Japan Tax-Free 2026: FAQ

Japan switches to a refund method. You pay the tax-inclusive price at tax-free shops, and the consumption tax is refunded after customs confirms at departure that you are taking the goods out of Japan. Before that date, shops charged the tax-exclusive price.

No. It is not ending. Only the method changes: you get the tax back after departure instead of not paying it at the register.

¥5,000 or more before tax, per shop, per day. That is ¥5,500 tax-inclusive at 10%. From November 2026, general goods and consumables are no longer counted separately.

The tax inside a 10% tax-inclusive price is 1/11 (about 9.09%), and inside an 8% food price it is 8/108 (about 7.41%). The refund operator or payment method may deduct fees, so the actual refund can be lower. Use the calculator for an estimate.

Before checking in your bags, scan your passport at the tax-free procedure terminal in the departure lobby. At Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha you can also use Visit Japan Web on the dedicated Wi-Fi. A green result means you're done. A red result means you show your goods at the customs inspection area.

You must complete the customs confirmation when you depart Japan, within 90 days of the purchase.

Not if you want the refund. Sealed packaging is no longer required, but consumables used or eaten in Japan are not eligible. Customs checks each purchase as a whole: if one item from a receipt is missing, none of the items on that receipt qualify.

Only after the tax-free procedure. Once your bags are checked with the airline, you can't get them back for inspection, so you may lose the refund.

Many large chains are registered tax-free shops, but check for the 'Japan. Tax-free Shop' sign or ask staff. The same rules apply: ¥5,000 before tax per shop per day, and refund after departure.

Generally foreign visitors who are non-residents, showing their own passport (or a Visit Japan Web tax-free QR code) at the shop and taking the goods out of Japan themselves. A friend or relative living in Japan cannot buy for you. Separate overseas shipping of tax-free goods ended on March 31, 2025 (JTA).

Usually yes for larger purchases such as electronics, bags and watches. For small amounts just over the minimum, weigh the extra airport time.