How to claim your tax refund in Japan
1Start with your shopping
Check you qualify
Foreign visitors who entered Japan within the past six months can use tax-free shops. You must take the goods out of Japan yourself, in quantities you can carry.
Shop at tax-free shops
Look for the Japan tax-free shop mark or ask staff. Each purchase (one receipt) must total at least ¥5,000 excluding tax. General goods and consumables now count together, with no upper limit.
2Keep everything ready
Show your passport and pay full price
From November 1, 2026 you pay the tax-inclusive price. The shop registers your purchase against your passport and sets up how your refund will be paid.
Keep goods and receipts together
Keep your receipts and be ready to show the goods to customs. Registering with Visit Japan Web makes procedures at shops and the airport smoother.
3Before you check your bags
Leave Japan within 90 days
Customs must confirm export within 90 days, counted from the day after purchase. Goods bought on November 1 must be confirmed by January 30.
Scan your passport before check-in
In the international departure lobby, scan your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal before you check your bags at the airline counter. Goods can be packed in your checked suitcase, as long as you can open it for customs if the result is red.
4Finish and receive your refund
Green or red result
Green means your procedure is complete. Red means you must take your tax-free goods to the customs inspection area for checking before you check in your bags.
Receive your refund from the shop
After customs confirms export, the tax-free shop refunds the consumption tax using the refund method you set up when buying.
Good to know before you fly
Visit Japan Web
Add your passport to Visit Japan Web before you travel. Shops can read its QR code, and at seven major airports you can finish the departure procedure on your phone using the dedicated Wi-Fi.
How the money comes back
The shop chooses and explains the refund method when you buy, for example back to your card. Timing depends on the shop and payment method, so ask at the counter and keep the receipt.
Liquids over 100 ml
Sake, perfume and cosmetics over 100 ml cannot pass hand luggage security. Pack them in checked bags, and scan at the terminal first so you can still open the bag for customs on a red result.
Do not use goods in Japan
Sealed bags are gone, but tax-free goods are still for export. Food, cosmetics or items used up before departure cannot be shown to customs and do not qualify.
Common questions
Do consumables still need sealed bags?
No. Under the refund method the sealed packaging requirement and the separate consumables category are abolished.
Can I use my phone instead of the terminal?
At Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose, Fukuoka and Naha you can complete the procedure on Visit Japan Web, using the dedicated Wi-Fi in the international departure lobby before security.
What if I no longer have the goods?
Only goods you carry out of Japan and can present to customs qualify for a refund.
Can I ship goods home and still get a refund?
Since April 1, 2025, goods you send overseas yourself by international parcel are not tax-free. Direct shipping arranged by the shop may still be available.
Can I still buy tax-free at the counter?
No. For purchases from November 1, 2026 the tax is refunded only after customs confirms export at departure.
Based on official guidance from: