Welcome to Japan

Enjoy shopping in Japan with confidence.

Learn how Japan’s tax-free shopping system works and discover tax-free shops across Japan.

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What You Can Find on This Website

How to Get a Tax Refund

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Learn how to receive a tax refund when shopping in Japan.

Who is Eligible for Tax-Free Shopping?

Learn More

Please check the table below to see if you are eligible for tax-free shopping.

FAQ

FAQ on Japan’s New Tax-Free Refund Method Starting November 1, 2026

View FAQ

Japan Tax-Free Refund AI Help Desk

This is an AI chatbot that answers frequently asked questions for tax-free shops and retailers, based on official materials, FAQs, leaflets, and other resources related to the refund system.

Find out

TRO(Tax Refun Oparator) List

List of TRO Companies in Japan.

Check TRO List

Refund Procedure Confirmation Support Page

In Japan, different stores may use different systems for tax-free procedures. By entering the invoice number, this page can help you identify certain tax-free operators and assist with your post-purchase refund procedures.

Check Refund Procedure

Tax-Free Shop Map

Coming soon

Find tax-free shops across Japan by area or category.

SCENE 7｜AT THE AIRPORT OR SEAPORT

Customs Inspection Result

What to do

Follow the screen result or the instructions of customs officials according to the customs inspection result.

Suggested wording for the illustration

Left side:
Green Result

・Procedure completed

・You may proceed

Right side:
Red Result

・Additional inspection is required

・Follow the instructions of customs officials

・Present your passport and tax-free goods

Note

If you receive a Red Result, stay calm and follow the instructions of customs officials.
You may be required to bring your tax-free goods to the designated customs inspection area for verification.

Refund Procedure for Japan’s New Tax-Free System: Step 6

SCENE 8｜AFTER DEPARTURE

Receive Your Refund

What to do

After customs inspection, receive your refund according to the refund method you registered.

Suggested wording for the illustration

Refund completed

・Receive cash

・Refund to card

・Bank transfer

・Receive via app

If no refund is received

・Contact the tax-free shop or refund service provider

・Prepare your receipt, passport number, and purchase details

Note

Refund methods and refund timing differ by tax-free shop or refund service provider.
If you do not receive your refund, please contact the tax-free shop or refund service provider.

SCENE 5｜DURING YOUR STAY IN JAPAN

Keep Your Purchased Tax-Free Goods Until Departure

What to do

Keep your purchased tax-free goods safe until you depart Japan.

Suggested wording for the illustration

・Keep until departure

・Keep them unopened until departure

・Keep your purchased goods safe until you leave Japan

Note

Do not consume your tax-free goods in Japan, and keep them with you until departure.
To receive the refund, it is important that your purchased goods can be confirmed at the time of departure.

Refund Procedure for Japan’s New Tax-Free System: Step 4

SCENE 4｜DURING YOUR STAY IN JAPAN

What to do

Follow the instructions from the tax-free shop or refund service provider and register your refund method.

Suggested wording for the illustration

A: Register by yourself

・Follow the instructions and register on your smartphone

・Credit card

・Bank transfer

・App registration may also be available

B: Register at the store terminal

・Register with assistance from store staff

・Select your refund method

・Registration completed

Note

Refund methods and registration deadlines differ by tax-free shop or refund service provider.
Keeping your receipt, passport, credit card, etc. ready will make registration smoother.

SCENE 3｜DURING YOUR STAY IN JAPAN

Pay Tax-Inclusive Prices and Receive Your Goods

What to do

At a tax-free shop, pay tax-inclusive prices, receive your goods, and listen to the important explanation from the store.

Suggested wording for the illustration

・Pay tax-inclusive prices

・Receive your goods

・Listen to the explanation from the store

・Depart within 90 days from the date of purchase

・Customs inspection upon departure

・Complete customs inspection before baggage check-in

Note

For purchases made on or after November 1, 2026, purchasers will buy tax-free goods at tax-inclusive prices at tax-free shops.
To receive the refund, you must undergo customs inspection upon departure.

Refund Procedure for Japan’s New Tax-Free System: Step 3

SCENE 1｜BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Preparation Before Coming to Japan
What to do
Register with Visit Japan Web and/or a refund app in advance, if needed.
Suggested wording for the illustration

・Register with Visit Japan Web — Optional

・Register for a refund app — Optional

・Prepare your passport

・Register on your smartphone

・Prepare for your trip

Note
Advance registration may make entry procedures and tax-free shopping smoother.
However, registration with Visit Japan Web and/or a refund app is optional.

Refund Procedure for Japan’s New Tax-Free System: Step 1

SCENE 2｜DURING YOUR STAY IN JAPAN

Shop at a Tax-Free Shop

What to do

Check which presentation method the store accepts.

Suggested wording for the illustration

Left side:
Visit Japan Web accepting store → Tax-free 2D Code

・Show your Tax-free 2D Code on your smartphone

Right side:
Other store → Passport, etc.

・Present your passport, etc.

Note

The presentation method differs by store.
At stores that accept Visit Japan Web, show your Tax-free 2D Code.
At stores that do not accept Visit Japan Web, present your passport, etc.

Refund Procedure for Japan’s New Tax-Free System: Step 2

SCENE 6｜AT THE AIRPORT OR SEAPORT

Complete Customs Inspection Before Baggage Check-In

What to do

When you arrive at the airport or seaport, complete customs inspection before checking in your baggage.

Suggested wording for the illustration

１.Arrive at the airport or seaport

２.Go to the customs inspection area first

３.Then proceed to the baggage counter

Options

・Complete the procedure at a tax-free procedure terminal

・Complete the procedure via Visit Japan Web

Note

After the customs inspection is completed, an electronic stamp showing customs inspection completed will be issued.
Please check in your baggage only after this confirmation is completed.

Refund Procedure for Japan’s New Tax-Free System: Step 5

Refund Procedure for Japan’s New Tax-Free System: Step 7

Important Notice

Please arrive at the airport with enough time.

Refund procedures may vary depending on the store or refund operator.

Do not place purchased items in checked baggage before customs procedures.
You may need to show purchased items during customs confirmation.

How to Get a Tax Refund in Japan

Enjoy shopping in Japan with confidence.

This page has been translated using AI for the convenience of international visitors. Please refer to official government information for the latest and most accurate details.

Who is Eligible for Tax-Free Shopping?

Status of Residence, etc.

Diplomats / Officials

Residents (Students, Workers, Permanent Residents)

Landing Permissions, etc.

Technical Intern (Short-term)

Cruise Ship Passenger

International Organization official

Transit Passenger

Emergency Landing passenger

Landing due to disaster

Status of Residence / Landing Permission, etc

Temporary Visitor

Diplomat

Official

Permission for Landing at a Port of Call

Permission for Landing in Transit

Stamp of SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement)

Landing Permit for Cruise Ship Tourist

Crew Member’s Landing Permit

Permission for Emergency Landing

Landing Permission Due to Distress

Types of Passports or Documents to Be Presented

Passport

Passport* and Landing Permit for Cruise Ship Tourist

Passport and Crew Member’s Landing Permit

Passport and Permission for Emergency Landing

Who is Eligible for Tax-Free Shopping?

Status of Residence, etc.

Diplomats / Officials

Residents (Students, Workers, Permanent Residents)

Landing Permissions, etc.

Technical Intern (Short-term)

Cruise Ship Passenger

International Organization official

Transit Passenger

Emergency Landing passenger

Landing due to disaster

Status of Residence / Landing Permission, etc

Temporary Visitor

Diplomat

Official

Permission for Landing at a Port of Call

Permission for Landing in Transit

Stamp of SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement)

Landing Permit for Cruise Ship Tourist

Crew Member’s Landing Permit

Permission for Emergency Landing

Landing Permission Due to Distress

Types of Passports or Documents to Be Presented

Passport

Passport* and Landing Permit for Cruise Ship Tourist

Passport and Crew Member’s Landing Permit

Passport and Permission for Emergency Landing

FAQ

Japan’s Tax-Free Shopping System will shift to the Refund Method from November 1, 2026.

The following FAQs explain the Refund Method that will apply from November 2026.

Q1. How will tax-free shopping in Japan change from November 2026?

For purchases made on or after November 1, 2026, customers at tax-free shops in Japan will first purchase goods at tax-inclusive prices. After that, when departing Japan, the purchased tax-free goods will be checked at an airport or seaport. If the tax-free requirements are satisfied, the amount equivalent to consumption tax will be refunded. In other words, the system will change from one in which consumption tax is deducted at the time of purchase to one in which the refund is processed after customs inspection upon departure.

No. Under the Refund Method, you will pay the tax-inclusive price at the time of purchase. To receive a refund, you must have the purchased tax-free goods with you and undergo customs inspection when departing Japan.

Q2. Can I purchase goods at tax-exclusive prices at the shop?

Q3. Which foreign visitors are eligible for tax-free shopping?

Yes. For example, foreign nationals with a status of residence for working in Japan, or statuses such as “Student,” “Technical Intern Training,” “Dependent,” “Permanent Resident,” or “Special Permanent Resident,” are generally not eligible for tax-free shopping. Even if you plan to depart Japan, you cannot make tax-free purchases unless you have an eligible status of residence or landing permission.

Q4. Are there cases where foreign nationals are not eligible for tax-free shopping?

In principle, you need to present your passport. At some stores, you may be able to use the Tax-Free Shopping QR Code generated through Visit Japan Web. However, not all tax-free shops accept the QR Code, so please confirm with the store in advance.

Q5. What do I need to present when making a tax-free purchase?

Purchases totaling 5,000 yen or more, excluding tax, per store per day are eligible. From November 2026, it will no longer be necessary to distinguish between general goods and consumables.

Q6. What is the minimum purchase amount for tax-free shopping?

From November 2026, the distinction between general goods and consumables will be abolished. Therefore, the purchase limit and special packaging rules that applied only to consumables will also be abolished. However, if goods such as food, beverages, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals are used or consumed in Japan, the goods may not be available for customs inspection upon departure, and you may not be eligible for a refund.

Q7. Will there still be purchase limits or special packaging rules for consumables such as food and cosmetics?

Yes. To receive a refund, you must take the purchased tax-free goods out of Japan. Customs may ask to confirm the goods when you depart, so please keep them in a condition where they can be presented promptly.

Q8. Do I need to take the purchased goods with me when departing Japan?

If any purchased tax-free goods cannot be confirmed by Customs, the relevant purchase may not be eligible for a refund. In particular, customs inspections are conducted for each purchase transaction, such as each receipt. If even one item included in the same purchase transaction cannot be presented, the other goods included in that transaction may also become ineligible for customs inspection and refund. Please keep all purchased tax-free goods safely until you depart Japan.

Q9. What happens if I use, consume, or lose part of the purchased goods?

You must depart Japan within 90 days from the date of purchase and undergo customs inspection at the time of departure. If you will check in a suitcase at the airport, please complete the customs inspection before checking in your baggage.

Q10. When do I undergo customs inspection?

You may place tax-free goods in checked baggage, but you must complete the customs inspection before checking in your baggage with the airline. If you check in your baggage first, Customs may be unable to confirm the goods, and you may not be eligible for a refund.

Q11. Can I put tax-free goods in my checked baggage?

FAQ

The refund method varies depending on the tax-free shop or the refund service provider used by the shop. Possible refund methods include a refund to a credit card, bank transfer, app-based refund, or cash refund at the airport or seaport. Please confirm the refund method with the tax-free shop at the time of purchase.

Q12. How will I receive the refund?

The refund is based on the condition that the purchased tax-free goods are taken out of Japan. If you leave the goods in Japan or transfer them to another person after customs inspection, an amount equivalent to the consumption tax may be collected, and you may be subject to penalties.

Q13. What happens if I leave the goods in Japan after customs inspection?

Important Notice

This Q&A is intended to provide an easy-to-understand overview of the Refund Method, which will apply from November 1, 2026.

Actual procedures and refund methods may vary depending on the tax-free shop, the tax-free shopping system used by the shop, the refund service provider, and the approved transmitter/receiver service provider.

For the latest information on the system, please refer to official information provided by the National Tax Agency, the Japan Tourism Agency, Japan Customs, the competent tax office, the tax-free shopping system provider you use, and other relevant organizations.

This is an AI chatbot that answers frequently asked questions for tax-free shops and retailers, based on official materials, FAQs, leaflets, and other resources related to the refund system.

※Please note that this system uses a free-tier cloud service. It may take about one minute for the application to load when it is first opened.

Japan Tax-Free Refund AI Help Desk

TRO(Tax Refund Operater）List

Global Blue

https://www.globalblue.com/business/japan/

TEL: 03-4513-1515

J&J Tax Free

https://j-taxfree.jp/

TEL: 03-3500-1692

TEL: 03-3404-2961

smartdetax

busicom

globaltaxfree

tourego

tokoasystem

International・FreePay

Pie Systems

TomoBiz

andsmart

Status of Residence / Landing Permission, etc

https://www.smartdetax.com/

https://www.busicom.co.jp/product/taxfree/

https://global-taxfree.jp/

https://tourego.com/

https://www.tokooasystem.com/

http://www.freepay.co.jp/a/tax/

https://pievat.com/japan

https://www.remotax.jp/

https://www.menzei-net.jp/

Types of Passports or Documents to Be Presented

TEL: 03-3500-1692

TEL: 03-5738-7628

TEL: 03-5544-8371

TEL: 03-6228-3099

TEL: 03-6774-8772

E-Mail: info@remotax.jp

Refund Operator Search System by Invoice Number

In Japan, tax-free procedures can vary by store. By entering an invoice number, this tool helps you identify the specific tax-free operator and guides you through your refund process.

※Notice: This system runs on a free-tier cloud service. It may take up to one minute to load upon your first visit.

Japan Tax-Free Shop Map

Find tax-free shops in Japan by area. This page provides a map-based directory of tax-free shops for international visitors who want to enjoy tax-free shopping in Japan.

You can look for tax-free stores such as department stores, shopping malls, drugstores, electronics stores, souvenir shops, and local retailers across Japan.

Japan’s tax-free shopping system is available for eligible international visitors. This website also provides information about Japan tax refund procedures, tax-free shopping rules, and refund procedure support.

If you are searching for “tax free Japan,” “Japan tax free shop,” “tax free shopping Japan,” “tax refund Japan,” or “duty free Japan,” this page can help you find useful information before and during your trip.

Important Notice

This tax-free shop map is based on information on businesses authorized by the Japanese government to operate as tax-free shops. Please note that some listed stores may not currently offer tax-free sales. Please confirm directly with the store when you visit.

Hokkaido

Select Region

Tohoku

Kanto