Everything You Need to Know: Japan’s New Tax-Free Shopping System

Most travelers to Japan have become familiar with Japan’s widespread Tax-Free Shopping Program which has offered tax-free shopping throughout the country on a multitude of items in conveniently marked tax-free shops. As of November 1, 2026, this program will be shifting to a refund system which will allow travelers to receive the consumption tax as a refund as they exit the country. Here is everything you need to know about making eligible purchases, where to obtain your refund, and more. 

What is the Refund Method?

Currently, and up until October 31, 2026, eligible international visitors will have been making purchases of tax-free items at participating tax-free shops without paying Japan's consumption tax, allowing them to buy goods at tax-exclusive prices. 

Beginning November 1, 2026, travelers will pay the full tax-inclusive price when purchasing items at tax-free shops. Before departing Japan, they will present the purchased goods for inspection at customs at the airport or seaport. Once customs confirms the goods are being taken out of Japan, the amount equivalent to the consumption tax will be refunded.

To receive your consumption tax refund, you must complete a customs inspection before departing Japan.

Within 90 days of your purchase, present your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal (kiosk or electronic terminal) located in the international departure lobby of your departure airport or seaport, before baggage check-in. Tax-free procedure terminals and customs inspection areas are available at each airport and seaport.

After your passport is scanned, the terminal will display one of the following results:

• Green Result: No customs inspection is required. Your tax-free procedure is complete.
• Red Result: A customs inspection is required. You must bring your tax-free purchases to the designated customs inspection area for verification before completing the refund process.

At major international airports, including Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose, and Naha, you may also complete the initial procedure online through Visit Japan Web instead of using an airport terminal. This option is available in designated areas of the international departure lobby (before the security checkpoint) where dedicated Wi-Fi is provided.

What are Eligible Tax-Free Goods?



• Minimum purchase amount: Your total purchases per tax-free shop, per day must be 5,000 yen or more (before tax).
• Goods must be exported: All tax-free purchases must be taken out of Japan when you depart.
• Eligible items only: Gold and platinum bullion, as well as items that are already exempt from consumption tax, are not eligible for a tax refund.
• Personal baggage only: Tax-free purchases must be limited to quantities that you can personally carry out of Japan at the time of departure.
• Consumable goods: Special sealed packaging for consumable items (such as food, beverages, and cosmetics) will no longer be required. However, if these items are consumed or used in Japan before departure, they will not be eligible for customs inspection or a tax refund.
• For complete changes to tax-free goods, visit: https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/tax-free/content/001990234.pdf 

Important Things to Keep in Mind



• Have all tax-free purchases with you. When using a tax-free procedure terminal, you must have all tax-free items from each purchase transaction in your possession. Because of this, you must complete the procedure before checking in your luggage. Once your baggage has been checked with the airline, it cannot be retrieved to complete the tax-free procedure.
• Allow plenty of time before your flight or departure. You must complete the tax-free procedure, including any required customs inspection, before completing your boarding or embarkation process. If you do not have enough time to complete the procedure, your customs inspection will be considered incomplete, and you may not be eligible for a tax refund. Please note that neither Customs nor your airline will provide compensation if you miss your departure due to insufficient time for the tax-free procedures.
• Complete the procedure at your final departure point from Japan. If you are connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight, complete the tax-free procedure at the airport where you depart Japan on your international flight. The same applies to "fly & cruise" itineraries, where you return to Japan by cruise ship and later depart Japan by air – the procedure must be completed at your final departure airport. 
• Be sure to have the proper documents on hand. Make sure that in addition to your passport, you have all associated receipts, purchased items, and other travel documents on hand. Please note that cruise passengers and/or crew will need their landing permit in addition to their passport to complete the procedure.
• Each receipt is processed separately. Customs inspections are conducted for each individual purchase transaction (receipt). If even one item from a receipt is missing, none of the items associated with that receipt will be eligible for a tax refund.
• Do not use tax-free goods before departure. If you have consumed or used any tax-free items that are no longer in your possession (such as food or beverages), do not use the tax-free procedure terminal. Instead, report the consumption to a customs officer at the customs counter.
• Take your tax-free goods out of Japan promptly. After your goods have passed customs inspection, they must be exported from Japan without delay. If you fail to export them, you may be required to pay the consumption tax that was refunded and may also be subject to penalties.
• For additional information and Frequently Asked Questions, visit: https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/tax-free/page01_000001_00028.html