¥JP Tax Refund

How Japan's tax-free refund method works

Everything you need to do, from the shop counter to the departure lobby, for purchases made on or after November 1, 2026.

Short version: show your passport and pay the full price at the shop, keep the goods unopened and unused, scan your passport at the tax-free kiosk before checking in your bags, and receive the tax back through the method the shop arranged.

1. Check that you qualify

The system is for non-residents of Japan, such as foreign visitors on short-term stays. Japanese nationals who have lived abroad for two years or more can also qualify with proof such as a residency certificate, a copy of the family register attachment, or a My Number Card showing they have moved abroad.

2. At the shop

  • Shop at stores displaying the Japan Tax-Free Shop sign.
  • Show your passport when you're ready to pay. Your purchase record is sent electronically to Japan's customs system.
  • You pay the tax-included price. Spend at least ¥5,000 (tax excluded) at that store that day.
  • Ask how the shop pays refunds (credit card, bank transfer, app, or cash at the port) and register if they ask you to.
  • Only buy what you can carry out of Japan yourself. Gold and platinum bullion and items that are already exempt from consumption tax are not eligible.

3. During your trip

  • Consumables no longer come in sealed bags, but if you eat, drink or use them in Japan they can't be refunded.
  • Keep all items from each receipt together. Customs checks are done per receipt; one missing item cancels the refund for the whole receipt.
  • Items priced at ¥1,000,000 or more (before tax): bring certificates of authenticity or warranties, as customs may ask for them.

4. At the airport or seaport

  1. Arrive early. Go to the tax-free procedure kiosk in the international departure lobby before baggage check-in.
  2. Scan your passport. A green result means you're done. A red result means you must take the goods to the customs inspection area.
  3. At Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha you can also complete it online with Visit Japan Web over the dedicated Wi-Fi in the departure lobby (up to security).
  4. Your departure must be within 90 days of the purchase date.
  5. If you fly domestic first and then international, do it at the airport you finally leave Japan from.

5. Getting your money

After customs confirms the export, the shop or the refund service it uses pays you the tax. Timing and any fees depend on the shop, so check the details they give you at purchase.

Common mistakes

  • Checking in the suitcase with your purchases before the kiosk check.
  • Opening a snack box from a receipt that also includes other items.
  • Splitting purchases at one store across two days so neither day reaches ¥5,000.
  • Arriving too late; if you give up the inspection to make your flight, there's no refund.

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Sources: Japan Tourism Agency – Refund Method, JTA – Traveler FAQ. Last checked 2026-10-14.