Planning to go shopping during your next trip to Japan?  If you are a visitor to Japan, you may be eligible to shop tax-free. 

Japan’s tax-free shopping system will change starting November 1, 2026.

Japan is known for everything from traditional crafts and souvenirs to cosmetics, fashion, electronics, and everyday goods. Tax-free shopping can make your shopping experience even more attractive—but the procedure will change in November 2026. If you're traveling to Japan around this time, remember the most important point:

Until October 31, 2026 → tax is deducted at the time of purchase.
From November 1, 2026 → pay the tax-inclusive price first, then receive your tax refund after customs confirmation when leaving Japan.

And whichever system applies, don't forget to bring your actual passport when you shop!

Now, if you'd like to know more in details, please read below: 

Until October 31, 2026: Tax Is Deducted at the Time of Purchase

Under the current system, travelers can receive their tax-free benefit when they shop at participating tax-free stores.  Simply show your actual passport at the store when you make your purchase, and the consumption tax will be deducted from the purchase price. Some department stores may handle the tax-free procedure at a dedicated tax-free counter instead of at the individual store checkout.

How the Current System Works

1. Shop at a participating Tax-Free Shop.

2. Show your passport when making your purchase.  Sometimes, such as in a department store, you will be directed to a designated counter in the building and the staff there will help you with tax-deduction process after you make your purchase at the store.

3. The 10% consumption tax is deducted from your purchase.

What Is the Minimum Purchase Amount?

The minimum purchase amount to qualify for tax-free shopping is ¥5,000 before tax.

Purchases are divided into 2 Groups:

A. General goods: Minimum purchase amount to qualify for tax-free shopping is ¥5,000.  Must be purchased within 6 months of departure.

B. Consumables (such as snacks, pharmaceutical items, and cosmetic items): Minimum purchase amount to qualify for tax-free shopping is ¥5,000, with maximum being ¥500,000.  Special packaging required, and remain sealed until departure.  Must be purchased within 30 days of departure.

From November 1, 2026: Pay First, Get a Refund Later

Starting November 1, 2026, the tax-free shopping process will change.  Instead of receiving the tax exemption immediately at the store, eligible travelers will pay the full, tax-inclusive price at the time of purchase. Afterward, when departing Japan, customs will confirm that the purchased items are being taken out of the country. Once customs confirms the items, the consumption tax will be refunded.

The New Process

1. Shop at a participating Tax-Free Shop.  When making your purchase, show your passport and pay the tax-inclusive price.

2. Keep all of your tax-free purchases.  When you leave Japan, make sure you have the items with you. You may also be asked to show your receipts.

3. Go through customs when departing Japan.  Customs will confirm that your tax-free purchases are being taken out of Japan.

4. Receive your tax refund.  After customs confirms that the purchases are being taken out of Japan, the consumption tax will be refunded.

What Is the Minimum Purchase Amount?

The minimum purchase amount remains ¥5,000 before tax under the new system.

From November 1, 2026, there will be no distinction between general goods and consumables.  There will also be no ¥500,000 limit and no special packaging requirement.   All eligible goods must be purchased within 90 days of departure.

**Don't Forget Your Passport!

One important rule remains the same: you must have your actual passport with you when shopping tax-free.  A photocopy of your passport cannot be used. If you do not show your passport at the time of purchase, the purchase will not qualify for tax-free shopping.  So, if you are planning a shopping day in Japan, make sure you bring your passport with you.

What About Duty-Free Shops at Airports?

Duty-Free Shops at airports are not affected by the changes described above. Items purchased at airport duty-free shops can continue to be purchased tax-free at the point of payment.

Traveling Across November 1, 2026?

If your trip overlaps November 1, 2026, don't worry—the system that applies to you depends on when you make your purchase, not simply when you travel.

• Purchases made by October 31, 2026: Current tax-free system
• Purchases made from November 1, 2026: New refund system

For example, if you visit Japan in late October and continue your trip into November, purchases made on October 31 will follow the current system, while purchases made on November 1 or later will follow the new system.

*Information updated September 2026. Please check the latest official information before traveling, as tax-free procedures and requirements may be subject to change.