Japan Tax-Free & Tax Refund FAQ
Basics of Japan's Tax-Free System10
How does Tax-Free shopping work in Japan?
Japan's Tax-Free system allows eligible non-resident visitors to buy goods for u…
Japan's Tax-Free system allows eligible non-resident visitors to buy goods for use outside Japan without ultimately bearing Japanese consumption tax. From November 1, 2026, Japan uses a refund-based system: you first pay the tax-inclusive price, complete customs confirmation when leaving Japan, and then receive the refund.
What is the difference between Tax-Free and Tax Refund in Japan?
Under the former Tax-Free system, eligible shoppers paid a tax-excluded price at…
Under the former Tax-Free system, eligible shoppers paid a tax-excluded price at the store. Under the Tax Refund system, you pay the tax-inclusive price first and receive the eligible tax refund after customs confirmation when departing Japan.
What changed in Japan's Tax-Free system from November 2026?
Major changes include tax-inclusive payment at stores, customs confirmation with…
Major changes include tax-inclusive payment at stores, customs confirmation within 90 days of purchase, refunds after departure procedures, abolition of the former general-goods/consumables distinction, removal of the JPY 500,000 consumables cap, and abolition of special sealed packaging.
Why do I have to pay consumption tax at the store now?
The refund-based system was introduced to help prevent tax-free goods from being…
The refund-based system was introduced to help prevent tax-free goods from being resold or consumed inside Japan instead of being taken abroad.
Do I have to pay Japanese consumption tax first?
Yes. At Tax-Free shops in Japan, including stores in Tokyo, Ginza, Kyoto, Osaka,…
Yes. At Tax-Free shops in Japan, including stores in Tokyo, Ginza, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido and Okinawa, you first pay the tax-inclusive price.
When will I receive my Tax Refund?
The refund is processed after customs confirms that you are taking the eligible…
The refund is processed after customs confirms that you are taking the eligible goods out of Japan. The actual timing depends on the store and refund provider.
What is Japan's consumption tax rate?
The standard rate is 10%. A reduced 8% rate applies to certain food and beverage…
The standard rate is 10%. A reduced 8% rate applies to certain food and beverage products.
Are all products eligible for Tax-Free shopping in Japan?
Most ordinary goods can be eligible, including souvenirs, cosmetics, sweets, clo…
Most ordinary goods can be eligible, including souvenirs, cosmetics, sweets, clothing and electronics. Gold or platinum bullion, gold coins, non-taxable goods and other excluded items are not eligible. The goods must also be carried out of Japan by the purchaser.
Can I use Tax-Free at every shop in Japan?
No. Tax-Free shopping is available only at stores officially authorized as Tax-F…
No. Tax-Free shopping is available only at stores officially authorized as Tax-Free shops. When shopping for souvenirs or other goods in Tokyo, Ginza, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, Okinawa or elsewhere in Japan, check whether the store provides Tax-Free or Tax Refund services.
How can I identify a Tax-Free Shop in Japan?
Look for the “Japan Tax-free Shop” symbol or Tax-Free/Tax Refund signage near th…
Look for the “Japan Tax-free Shop” symbol or Tax-Free/Tax Refund signage near the entrance, checkout counter or tax-free counter.
Who Is Eligible?10
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…
No. You must meet Japan's requirements for a non-resident eligible for tax-free shopping.
Can foreigners living in Japan use Tax-Free shopping?
No. Foreign nationals who are residents of Japan, including mid- to long-term re…
No. Foreign nationals who are residents of Japan, including mid- to long-term residents, are not eligible.
Can international students in Japan use Tax-Free shopping?
No. International students are generally treated as residents and are not eligib…
No. International students are generally treated as residents and are not eligible, even if fewer than six months have passed since entry.
Can foreigners working in Japan use Tax-Free shopping?
No. Foreign nationals residing and working in Japan are not eligible.
No. Foreign nationals residing and working in Japan are not eligible.
Can a Japanese citizen living overseas use Tax-Free shopping in Japan?
Yes, if the person has continuously lived outside Japan for at least two years a…
Yes, if the person has continuously lived outside Japan for at least two years and meets the requirements for a temporary return to Japan of less than six months.
Can I qualify if I do not have Temporary Visitor status?
Certain other statuses and landing permissions may qualify, such as Diplomat, Of…
Certain other statuses and landing permissions may qualify, such as Diplomat, Official, port-of-call landing permission, crew member landing permission, and certain SOFA-related categories.
How long after entering Japan can I use Tax-Free shopping?
Generally, you must make the purchase within six months of the date of landing p…
Generally, you must make the purchase within six months of the date of landing permission.
Can cruise passengers use Tax-Free shopping in Japan?
Yes. Eligible cruise passengers with the relevant landing permission may use Tax…
Yes. Eligible cruise passengers with the relevant landing permission may use Tax-Free shopping.
Can children use Tax-Free shopping in Japan?
Yes, if the child is an eligible non-resident and has the required passport or o…
Yes, if the child is an eligible non-resident and has the required passport or other identity document.
Can I combine my family's purchases under my passport?
No. Each purchaser must use their own passport or other required identification…
No. Each purchaser must use their own passport or other required identification and complete the Tax-Free procedure in their own name.
At the Time of Purchase10
What do I need to show when shopping Tax-Free in Japan?
Foreign visitors generally need an original passport showing the relevant landin…
Foreign visitors generally need an original passport showing the relevant landing permission. Eligible Japanese temporary returnees need a passport plus the required document proving overseas residence, such as a residence certificate, copy of family register attachment, or My Number Card where applicable.
Do I need my original passport?
Yes. In principle, the original passport is required.
Yes. In principle, the original passport is required.
Can I use a photocopy of my passport?
Generally no, except for limited cases specifically permitted by law, such as ce…
Generally no, except for limited cases specifically permitted by law, such as certain cruise-passenger procedures.
Can I complete Tax-Free procedures with only my smartphone?
A smartphone alone is not sufficient, but it can be used to display a Visit Japa…
A smartphone alone is not sufficient, but it can be used to display a Visit Japan Web QR code or, where applicable, a My Number Card stored on a smartphone.
Can I use the Visit Japan Web QR code for Tax-Free shopping?
Yes. Visit Japan Web can be used to display a QR code that helps provide passpor…
Yes. Visit Japan Web can be used to display a QR code that helps provide passport information during the Tax-Free procedure.
Where can I find the Tax-Free QR code in Visit Japan Web?
Log in to Visit Japan Web and open the Tax-Free procedure screen to generate and…
Log in to Visit Japan Web and open the Tax-Free procedure screen to generate and display the relevant QR code.
If I use the QR code, can I leave my passport at the hotel?
No. You should still carry the original passport because the store may need to v…
No. You should still carry the original passport because the store may need to verify your landing permission and identity.
Do I need to show my passport every time I make a Tax-Free purchase?
Yes. You generally need to present the required identification each time you com…
Yes. You generally need to present the required identification each time you complete a Tax-Free purchase procedure.
Should I simply say “Tax-Free” at the checkout?
Yes. Tell the cashier or tax-free counter staff that you would like to use Tax-F…
Yes. Tell the cashier or tax-free counter staff that you would like to use Tax-Free or Tax Refund before the procedure is completed.
Can I use Tax-Free at a self-checkout?
It depends on the store. Because identity verification and purchase-data transmi…
It depends on the store. Because identity verification and purchase-data transmission are required, many stores direct Tax-Free shoppers to a staffed counter, dedicated terminal or Tax-Free kiosk.
Minimum Purchase Amount10
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…
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.
Is the minimum JPY 5,500 including tax or JPY 5,000 excluding tax?
The eligibility threshold is JPY 5,000 excluding tax.
The eligibility threshold is JPY 5,000 excluding tax.
Can I combine several purchases made at the same shop on the same day?
Yes. Purchases made at the same store on the same day can generally be combined…
Yes. Purchases made at the same store on the same day can generally be combined for the minimum-purchase calculation.
Can I combine purchases made in the morning and afternoon?
Yes, if they were made at the same store on the same day.
Yes, if they were made at the same store on the same day.
Can I combine purchases made on different days?
No. The calculation is based on purchases made on the same day.
No. The calculation is based on purchases made on the same day.
Can I combine purchases from different shops in the same shopping mall?
Yes, in facilities that operate an approved consolidated Tax-Free counter. Eligi…
Yes, in facilities that operate an approved consolidated Tax-Free counter. Eligible same-day purchases from participating stores can be combined there.
Can I combine purchases from several shops inside a department store?
Yes, where the department store operates a consolidated Tax-Free counter for par…
Yes, where the department store operates a consolidated Tax-Free counter for participating stores.
Can I combine my family's purchases to reach JPY 5,000?
No. The minimum amount is calculated separately for each purchaser.
No. The minimum amount is calculated separately for each purchaser.
What happens if I use a coupon or loyalty points?
The amount after eligible discounts is applied must still meet the JPY 5,000 exc…
The amount after eligible discounts is applied must still meet the JPY 5,000 excluding-tax threshold.
What happens to my Tax-Free purchase if I return an item?
If a return reduces the eligible purchase amount below JPY 5,000 excluding tax,…
If a return reduces the eligible purchase amount below JPY 5,000 excluding tax, the purchase record may no longer qualify for Tax-Free treatment and must be corrected or cancelled.
For Travelers Familiar with the Old System10
I used to get Tax-Free immediately at the register. Why do I now pay tax first?
Japan switched to a refund-based Tax-Free system on November 1, 2026. You now pa…
Japan switched to a refund-based Tax-Free system on November 1, 2026. You now pay the tax-inclusive price first and receive the refund after customs confirmation when leaving Japan.
Previously I only showed my passport. What else is required now?
You must also complete customs confirmation when departing Japan and register th…
You must also complete customs confirmation when departing Japan and register the refund destination required by the store or refund provider.
Does Japan still separate “general goods” and “consumables”?
No. That distinction was abolished under the new system.
No. That distinction was abolished under the new system.
Do consumables still need to be sealed in special Tax-Free bags?
No. The former special-packaging requirement was abolished.
No. The former special-packaging requirement was abolished.
Can I now open food or cosmetics purchased Tax-Free while I am in Japan?
Special sealed packaging is no longer required, but goods intended for Tax-Free…
Special sealed packaging is no longer required, but goods intended for Tax-Free treatment must not be consumed or used in Japan. If you consume food, use cosmetics or otherwise use the goods in Japan, customs confirmation may fail and the refund may not be issued.
Can the store simply deduct the tax at the register like before?
No. Under the new system, Tax-Free sales are processed using tax-inclusive payme…
No. Under the new system, Tax-Free sales are processed using tax-inclusive payment followed by a refund after customs confirmation.
Are goods purchased before November 1, 2026 covered by the new system?
The applicable rules are based on the purchase date. The new refund system appli…
The applicable rules are based on the purchase date. The new refund system applies to purchases made on or after November 1, 2026.
Can I continue using an old Tax-Free app or card?
You may need to use the system designated by the store's current refund provider…
You may need to use the system designated by the store's current refund provider. Older apps or cards are not automatically valid under the new system.
Will shops I used for Tax-Free shopping before still support the new system?
Operating Tax-Free shops must comply with the current system, but the refund met…
Operating Tax-Free shops must comply with the current system, but the refund method and provider may differ by store.
Is the new Tax Refund system easier than the old Tax-Free system?
The former packaging rules and goods-category restrictions have been simplified,…
The former packaging rules and goods-category restrictions have been simplified, while customs confirmation at departure and refund processing are now required.
Registering Your Refund Method10
What do I need to register to receive my Tax Refund?
Depending on the refund provider, you may register a credit card, supported QR-p…
Depending on the refund provider, you may register a credit card, supported QR-payment account, remittance app account, bank details or another approved refund destination.
When should I register my refund destination?
Registration can generally be completed from the time of purchase until before c…
Registration can generally be completed from the time of purchase until before customs confirmation at departure, according to the refund provider's procedure.
Do I have to finish refund registration at the shop?
Not always. Some systems allow you to complete the registration later on your sm…
Not always. Some systems allow you to complete the registration later on your smartphone.
Can I register my refund method after returning to my hotel?
Yes, if the provider allows it and you complete registration before the required…
Yes, if the provider allows it and you complete registration before the required deadline.
Can I register my refund method at the airport?
Yes, if the provider allows registration there and you complete it before the cu…
Yes, if the provider allows registration there and you complete it before the customs-confirmation step.
Can I register my refund method after leaving Japan?
Some providers may allow corrections or registration after departure if customs…
Some providers may allow corrections or registration after departure if customs confirmation was completed, but completing registration before departure is strongly recommended to avoid problems.
Can I receive a refund without a credit card?
Depending on the refund provider, other methods such as supported QR payments, r…
Depending on the refund provider, other methods such as supported QR payments, remittance apps, bank transfer or cash at certain locations may be available.
Can I receive my refund in a bank account?
Yes, if bank transfer is supported by the store's refund provider.
Yes, if bank transfer is supported by the store's refund provider.
Can I receive the refund in an overseas bank account?
It may be possible through a refund provider that supports international transfe…
It may be possible through a refund provider that supports international transfer or another compatible payment network.
Can I receive my refund through Alipay or WeChat Pay?
It may be available when the store's refund provider supports those services.
It may be available when the store's refund provider supports those services.
Tax Refund Providers10
Does the shop refund me directly?
In many cases, the shop uses an approved refund-processing provider to handle cu…
In many cases, the shop uses an approved refund-processing provider to handle customs-confirmation data and the refund payment.
What is a Tax Refund company in Japan?
It is a service provider that supports Tax-Free shops by processing purchase dat…
It is a service provider that supports Tax-Free shops by processing purchase data, customs-confirmation information and traveler refunds. Examples may include international and Japanese refund operators.
Why do refund methods differ from shop to shop?
Each Tax-Free shop chooses its own refund provider, and each provider may suppor…
Each Tax-Free shop chooses its own refund provider, and each provider may support different cards, payment services, currencies and refund procedures.
How can I find out which refund company my shop uses?
Check the receipt, Tax-Free guide, QR-code sheet, store signage or information p…
Check the receipt, Tax-Free guide, QR-code sheet, store signage or information provided at the Tax-Free counter.
If I shop at several stores, do I have to register my refund method several times?
Possibly. Purchases handled by the same refund provider may sometimes be grouped…
Possibly. Purchases handled by the same refund provider may sometimes be grouped, while purchases handled by different providers usually require separate procedures.
Can I choose Global Blue or another refund company myself?
Usually no. The refund provider is determined by the Tax-Free shop where you mad…
Usually no. The refund provider is determined by the Tax-Free shop where you made the purchase.
Do I have to install a refund company's app?
Not necessarily. Many providers offer browser-based registration, although some…
Not necessarily. Many providers offer browser-based registration, although some may also offer or require an app.
What should I do if I do not receive an email from the refund company?
Check your spam or junk folder first. Then use the support information or QR cod…
Check your spam or junk folder first. Then use the support information or QR code printed on the receipt or refund guide to confirm your registration or request help.
I closed the refund registration page. Can I open it again?
Usually yes. Use the QR code or web address printed on your receipt or informati…
Usually yes. Use the QR code or web address printed on your receipt or information sheet.
I forgot which refund company handled my purchase. What should I do?
Check the receipt or purchase documents. The refund provider's name, website or…
Check the receipt or purchase documents. The refund provider's name, website or support contact is usually shown there.
Customs Confirmation at Airports and Ports10
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-c…
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.
Where is customs confirmation carried out?
The exact location depends on the airport or port. It may be in the internationa…
The exact location depends on the airport or port. It may be in the international-departure area before baggage drop or security, so check the airport's signs and current instructions.
Do I need to complete customs confirmation before security?
If your Tax-Free goods will be placed in checked baggage, complete the required…
If your Tax-Free goods will be placed in checked baggage, complete the required customs procedure before handing that baggage to the airline. Follow the airport's current instructions for the exact route.
Should I do it before or after airline check-in?
You may check in first if needed, but do not hand over checked baggage containin…
You may check in first if needed, but do not hand over checked baggage containing Tax-Free goods until any required customs confirmation has been completed.
Is scanning my passport at the kiosk enough?
Often the procedure can be completed through the designated terminal, but if you…
Often the procedure can be completed through the designated terminal, but if your transaction is selected for inspection you must present the goods to customs.
What should I do if the terminal shows Green?
A Green result generally means no physical inspection is required for that trans…
A Green result generally means no physical inspection is required for that transaction and the customs-confirmation step is complete. Follow the on-screen and airport instructions before proceeding.
What happens if the terminal shows Red?
A Red result means customs inspection is required. Follow the instructions and t…
A Red result means customs inspection is required. Follow the instructions and take the relevant goods to the customs inspection area.
Will a customs officer ask to see my Tax-Free goods?
Yes, this may happen if you are selected for inspection or when additional confi…
Yes, this may happen if you are selected for inspection or when additional confirmation is required for high-value goods.
Do I need to bring all Tax-Free goods with me to the airport?
Yes. You must have the eligible goods with you when completing the departure cus…
Yes. You must have the eligible goods with you when completing the departure customs procedure.
Should I keep my receipts until I leave Japan?
Yes. Keep your Tax-Free receipts and related documents because they may be usefu…
Yes. Keep your Tax-Free receipts and related documents because they may be useful for customs checks, refund confirmation or support inquiries.
Missing Goods and Checked Baggage10
What happens if I leave my Tax-Free goods at the hotel?
If the required goods are not with you when customs confirmation is required, th…
If the required goods are not with you when customs confirmation is required, the related purchase may not qualify for a refund.
What if I gave my Tax-Free goods to a friend in Japan?
The purchaser must take the goods out of Japan. If you no longer possess them, t…
The purchaser must take the goods out of Japan. If you no longer possess them, they may not qualify for Tax-Free treatment.
What if I used my Tax-Free goods while I was in Japan?
Goods consumed or used in Japan may become ineligible for the Tax Refund because…
Goods consumed or used in Japan may become ineligible for the Tax Refund because they were not taken abroad unused as required.
What if I eat Tax-Free food or sweets in Japan?
Those goods are treated as consumed in Japan and may make the relevant purchase…
Those goods are treated as consumed in Japan and may make the relevant purchase record ineligible for refund.
What if I use Tax-Free cosmetics in Japan?
The same principle applies: goods used or consumed in Japan may no longer qualif…
The same principle applies: goods used or consumed in Japan may no longer qualify for the refund.
If I lose only one item, can I still get a refund for the rest?
If customs confirmation is conducted by purchase record or receipt unit, missing…
If customs confirmation is conducted by purchase record or receipt unit, missing an item may affect the entire related purchase record. Keep all eligible goods until departure.
If I lose one item from the same receipt, could I lose the refund for the whole receipt?
Yes. Depending on how the purchase record is processed, failure to present all r…
Yes. Depending on how the purchase record is processed, failure to present all required goods may make the entire record ineligible.
When should I complete customs confirmation for a large item that will be checked in?
Complete any required customs confirmation before handing the item or suitcase t…
Complete any required customs confirmation before handing the item or suitcase to the airline.
Can I put Tax-Free goods inside my checked suitcase?
Yes, but complete any required customs confirmation before the suitcase is check…
Yes, but complete any required customs confirmation before the suitcase is checked in.
What if customs asks to see an item after I have already checked my baggage?
If the goods cannot be presented because the baggage has already been handed ove…
If the goods cannot be presented because the baggage has already been handed over, customs confirmation may not be completed and the refund may not be issued.
After Departure and Refund Problems10
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 destina…
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.
How long does a Japan Tax Refund take?
Timing varies by provider and payment method. A refund may take from several day…
Timing varies by provider and payment method. A refund may take from several days to several weeks.
The customs terminal showed Green, but I still have not received my refund. Why?
Possible causes include an incorrect card number, bank-transfer error, incomplet…
Possible causes include an incorrect card number, bank-transfer error, incomplete refund registration or processing delays. Check the refund provider's status page or contact support.
Why is my refund less than 10% of the purchase price?
The store or refund provider may deduct a Tax Refund processing fee or service f…
The store or refund provider may deduct a Tax Refund processing fee or service fee from the amount returned to you.
How much is the Tax Refund fee in Japan?
It depends on the store and refund provider. Check the information shown at the…
It depends on the store and refund provider. Check the information shown at the store, on the receipt or during refund registration.
What happens if I close the credit card account registered for my refund?
The refund may fail. Contact the refund provider and ask whether you can update…
The refund may fail. Contact the refund provider and ask whether you can update the refund destination.
Can I correct a wrong card number after registration?
Depending on the provider, you may be able to update it through the refund websi…
Depending on the provider, you may be able to update it through the refund website or customer-support desk.
What happens if I change my flight?
A flight change itself does not normally invalidate the Tax-Free purchase as lon…
A flight change itself does not normally invalidate the Tax-Free purchase as long as you leave Japan and complete the required customs procedure within the applicable 90-day period.
What if I leave Japan and then return to Japan again?
The Tax-Free purchase can be completed when you leave Japan and satisfy the cust…
The Tax-Free purchase can be completed when you leave Japan and satisfy the customs-confirmation requirements within the applicable period. A later re-entry is a separate entry into Japan.
Who should I contact if I have a problem with Tax-Free shopping or my refund?
Contact the Tax-Free shop where you made the purchase or the refund provider nam…
Contact the Tax-Free shop where you made the purchase or the refund provider named on your receipt, QR-code sheet or refund information.
This page is general reference information based on Japan's refund-based Tax-Free system starting November 1, 2026. Procedures and rules may differ by store, refund provider, airport or port, and may change. Please check the latest information with the Japanese government or the store where you shop.