07. Not completing the procedure at the airport or port you depart from
Note: Japan's refund-based Tax-Free system (pay the tax-inclusive price first, then receive a refund after customs confirmation) starts on November 1, 2026. Until October 31, 2026, the current Tax-Free system (tax-excluded price at the register) continues. The answers below describe the system from November 1, 2026 unless stated otherwise.
Under Japan’s tax-free system, you must go through the customs confirmation with all the goods you bought tax-free when you leave Japan.
If you transfer from a domestic flight to an international flight, the customs confirmation is done at the last airport from which you leave Japan.
If you use “through baggage” at the domestic departure airport to send your bags straight to your overseas destination, you cannot show the tax-free goods at the airport where you change to the international flight, and you may not receive your refund.
If you need to check in tax-free goods, collect your baggage at the airport where you change to the international flight, complete the customs confirmation with all the goods, and then check the baggage in again for the international flight.
Also, when leaving Japan on a cruise ship, the customs confirmation must be done at the last port in Japan where you go through departure procedures.
If you transfer from a domestic flight or travel by cruise ship, check in advance where the customs confirmation takes place and how your baggage will be handled.
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.