Verification log
Each fact below links to its official source and shows when we last checked it. See how we work in the editorial policy.
| Fact | Source | Last verified |
|---|---|---|
| Consumables such as food, beverages or cosmetics that are consumed in Japan are not eligible. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| Goods consumed before departure should not go through the procedure; report this to a customs officer at the counter. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| Complete every step before boarding procedures. If you miss it, the inspection is not completed and neither the airline nor Customs provides compensation. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| Goods must be taken out of Japan. Failure to export can lead to collection of the exempted tax plus penalties. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| Purchases of ¥5,000 or more (excluding tax) per store per day are eligible. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| 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. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| 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. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| At tax-free shops you pay the tax-inclusive price; the consumption-tax amount is refunded after the customs check at departure. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| Inspection is done per receipt. If any item on a receipt is missing, none of the goods on that receipt are eligible. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| 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. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| Use the kiosk or electronic terminal in the international departure lobby before baggage check-in, with all the purchased goods with you. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| 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. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
| You must complete the procedure within 90 days from the date of purchase by presenting your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal. | Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) — What is the Refund Method? | 2026-10-31 |
Spotted something out of date? Report it.