How Japan's new tax-free refund works (from November 1, 2026)
From November 1, 2026, tourists in Japan no longer get the consumption tax taken off at the register. You pay the full price with tax, and get the tax back when you leave Japan. This page explains what changes, who qualifies, and what to do, in plain English.
What is changing
| Until October 31, 2026 | From November 1, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| When the tax comes off | At the register (or at the shop's tax-free counter) | You pay tax-inclusive prices, then get a refund after you leave Japan |
| Minimum purchase | ¥5,000 before tax, same store, same day | Same: ¥5,000 before tax, same store, same day |
| Food, drinks, cosmetics, medicine | Separate rules, sealed packaging, ¥500,000 limit per trip | Same rules as other goods; no special packaging; the ¥500,000 limit is removed (you can only claim what you carry out yourself) |
| Time limit | 30 days for consumables, 6 months for other goods | 90 days for everything |
| Procedure at the airport | Mostly a customs check if selected | Required: you must complete it before check-in to receive your refund |
Details above follow the Japan Tourism Agency and National Tax Agency materials and press coverage of them. Shops and refund providers may handle payment and fees in their own way, so always confirm at the shop.
Who qualifies
- Visitors who are temporarily in Japan. People who live in Japan, work at an office in Japan, or arrived 6 months ago or more do not qualify.
- You must show your passport at the shop, and use the same passport at the airport.
- You must buy at a shop that has tax-free approval. Look for a tax-free sign, or ask before you pay.
How the refund works, step by step
- At the shop. Say you want tax-free and show your passport. Pay the full price with tax. The shop explains how the refund will be paid (card, bank, app or cash, depending on the shop).
- Until you leave. Do not open or use consumables such as cosmetics and food in Japan. Carry everything out of Japan yourself.
- At the airport, before you check your bags. Complete the departure procedure at the tax-free terminal (or on Visit Japan Web where available) with all your purchases in hand. Do not put them in checked baggage.
- Read the result. Green means no inspection is needed. Red means a customs inspection: show all your goods.
- Receive your refund by the method you chose with the shop. Timing and fees depend on the shop or its refund company.
Common mistakes that cost you the refund
- One missing item on a receipt: if any item from a purchase record is not with you at customs, the whole record gets no refund.
- Opening or using consumables (food, cosmetics) before you leave.
- Checking your bag before going to the tax-free terminal. Checked bags cannot be taken back.
- Arriving at the airport with too little time. If you cannot finish before boarding, the refund is lost.
- Counting purchases from different shops, or different days, together to reach ¥5,000. The minimum applies per store and per day.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ¥5,000 minimum before or after tax?
Before tax. It is checked on the total price excluding tax for each store and each day.
How long do I have to leave Japan?
90 days. The day after purchase is day 1, so goods bought on November 1 must be taken out by January 30.
Will I get the full 10%?
Not necessarily. The refund is the consumption tax (10% for most goods, 8% for food and non-alcoholic drinks), but the shop or refund provider may charge a fee, which varies. The calculator shows an estimate before fees and lets you enter a fee.
Can I still get tax-free shopping before November 1, 2026?
Yes. The old system, where the tax is removed at the register, applies until October 31, 2026.
Official sources
- Japan Tourism Agency: tax-free information for travelers
- Japan Tourism Agency: FAQ
- Japan Customs: tax refund procedure
- JNTO: changes to tax-free shopping
This is an independent guide, not tax or legal advice, and rules can change. Check the official pages before you travel.