Money & phone
Tax-free shopping
Japan changed how tax-free shopping works on 1 November 2026. You now pay the full price including tax, and get the tax back after customs checks your goods when you leave Japan.
What changed
Before, shops took the tax off at the till. Now every visitor pays the tax-inclusive price, and the shop refunds the tax once customs has confirmed you're taking the goods out of Japan. The old split between general goods and consumables, the 500,000 yen limit on consumables and the special sealed bags are gone.
Common mistakes
- Expecting the tax to be taken off at the till, as on earlier trips.
At the shop
Step by step
Look for the tax-free sign and bring your passport — you'll need the real passport.
Spend 5,000 yen or more (before tax) in that shop on the same day.
Pay the full price, including tax. The shop registers your purchase with your passport.
Keep the receipt or document with the QR code the shop gives you.
Common mistakes
- Shopping without your passport.
- Splitting purchases across days so each one is under 5,000 yen.
When you leave Japan
Step by step
Keep the goods with you and unused until you leave — customs may ask to see them.
At the airport or port, go through the customs check for tax-free goods before you fly.
After customs has confirmed it, the shop refunds the tax the way you agreed (for example back to your card).
Common mistakes
- Packing tax-free goods deep in checked luggage before customs has seen them.
- Opening and using tax-free consumables before you leave.
Sources
Sources (checked 2026-11-04). Facts, numbers and prices on this page come from these official pages.
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Everything you need to know: Japan's new tax-free shopping system(opens in a new tab)JNTO blog: Japan's new tax-free shopping system explained
- Ministry of Finance令和7年度税制改正（輸出物品販売場制度の見直し）Japanese(opens in a new tab)Ministry of Finance: FY2025 tax reform of the tax-free shop system
