Japan Tax-Free Calculator

Japan Tax-Free Shopping: What Changes on November 1, 2026

Tax-free shopping in Japan is not ending. From Nov 1, 2026 it becomes a refund system: you pay tax first, and get it back after customs confirms at departure.

Until Oct 31, 2026From Nov 1, 2026
At the registerPay the tax-exclusive pricePay the tax-inclusive price
Tax backNot chargedRefunded after customs confirmation at departure (operator fees may apply)
Minimum spend¥5,000 before tax, goods and consumables counted separately¥5,000 before tax per shop per day, counted together; no ¥500,000 consumables cap
Sealed packagingRequired for consumablesNo longer required, but items used in Japan are not eligible
At the airportCustoms could checkTax-free procedure terminal before bag check-in; green = done, red = show goods

3 mistakes that can cost you the refund

  1. Checking your bags before the tax-free procedure.
  2. Eating or using one item from a receipt — the whole receipt becomes ineligible.
  3. Not registering a refund method (card / app / bank) at the shop.

→ Estimate your refund with the free calculator · Departure-day checklist

Planning a Japan trip after Nov 1, 2026?

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Official sources

Rules checked October 30, 2026 (JST). Rules can change; always confirm with the official pages and your shop.