Visitors to Japan can often buy without the consumption tax at licensed shops. Here’s how it works.
📅 From 1 November 2026, tax-free shopping becomes a refund system: you’ll pay the price including tax, and the shop (or its refund service) refunds the tax after customs confirms your goods as you leave. How you’re refunded, and any fee, depend on the shop. What counts is the day you buy, not the day you leave — anything bought up to 31 October 2026 follows today’s rules.
How it works
At a licensed “Japan. Tax-free Shop”, short-stay visitors can buy certain items without the consumption tax. The shop handles the paperwork at the register — just bring your passport.
What you need
- Your passport — the real one you entered Japan with (not a photo).
- Make sure your passport gets a landing stamp when you arrive in Japan — shops check it. At an automated gate, ask the officer for a stamp on the spot; it can’t be added later.
- Usually ¥5,000 or more (before tax) at the same shop on the same day.
- Look for the “Japan. Tax-free Shop” sign, or ask staff “Tax-free?”.
Food, drinks, cosmetics & medicine
These are sealed in a special bag. Keep it closed and take it out of Japan — don’t open or use it while you’re here.
When you leave Japan
- Show your passport and the goods to customs — before you check in any bag that holds them. If you no longer have the goods, customs collects the tax there and then.
- Posting the goods abroad yourself doesn’t count as tax-free. Some shops can ship them abroad for you — ask the shop.
⚠️ A guide only. Tax-free rules and procedures can change, and amounts depend on the shop. Always check with the shop or the official site, and keep your passport with you.