Expensive Items (¥1,000,000+): What Customs May Ask
Free refund calculator — see your number in 10 seconds →For items with a tax-excluded unit price of ¥1,000,000 or more, customs may ask to see an appraisal certificate or warranty card together with the item. Have them ready (JTA FAQ).
| Price paid (10%, tax incl.) | Tax inside |
|---|---|
| ¥1,100,000 | ¥100,000 |
| ¥2,200,000 | ¥200,000 |
Tax inside = price × 10/110, before any operator fee.
- Carry it in your carry-on: you must be able to show all goods at customs.
- Quantity: only what you can personally carry out.
- Not taking it out after confirmation → tax collected + penalties.
Quick answers
Is there a limit on how much I can buy tax-free in Japan?
You can buy only the quantity you can personally carry out of Japan at departure, and you must be able to show all of it to customs (Japan Tourism Agency FAQ).
Do I need documents for expensive items?
For items with a tax-excluded unit price of ¥1,000,000 or more, customs may ask for an appraisal certificate or warranty card with the item (Japan Tourism Agency FAQ).
What if I don't take the goods out?
The exempted tax is collected and penalties can apply (Japan Tourism Agency FAQ).
Related: Airport steps · Refund methods & timing · Red result / missed kiosk · 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.
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Official sources
Rules checked November 3, 2026 (JST). Rules can change; always confirm with the official pages and your shop.
- Japan Tourism Agency — Traveler FAQ (Refund Method, Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp
- Japan Customs — Tax Exemption (Refund) Program: www.customs.go.jp