| Shop A ¥3,000 Monday + ¥3,000 Tuesday | No |
| Shop A ¥2,000 general goods + ¥3,500 food (same day, before tax) | Yes — combined since Nov 2026 |
Unsure whether a mall or department store counts as one shop? Ask the tax-free counter before paying.
→ Estimate your refund with the free calculator · Departure checklist · All guides
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.
Related guides
- Used, Eaten or Lost One Item: What Now?
- Can I Mail Tax-Free Items Home?
- Red Result, Checked Bags, No Time: What Happens
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: www.customs.go.jp
- Japan Tourism Agency — Refund Method for travelers (Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp
- Japan Tourism Agency — Old vs new comparison table (PDF, Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp