Is There a Limit on Tax-Free Shopping in Japan (from Nov 1, 2026)?

Short answer: there is a minimum (¥5,000 before tax, per shop, per day) but no fixed yen maximum for travelers. The real limit is quantity: you may only buy as much as you can carry out of Japan yourself at departure.

The rules that set your "limit"

• Minimum: ¥5,000 or more (tax-excluded) at the same shop on the same day (JTA).
• Quantity: only what you can personally have with you and take abroad when you leave. Bring everything to customs so it can be shown (JTA FAQ).
• Old consumables cap removed: the special sealed packaging for consumables is abolished, and the old general/consumables split no longer limits you (JTA).
• Excluded goods: gold and platinum bullion and goods that are not subject to consumption tax (JTA).
• Very expensive items: if one item costs ¥1,000,000 or more before tax, customs may ask for an appraisal certificate or warranty card. Keep it with the item (JTA FAQ).
• Shipping it home instead? Sending tax-free goods abroad yourself by post ended on March 31, 2025. Whether a shop ships overseas depends on the shop (JTA FAQ).

Practical tips

• Buying a lot? You must still finish customs before checking your bags, and a Red result means showing the goods — arrive early.
• Consumed or gave away part of a receipt? That whole receipt gets no refund; tell a customs officer instead of using the kiosk (JTA FAQ).

More on the ¥5,000 minimum · Shipping items home · Luxury purchases

→ Free sample of our Field Guide (no sign-up) · Full guide $7 (our own product, ad)