Japan’s New Tax-Free Shopping System from November 1, 2026!
I’m Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 12 years!!
Below is the important information about change of tax refund system in Japan from November 1, 2026!
If you are planning to shop in Japan, there is an important change you need to know about.
From November 1, 2026, Japan introduced a new tax-free shopping system called the Refund Method.
Under the previous system, foreign tourists could purchase eligible items without paying Japan’s 10% consumption tax at participating stores.
Under the new system, you must pay the full price, including consumption tax, when shopping.
You can then receive a refund of the consumption tax after Japanese Customs confirms that you are taking your purchases out of Japan.
This means that the shopping process has changed, and you need to complete an additional procedure at the airport before departure.
Here is a simple guide to the new system and how to get your money back.
One more thing.
If you register Visit Japan Web , there is a’ Tax refund QR code ‘ making page.
If you register it, you can use it to refund process
*Create a QR code for tax-free shopping.
Log in to “Visit Japan Web.”
Navigate to the screen for creating a “tax-free shopping QR code.”
Use your camera to scan the QR code on the landing permission sticker affixed to your passport.
Once the scan is complete, display the QR code for tax-free shopping.
Present the QR code at participating tax-free shops.
At the airport, access wifi of designated airports.( below)
Then you can do refund process without kiosk.*
What has changed ?
The biggest change is when you receive the tax exemption.
Until October 31, 2026 (Old System)
Show your passport at a participating tax-free shop.
Purchase eligible goods without paying consumption tax.
Take your purchases back home.
From November 1, 2026 (New Refund System)
Show your passport at a participating tax-free shop.
Pay the full price, including consumption tax.
Register your refund information as instructed by the store.
Before leaving Japan, complete the customs procedure at the airport.
Receive a refund after customs confirms that you are taking the goods out of Japan.
In other words, you no longer receive the tax exemption immediately when you shop.
You receive the money back after completing the departure procedure.
How to Get Your Tax Refund
Step 1: Shop at a Tax-Free Store
Look for stores displaying a Tax-Free Shopping sign.
When purchasing goods:
Present your passport.
Make sure the store registers your purchase information.
Pay the full price, including consumption tax.
Follow the store’s instructions for registering your refund method.
The minimum purchase amount is ¥5,000 before tax per store per day.
For example, if you purchase eligible goods worth ¥10,000 before tax, you will initially pay ¥11,000, assuming the 10% consumption tax rate applies.
Step 2: Keep Your Purchases and Passport Ready
Keep all your tax-free purchases available for inspection when you leave Japan.
You must take the purchased goods out of Japan.
If customs selects your purchases for inspection, you must present them.
Important: Do not put your tax-free purchases in checked luggage before completing the customs procedure.
You may be asked to show the actual goods, so keep them accessible.
Step 3: Complete the Customs Procedure at the Airport
When leaving Japan, go to the tax-free procedure terminal (kiosk) in the international departure lobby.
You must complete this procedure within 90 days of the purchase date.
The general procedure is:
Find a tax-free procedure terminal.
Scan or present your passport.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Check the result displayed on the terminal.
There are two possible results:
GREEN:
Your customs confirmation is complete.
You do not need an additional inspection.
RED:
You must take your purchases to the designated customs inspection area.
Customs officers will check the goods.
If the inspection is successfully completed, you can proceed with the refund process.
Step 4: Receive Your Tax Refund
After customs confirms that you are taking the goods out of Japan, the refund process can be completed.
The refund is handled according to the arrangements made by the tax-free store or its refund service provider.
The refund method and timing may vary depending on the store.
For example, the refund may be made through a registered credit card or another payment method offered by the store.
Check the refund instructions when you make your purchase.
Can I Use Visit Japan Web for the Tax Refund Procedure?
Yes!
At some major international airports, you can use Visit Japan Web instead of the airport tax-free procedure kiosk for the initial customs confirmation procedure.
The participating airports include:
Narita International Airport
Haneda Airport
Kansai International Airport
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Fukuoka Airport
New Chitose Airport
Naha Airport
You need to use the dedicated Wi-Fi connection in the designated international departure lobby area.
You should prepare your Visit Japan Web account before attempting the procedure.
If you open Visit Japan Web, go to tax refund page.
If you cannot complete the procedure online, you can use the airport kiosk instead.
Important Things to Remember
Here are some important points to avoid problems when leaving Japan.
- Complete the procedure before checking your luggage.
The customs procedure must be completed before you check in your baggage because officers may need to inspect your purchases.
- You must leave Japan within 90 days of purchasing the goods.
The customs confirmation must be completed within 90 days of the purchase date.
- You must take your purchases out of Japan.
Goods purchased under the tax-free system must be exported when you leave Japan.
- You can no longer consume tax-free goods in Japan and still receive the refund.
For example, if you purchase food, drinks, or cosmetics under the tax-free system and consume them in Japan, you will not qualify for the refund for those goods.
- Special packaging for consumable goods is no longer required.
Under the previous system, consumable goods such as food and cosmetics were often placed in special sealed bags.
This special packaging requirement has been abolished under the new system.
However, the goods must still be taken out of Japan.
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