Some shops in Japan can remove consumption tax on purchases for visitors. This is called tax-free shopping. The rules have changed in recent years, and they may change again. Before you buy, check that you qualify, ask how the shop handles the refund, and keep the papers the shop gives you. Do the check at the start of your trip, not at the airport.
Who can use tax-free shopping
In general, tax-free shopping is for visitors who stay in Japan for a short time and who buy goods to take home. Residents of Japan usually cannot use it. The rules set limits on the type of goods and the stay, so read the official rules before you plan a large shopping day.
Check first: Read the National Tax Agency's guidance on tax-free shopping and the current refund process. Check the rules for each shop type on the official government site before you go.
How the process works
The steps depend on the shop and the current system, but the general process looks like this:
- Look for a sign that says tax-free shopping is available.
- Show your passport when you pay. Staff will ask for it.
- Ask how the refund is paid. Some shops use a paper form. Others use a digital process.
- Keep your receipt and any form the shop gives you.
- Follow the instructions at the airport or the exit point, if the system needs it.
Keep the papers until you leave Japan. Do not throw them away in a shop bag.
Consumables must stay sealed
Food, drink, cosmetics and some other items are often called consumables. Rules for these items can be strict. Ask the shop how it packs them. Some items must stay sealed in a bag until you leave Japan, and you may not open them in Japan.
Common mistakes
- You ask for tax-free shopping at a shop that does not offer it.
- You lose the form or the receipt.
- You open a sealed item before you leave Japan.
- You assume the rules are the same as on your last trip.
Plan your shopping
Set a budget for your shopping before you go, and add the refund steps to your plan. Keep the papers in one place, such as a folder in your day bag. If your purchase is large, ask the shop to explain the process in simple words, and check the sign at the counter.
Where to check the latest rules
- The National Tax Agency website for the current rules.
- The sign at the shop entrance, which often explains the process.
- The official tourism sites for each city, for shopping guides.
Rules and forms change, so do not rely on an old guide, a blog or a forum. Check the official source on the day you shop.
Where the refund happens
Some refunds are made at the shop. Others are made at a counter at the airport or a port, after you pass the exit checks. Ask the shop where you must go, and whether you must show the goods at the exit. Keep the goods in the packaging the shop gave you until you have passed the checks.
If you buy from several shops, keep each form with its own goods. Mixed bags make the exit check slower and can lead to a problem with the refund.
Shop with a plan
Make a short list of the shops you want to visit, and check which ones offer tax-free shopping. Visit the shops that offer the refund on the same day, if you can, so you do not carry many forms across the city. Keep the list in your phone, and note the opening hours from each shop's own website on the day you visit.
Common questions
Can I use the refund for food I eat in a restaurant? Restaurant meals are usually not part of the refund. Ask the shop or the restaurant if you are not sure.
Does every shop offer it? No. Look for the sign at the entrance, and ask at the counter before you pay.
What if I lose the form? Tell the shop or the counter at once. Do not throw away the papers until you have finished the process.
What to do next
Plan your shopping in the city guides, and keep your refund papers in one place.
