Let’s Shop Tax-Free!
Tax Free Japan: The Complete Guide to Tax-Free Shopping & Refunds
START HERE
What would you like to do?
THE ESSENTIALS
Your refund, in three steps.
01
Shop & register
Present your passport at a tax-free shop and purchase goods at a price including consumption tax. Set up your refund method as instructed by the tax-free shop.
02
Confirm at departure
Depart Japan within 90 days of the date of purchase. Before checking in your baggage at the airport or seaport, complete the tax-free procedures. If a customs inspection is required, present your tax-free goods to a customs officer.
03
Receive your refund
After customs inspection, the amount equivalent to consumption tax will be refunded by the tax-free shop or by a refund service provider entrusted by the shop. Refund methods vary by shop. Please contact the tax-free shop for details.
QUICK ANSWERS
A little clarity before you go.
Start with these common questions. Browse all FAQs for more topics.
Can every foreign visitor use Tax-Free shopping in Japan?
No. You must meet Japan's requirements for a non-resident eligible for tax-free shopping.
How much do I need to spend to get a Tax Refund when shopping in Japan?
Eligible purchases must total at least JPY 5,000 excluding tax at the same store on the same day. This applies to eligible souvenirs, cosmetics, sweets, clothing and other goods bought at Tax-Free shops in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Ginza, Hokkaido, Okinawa and elsewhere in Japan.
Do I need my original passport?
In principle, you must present your passport. A landing permit alone is insufficient. Cruise passengers may present their cruise landing permit together with a passport copy, normally attached to the permit. The purchase record must contain the passport number, not the permit number. Aircraft and ship crew must present both their crew landing permit and original passport; the copy exception does not apply to crew.
What do I need to do at the airport for Japan Tax Refund?
Before checking eligible goods into your baggage, go to the designated customs-confirmation area or Tax-Free kiosk and follow the instructions, which may include scanning your passport.
I left Japan but still have not received my Tax Refund. What should I do?
Check whether customs confirmation was completed and whether your refund destination was registered correctly. Then check the refund provider's portal or contact the provider shown on your receipt.
WATCH. TRY. UNDERSTAND.
Get ready before you shop.
One minute to get started.
Watch the tax-refund process explained in a short video.
Tax Free Japan is a practical guide to tax-free shopping and the Tax Refund system for international visitors. Learn how to get a tax refund in Japan, follow the refund process step by step, read answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ), and use our nationwide map to find more than 60,000 tax-free shops. Whether you are looking for Japanese souvenirs, gifts, cosmetics, electronics, or traditional products, you can find places to shop tax-free during your trip to Japan.