How to Get a Tax Refund
STEP 1: Purchase Goods at a Tax-Inclusive Price
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.
STEP 2: Complete the Customs Inspection When Departing Japan
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.
STEP 3: Receive Your Consumption Tax 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.
Important Notes
- Purchases totaling JPY 5,000 or more (tax excluded) per store per day are eligible for tax-free shopping.
- Customs inspections are conducted for each purchase transaction (such as a receipt). If you are not in possession of even one item included in a single purchase transaction, none of the tax-free goods associated with that transaction will be eligible for a tax refund.
- Even if you receive a Green Result, you must have set up your refund method at the time of purchase in order to receive your refund. Be sure to complete the required refund procedures at the tax-free shop when making your purchase.
- If you receive a Red Result, bring your tax-free goods to the designated customs inspection area for verification.
- The procedures required to receive a refund may vary by tax-free shop or refund service provider. If you make purchases at multiple tax-free shops, be sure to complete the required refund procedures for each purchase.
- Under the Refund Method, the JPY 500,000 maximum purchase amount for consumable products has been abolished. The distinction between general products and consumable products has also been abolished.
Tips for each step
STEP 1 – Shopping: Spend at least JPY 5,000 (excluding tax) at the same store on the same day and show your original passport (photocopies are generally not accepted). Register your refund method (credit card, QR payment, bank account, etc.) following the store's or refund provider's instructions.
STEP 2 – Leaving Japan: Within 90 days of purchase, complete customs confirmation at the airport or port before you check in any baggage containing your tax-free goods. Follow the kiosk instructions; if it shows Red, take the goods to the customs inspection area.
STEP 3 – Refund: After customs confirmation, the consumption tax is refunded to the method you registered. Timing and fees depend on the store and the refund provider.