Is tax-free shopping in Japan ending?
No. The way it works changed. From November 1, 2026 you pay the tax at the shop and get it back after the customs check when you leave Japan.
What about purchases I made before November 1, 2026?
They stay under the old system: tax was already removed at the register, so there is nothing to refund. You still need to take those goods out of Japan.
Is the ¥5,000 minimum before or after tax?
¥5,000 is the tax-excluded amount, per store, per day. With 10% tax that means paying at least ¥5,500.
Can I combine receipts from different branches of the same chain?
This depends on how the shop is registered. The safest assumption is one physical store per day. Ask the staff if you are close to the limit.
Do food and cosmetics have a separate limit now?
No. From November 1, 2026, general goods and consumables are treated as one category, and the ¥500,000 cap on consumables was abolished.
Why is my refund less than 10% of what I paid?
Because the price you paid already includes the tax. On a ¥11,000 item, the tax is ¥1,000 (1/11 of the price), not ¥1,100.
Which items use the 8% rate?
Food and non-alcoholic drinks generally use the reduced 8% rate. Alcohol, cosmetics, medicine, electronics and clothing use the standard 10% rate. Your receipt shows which rate applied.
Is there a limit on how much I can buy?
Only what you can personally carry out of Japan when you leave. All goods must be with you for the customs check.
What if I used one item from a receipt?
The customs check is per receipt, so the whole receipt becomes ineligible. Do not use the kiosk for it; tell a customs officer at the counter instead.
How is the refund paid?
It depends on the shop: bank transfer, credit card, an app, or cash at the port are all possible. Ask the shop when you buy.
Can I ship my purchases home instead?
Some shops ship overseas directly; ask them. Sending tax-free goods home yourself by post was abolished on March 31, 2025.
What if I forget the kiosk and my bag is already checked in?
Checked baggage can't be retrieved for the tax-free procedure, so the refund may be lost. Always do the kiosk first.
Based on Japan Tourism Agency guidance. Last checked 2026-10-14.