What Items Are Tax-Free in Japan?
Goods you buy at a registered tax-free shop and take out of Japan yourself can qualify, if the purchase meets the ¥5,000 minimum (JTA).
Qualifies
- General goods (electronics, clothes, bags, watches…) and consumables (food, drinks, cosmetics, medicine), counted together since Nov 2026.
- Sealed packaging is no longer required.
Does not qualify
- Anything used, eaten or given away in Japan — and then the whole receipt is out (JTA, Customs).
- Gold/platinum bullion and coins; tax-exempt items; quantities you can't personally carry out (JTA).
- Purchases by a friend living in Japan on your behalf; separate overseas shipping ended March 31, 2025 (JTA).
→ Estimate your refund · ¥5,000 minimum explained
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