From 1 Nov: tax-free shopping becomes a refund at departure

Shops will stop taking the tax off at the till. You pay the full price and get the consumption tax back when you leave Japan.

What changes

For purchases from 1 November 2026, tax-free stores charge the tax-inclusive price.

After customs confirms at your departure airport or port that you are taking the goods out of Japan, the tax amount is refunded by the store or its refund operator.

The ¥5,000 minimum (before tax, same store, same day) stays.

The split between general goods and consumables, and the special sealed packaging for consumables, are abolished.

Who it affects

Visitors to Japan who shop tax-free.

When

Purchases made on or after 1 November 2026.

Where

All Japan

Official source

Japan Tourism Agency, tax-free shopping: refund system for travellers ↗ Japanese

What to do

Keep your receipts and purchases together and carry them with you to departure. Goods you have eaten, drunk or used up in Japan cannot be refunded; tell the customs counter if that applies.

Also reported by: japan-guide.com explainer (26 Jun 2026) ↗

Last checked against the official source: 21 October 2026. Spotted a change? Tell us.