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New system from Nov 1, 2026
Tax-free in Japan: pay now, get the tax back later
For purchases from November 1, 2026, you pay the tax-inclusive price at the store. After customs confirms you are taking the goods out of Japan, the consumption tax is refunded.
¥5,000+
Per store, per day, before tax
90 days
To leave Japan, from the day after purchase
Before check-in
Customs check before bag drop
Refund calculator
Enter the tax-inclusive price of each item, grouped by receipt (store and date). Your entries are saved only on this device.
If the store deducts a fee, enter it as % of the amount paid. Use 0 if unsure.
The refund is estimated as price × 10/110 (food: 8/108). The actual amount may differ due to the store's rounding and fees.
What's changing?
| Until Oct 31, 2026 | From Nov 1, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| At the register | Tax-free price | Tax-inclusive price (refund later) |
| Item categories | General / consumables | No distinction |
| Purchase cap | ¥500,000/day for consumables | None |
| Packaging | Sealed bag for consumables | Not required |
| At departure | Show passport | Customs check (may ask to see goods) |
How it works
Who can use it?
- Foreign visitors staying short-term, e.g. as tourists
- Japanese nationals who have lived abroad for 2+ years (proof required)
- People living in Japan, such as those working or studying here, are generally not eligible
At the store
- 1At a shop with a "Tax-Free" sign, show your original passport or the tax-free QR code from Visit Japan Web.
- 2If your total at one store on one day is ¥5,000 or more before tax, it qualifies. You pay the tax-inclusive price.
- 3Register how you want to receive the refund (credit card, bank account, app, etc.) as the store instructs. Methods vary by store.
- 4We recommend keeping either the register receipt (レシート, reshīto) or a formal receipt (領収書, ryōshūsho) until you leave. You don't need to show it at customs (they check your passport), but it helps you see which items were bought together and is useful if you need to ask about your refund. Ask about fees and refund timing at this point too.
When you leave (airport or port)
- 1You must leave Japan within 90 days, counting from the day after purchase.
- 2Get the customs check before you check in your bags. It can't be done after bag drop.
- 3Scan your passport at the tax-free kiosk at the airport or port. You don't need to show any receipt.
- 4If the screen says no inspection is needed, you're done. If it says inspection is needed, show the goods at the customs inspection area, so keep them easy to reach.
- 5If you ate or used any of the items before leaving, you must tell a customs officer at the counter.
- 6You must finish the customs check (including any inspection) before boarding procedures, so allow plenty of time.
- 7Once the customs confirmation reaches the store, the consumption tax is refunded using the method you registered.
Watch out
- Customs checks each purchase (usually one receipt) as a whole. If even one item from that purchase is missing (eaten, given away), the entire purchase is not refunded.
- Pay separately for anything you'll eat or use in Japan, so it's on a different receipt.
- Mailing or shipping tax-free goods overseas does not qualify (a store's direct overseas shipping is a separate scheme).
- If you don't actually take the goods out after the customs check, the tax will be collected and penalties may apply. Reselling in Japan is prohibited.
- Gold and platinum bullion and coins are not eligible.
Refund method, timing and fees
The refund method isn't set by law; it varies by store (or the operator it uses).
- Examples: refund to credit card, bank transfer, app transfer, or cash at the departure airport
- Some stores deduct a fee. Enter it under "Refund fee" in the calculator to see what you'll actually get.
- How long the refund takes also varies by store. Check when you pay.
- If the bank account or card details you register are wrong, you may not receive the refund.
Checklist
- Before your trip: register your passport on Visit Japan Web and get the tax-free QR code
- While shopping: pay separately for things you'll use; keep either the register receipt (レシート) or a formal receipt (領収書), and take a photo of it
- At the airport: arrive early, get the customs check before check-in, then drop your bags
FAQ
What about purchases made by October 31?
The old system applies. You pay the price without consumption tax at the store, so there's nothing to refund later.
Can I combine purchases from different stores?
No. Your total (before tax) at the same store on the same day must be ¥5,000 or more.
Do food and other goods have different tax rates?
Food and drinks (excluding alcohol) are taxed at the reduced rate of 8%; cosmetics, medicine, electronics, alcohol, etc. at 10%. Choose "Food 8%" in the calculator.
Do I need a receipt?
It's not an official requirement. At departure, customs checks your passport and, if needed, the goods. Still, keeping either the register receipt (レシート) or a formal receipt (領収書) makes it easy to check which items were bought together and to ask about your refund. Whether the refund process needs one depends on the store, so ask when you pay.
Is there a purchase limit?
There is only a minimum (¥5,000 before tax), no maximum. However, you must be able to carry everything out yourself when you leave.
How are the 90 days counted?
From the day after purchase up to day 90. For example, if you buy on November 1, you must depart and get the customs check by January 30 of the following year.
Is the result exactly what I'll get back?
It's an estimate based on the consumption tax amount. The actual refund may differ due to the store's rounding and fees.