Money

Tax-Free Shopping in Japan: Refund Steps from November 2026

Since November 1, 2026, eligible shoppers pay tax first. Complete Customs confirmation before baggage check-in, then receive the refund from the shop or provider.

Page updated: November 2, 2026
Source-check dates are shown with the relevant information below. A page edit does not mean every detail was rechecked.

Quick answer

For purchases from November 1, 2026, pay the tax-inclusive price first, complete the Customs procedure when departing Japan, and receive the refund from the shop or its refund provider.

Check which system applies

Purchases through October 31, 2026 use the former point-of-sale exemption. Purchases from November 1, 2026 use the new refund method.

Keep every item with you

Under the new method, complete the departure procedure before checking baggage and be ready to present every tax-free item on each receipt.

Confirm the refund method at the shop

The shop or its refund service provider—not Customs—issues the refund. Ask how and when it will be paid before purchasing.

Useful Japanese phrase

Is this item eligible for tax-free shopping?

この商品は免税対象ですか？

Kono shōhin wa menzei taishō desu ka?

In effect sinceNovember 1, 2026

The rule that applies is based on the purchase date. Purchases through October 31 use the former checkout exemption; purchases from November 1 use the new refund method.

Tax-free shopping phrase and a comparison of the former system through October 31, 2026 with the refund system beginning November 1, 2026

Before and after

Which rules apply to your purchases?

Through October 31, 2026

Former rule: tax was removed when you bought

Eligible visitors bought at the tax-free price after the store completed its procedure.
General goods and consumables followed different rules.
Consumables had a ¥500,000 tax-excluded upper limit per store per day and required special packaging.

Purchases from November 1, 2026

Pay first, refund after Customs confirms export

Pay the tax-inclusive price at the tax-free shop.
Complete the Customs procedure when leaving Japan within 90 days of purchase.
The shop or its refund provider refunds the tax equivalent after Customs confirms export.
The general-goods/consumables distinction, special packaging and the ¥500,000 consumables cap are abolished.

Visual comparison showing tax removed at purchase under the former system and tax paid first then refunded after export confirmation under the new system

The minimum stays: purchases must total at least ¥5,000 before tax, per store, per day. Goods must be a quantity you can personally carry and take out of Japan.

The shop or its refund provider issues the refund

Customs confirms that the goods are leaving Japan. The tax-free shop or its entrusted refund service provider sends or pays the refund. Bank transfer, card refund, app payment or cash after confirmation may be offered; the method and timing vary by shop. Ask before paying.

Tax-free minimum purchase and 90-day export rule with an explanation that the shop or refund provider, rather than Customs, issues the refund

New refund method

What to do, step by step

1Confirm the shop and your eligibilityLook for an authorized tax-free shop and present the document the shop requires, normally your passport or supported Visit Japan Web information.

2Pay the tax-inclusive priceBefore paying, ask how the refund method is registered, when the refund is expected and whether fees or currency conversion may affect the amount received.

3Keep the receipt and every item togetherDo not consume food, drinks or cosmetics that you want refunded. Keep authenticity certificates or warranties for any item priced at ¥1 million or more before tax.

4Go to the tax-free procedure before baggage check-inAt your final airport or seaport in Japan, bring your passport and all tax-free goods to the departure-lobby procedure terminal. Once baggage is checked, it cannot be retrieved for this procedure.

5Follow the green or red resultA green result completes the procedure. A red result means you must bring the goods to the designated Customs inspection area.

6Receive the refund from the shop or providerAfter confirmation, follow the refund method registered at purchase. Contact the shop—not Customs—if the refund does not arrive as explained.

Illustrated steps one through four for the new tax-free refund method, from confirming eligibility through completing the procedure before baggage check-in

One receipt = one inspection unit

One missing item can cancel the whole receipt

If even one item from a purchase transaction is missing, none of the tax-free goods on that receipt are eligible for the departure confirmation and refund.

No sealed bag does not mean “use it now”

Consumed goods are not refundable

Special packaging is abolished, but food, drinks or cosmetics consumed in Japan are not eligible. If anything was consumed, report it to a Customs officer instead of using the terminal.

Domestic connection

Use your final departure airport

If a domestic flight connects to an international flight, complete the procedure at the airport where you actually leave Japan—not at the first domestic airport.

Shipping warning

Do not mail the goods yourself

The traveler “separate shipment” method ended on March 31, 2025. A shop may offer overseas shipping, but personally mailing tax-free goods does not replace the departure procedure.

Illustrated Customs green and red results, refund methods, and warnings about missing or consumed tax-free goods

Visit Japan Web support at seven major airports

Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha support the procedure through Visit Japan Web inside designated international-departure Wi-Fi areas before security. This online option is limited to travelers with Temporary Visitor, Diplomat or Official status; Japanese nationals cannot use it. Other eligible shoppers should use a physical procedure terminal. Keep the goods accessible either way.

Useful Japanese phrases

この商品は免税対象ですか？Kono shōhin wa menzei taishō desu ka?Is this item eligible for tax-free shopping?

返金方法を教えてください。Henkin hōhō o oshiete kudasai.Please tell me how the refund will be made.

Official Japan Tourism Agency and National Tax Agency guidance checked on November 2, 2026. Shops may use different refund providers, timing and methods, so confirm the terms at the time of purchase.

Useful links

Check the official tax-free shopping rules

Official resources come first. Links open in a new tab.

After shopping Handle extra luggage safely Compare coin lockers, staffed storage and delivery services—but keep tax-free goods accessible until the departure procedure is complete. Open the luggage guide → Official traveler guide Japan Tourism Agency refund-method guide Read the current English rules for purchases from November 1, 2026, including departure inspection, eligible goods and refunds. Read the official guide → Official traveler FAQ Questions about inspection and refunds Check baggage timing, Visit Japan Web support, missing items, consumed goods and possible refund methods. Open the traveler FAQ → Official tax authority National Tax Agency reform materials See the latest notices, English leaflet and detailed materials for the refund method effective November 1, 2026. Check the NTA updates → Official digital service Prepare Visit Japan Web At seven major airports, the new departure procedure can also be completed through Visit Japan Web within designated departure-lobby Wi-Fi areas. Open Visit Japan Web →