Japan tax-free refund from 1 November 2026
From 1 November 2026, visitors to Japan pay the tax-inclusive price at tax-free shops and get the consumption tax refunded afterwards. You must show your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal at the airport within 90 days of purchase, before baggage check-in, and take the goods out of Japan.
Step by step
- Shop at a tax-free shop. Show your passport and pay the tax-inclusive price. Spend ¥5,000 or more (excluding tax) at one store in one day.
- Keep receipts and goods. Keep everything you bought, unused, with its receipts.
- Go to the procedure terminal before check-in. At the international departure lobby, present your passport at the tax-free procedure terminal with all the goods.
- Follow the result. Green means you are done. Red means take the goods to the customs inspection area.
- Receive your refund. The shop or its refund provider pays you. Ask the shop how.
Work out your exact deadline →
The rules, with sources
- The Refund Method applies to purchases made on or after 1 November 2026. Purchases up to 31 October 2026 follow the current system, where tax is exempted at the register. Source
- At tax-free shops you pay the tax-inclusive price; the consumption-tax amount is refunded after the customs check at departure. Source
- You must complete the procedure within 90 days from the date of purchase by presenting your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal. Source
- Purchases of ¥5,000 or more (excluding tax) per store per day are eligible. Source
- Use the kiosk or electronic terminal in the international departure lobby before baggage check-in, with all the purchased goods with you. Source
- The terminal shows a result: a green result means no inspection is needed; a red result means you take the goods to the designated customs inspection area. Source
- At major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose, Naha) you may instead complete the procedure online through Visit Japan Web, in designated Wi-Fi areas up to the security checkpoint. Source
- Inspection is done per receipt. If any item on a receipt is missing, none of the goods on that receipt are eligible. Source
- Goods consumed before departure should not go through the procedure; report this to a customs officer at the counter. Source
- Goods must be taken out of Japan. Failure to export can lead to collection of the exempted tax plus penalties. Source
- Consumables such as food, beverages or cosmetics that are consumed in Japan are not eligible. Source
- Refunds are paid by each tax-free shop or by a refund service provider the shop uses. Ask the shop how you will be paid. Source
- Complete every step before boarding procedures. If you miss it, the inspection is not completed and neither the airline nor Customs provides compensation. Source
FAQ
Which purchases follow the new rules?
The Refund Method applies to purchases made on or after 1 November 2026. Purchases up to 31 October 2026 follow the current system, where tax is exempted at the register.
How long do I have?
You must complete the procedure within 90 days from the date of purchase by presenting your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal.
What is the minimum spend?
Purchases of ¥5,000 or more (excluding tax) per store per day are eligible.
Can I do it online instead of at a terminal?
At major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose, Naha) you may instead complete the procedure online through Visit Japan Web, in designated Wi-Fi areas up to the security checkpoint.
How do I get paid?
Refunds are paid by each tax-free shop or by a refund service provider the shop uses. Ask the shop how you will be paid.
Get a reminder
Enter your trip end date and we will email a reminder before you fly, so you do not miss the airport step.
Sources
- Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? (last verified 2026-10-31)