Japan Tax-Free Shopping Nov 2026: Pay Tax, Get It Refunded

What changes for tax-free shopping in Japan on 1 November 2026?

From 1 November 2026, Japan's tax-free shops charge consumption tax at the till and pay it back only after customs confirms at departure that you are taking the goods out of Japan, within 90 days of purchase.

• The 90 days run from the day after purchase: buy on 1 November and the customs deadline is 30 January.

Who can shop tax-free in Japan under the refund system?

Foreign visitors who can show they entered Japan less than 6 months ago can still shop tax-free by showing their passport at the shop.

• Foreign passport holders: non-residents on a short-term stay status (most tourists) or certain landing permits (transit, crew, cruise), within 6 months of entry.
• Japanese nationals living abroad: you qualify if you have lived outside Japan for 2 years or more and are within 6 months of a temporary return. Bring your passport plus one of: a copy of the family register attachment (koseki no fuhyo), a certificate of residence (zairyu shomei, including the e-certificate) or a My Number Card showing you moved abroad.
• People living in Japan (workers, students) are not eligible.

How do you get the tax refunded at the airport?

You scan your passport at a tax-free kiosk in the international departure lobby before checking in your bags; a green result means customs has confirmed your goods, and the shop then pays the refund by the method it told you at purchase.

1. At the shop: show your passport, pay the tax-inclusive price, and note how the refund will be paid. Methods vary by shop: bank transfer, credit card, app payment or cash at the departure airport or port.
2. At the airport, before bag drop: go to a tax-free kiosk or electronic terminal in the departure lobby and scan your passport. Keep every tax-free item with you, including anything you plan to check in.
3. Green result: confirmation is complete. Red result: take the goods to the customs inspection area and show them to an officer.
4. After confirmation: the shop or its refund operator pays the tax back; ask about timing and fees when you buy.

• At Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha you can do the procedure online through Visit Japan Web instead of a kiosk, while connected to the dedicated tax-free Wi-Fi in the international departure lobby (up to the security checkpoint).
• Connecting through another Japanese airport? Do it at your last departure point in Japan.
• Refunds are generally paid after customs confirmation, so keep your receipt and the shop's refund details until the money arrives.
• Allow extra time: inspection must finish before boarding, and missed flights are not compensated.

What can make you lose the tax refund?

You lose the refund if you miss customs confirmation, check in the goods first, or cannot show every item on a receipt.

• Bags already checked in: confirmation is impossible after bag drop, and checked bags cannot be taken back for it.
• One item missing means the whole receipt is refused: refunds work per receipt, so keep items from the same receipt together.
• Used it in Japan: food, drinks or cosmetics consumed in Japan are not refunded. Tell a customs officer at the counter instead of using the kiosk.
• Goods left in Japan after confirmation: the tax is collected and you face a penalty.
• Bought before 1 November? Purchases made up to 31 October 2026 stay under the old tax-free-at-the-till rules, sealed bags included.

For cash, cards and ATMs once you arrive, see our Japan money exchange guide.

How much is Japan's departure tax since July 2026?

Japan's International Tourist Tax has been ¥3,000 per departure (≈ US$19 at the 9 Oct 2026 rate) since 1 July 2026, up from ¥1,000.

General information — check official sources for your situation.