Japan tax-free shopping from November 2026
From November 1, 2026, visitors to Japan pay the full price including tax at the register and get the consumption tax back when they leave. Enter an amount to see what you pay, what you get back, and whether it meets the minimum.
What changes on November 1, 2026
Until now, visitors could usually buy goods tax-free at the register. From November 1, 2026, the system works the other way round. You pay the price with consumption tax, and the tax is returned after you leave Japan and customs has confirmed that you took the goods out. The Japan Tourism Agency calls this the refund method.
| Item | Sales until October 31, 2026 | Sales from November 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Price you pay at the register | The price without consumption tax | The price with consumption tax |
| When you get the tax back | You never pay it | After customs confirms the goods are leaving Japan |
| Who pays you back | Not needed | The shop, or a refund company working for the shop |
| Special sealed packaging for food, cosmetics and similar goods | Required | No longer required. Goods used up in Japan cannot be refunded |
How the refund works, step by step
- At the store. Show your passport and pay the price including tax. Ask the staff how you will receive the refund.
- Keep the goods with you. You will need to show them to customs when you leave. Do not use up food, drinks or cosmetics in Japan, because goods consumed in Japan cannot be refunded.
- At the airport or seaport. Use the tax-free procedure terminal, and let customs confirm that you are taking the goods out of Japan.
- After the check. The shop, or the refund company working for it, returns the consumption tax to you.
Rules to remember
- The minimum is ¥5,000 before tax, spent at the same store on the same day.
- You must leave Japan within 90 days of the purchase and have customs confirm the goods at that time.
- You show your passport when you buy.
- Each purchase record is judged as one unit. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, if customs cannot confirm even one item in a record, none of the items in that record qualify.
How much do you get back?
The refund equals the consumption tax you paid: 10% for most goods, and 8% for most food and drink. Here are some examples at 10%.
| Price before tax | You pay at the register | Tax refunded after you leave |
|---|---|---|
| ¥5,000 | ¥5,500 | ¥500 |
| ¥10,000 | ¥11,000 | ¥1,000 |
| ¥20,000 | ¥22,000 | ¥2,000 |
| ¥50,000 | ¥55,000 | ¥5,000 |
| ¥100,000 | ¥110,000 | ¥10,000 |
The official pages we checked do not mention handling fees. Read the notice at the shop, and ask whether a refund company charges anything.
Planning your shopping
Because you pay the full price first, plan for the cash or card limit on the day you buy. Because the refund comes after the check at the airport or seaport, leave time before your flight to find the terminal and have the goods confirmed. If you are buying clothes or shoes, our shopping section has size converters for Japanese sizes, and the Japan holidays 2027 page shows when shops and trains are likely to be busy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still buy tax-free at the register before November 1, 2026?
Yes. The new system applies to sales from November 1, 2026. Until October 31, shops use the current system.
Where do I get the refund?
After customs confirms the goods at the airport or seaport terminal, the shop or the refund company working for it returns the tax. How you receive the money depends on the shop, so ask at the register.
How long do I have to leave Japan?
You need to leave within 90 days of the purchase date, and have customs confirm the goods when you leave.
Who can use tax-free shopping?
It is for foreign visitors and other non-residents of Japan. The shop checks your passport when you buy.
Sources
- Japan Tourism Agency: tax-free shopping, information for travelers (in Japanese)
- Japan Tourism Agency: the change to the refund method (in Japanese)
Related pages
Last updated: 2026-10-04