VAT refund in Japan: complete tax-free shopping guide

Tax-free shopping in Japan changed on November 1st, 2026: tourists now pay the full price in stores and get their tax back after customs checks when leaving the country. The minimum purchase is 5,000 JPY before tax, and you must take your shopping out of Japan within 90 days.

Let's face it, once you're in Japan, avoiding shopping is almost impossible. Skincare, unusual snacks, electronics, souvenirs – before you know it, you're looking for extra suitcase space. In this article, we explain how to save some money on all those purchases.

VAT in Japan

Japan has a standard VAT rate of 10%, while a reduced rate of 8% applies to most food and non-alcoholic drinks. Technically, it's called consumption tax, but you'll often see people refer to it as VAT. The tax is included in the price of almost everything: clothes, cosmetics, groceries, electronics and even your restaurant bill.

You may notice two prices on Japanese price tags:

• 税抜 (zeinuki): price without tax.
• 税込 (zeikomi): price with tax.

Fortunately, tourists can get the tax back on many purchases.

Who can get the VAT refund in Japan

Most foreign tourists visiting Japan for less than six months can get a VAT refund. You'll need Temporary Visitor status and a valid passport.

Some other visitors can also claim a refund:

Who can get a refund	What you'll need
Foreign tourists with Temporary Visitor status	Passport
Diplomats and officials	Passport
Certain cruise passengers and visitors with special landing permissions	Passport and relevant landing permit
Japanese nationals living abroad	Japanese passport and proof of overseas residence

Japanese nationals visiting home generally need to show they've lived abroad for at least two years. You can check the full eligibility rules on the Japan Tourism Agency website.

One more thing: you must take your purchases out of Japan within 90 days and complete the required customs checks before leaving.

Japan tax free shopping rules in 2026

Since November 1st, 2026, Japan's tax free shopping rules require tourists to pay the full price in stores and get their tax back after customs checks. Previously, shops could deduct the tax immediately.

Here's what changed:

Rule	Before November 1st, 2026	From November 1st, 2026
Payment	Tax deducted or refunded in the store	Pay the full price
Refund	At checkout or a store counter	After customs checks
Minimum purchase	5,000 JPY before tax	5,000 JPY before tax
Maximum purchase	500,000 JPY for consumables	No separate limit
Product categories	General and consumable items	No separate shopping limits
Special packaging	Required for consumables	No longer needed
Airport checks	Generally after security	Before checking in luggage and passing through security

Source: Japan Customs. Correct as of November 2026.

Amount of the VAT refund in Japan

You can get back the 8% or 10% consumption tax paid on your purchases, depending on what you buy. Let's say you've found a lovely jacket for 11,000 JPY, including 10% tax. Here's the breakdown:

• Jacket without tax: 10,000 JPY
• Tax: 1,000 JPY
• Your potential refund: 1,000 JPY

Some stores charge a fee for arranging the refund, so you might receive slightly less.

Qualifying products 

Most clothes, electronics, jewellery, cosmetics, snacks and souvenirs qualify for tax-free shopping in Japan. You need to spend at least 5,000 JPY before tax in the same store on the same day.

However, not everything qualifies. Gold and platinum bullion, certain coins and goods that aren't subject to consumption tax are excluded. You also can't buy something tax-free and ship it home separately. You'll need to take your purchases out of Japan yourself.

Opening and using your purchases

You can remove the packaging from tax-free items, but you shouldn't consume food, drinks or cosmetics in Japan if you want a refund. If you buy several products in one transaction and customs finds something missing, you could lose the refund for the whole purchase.

For example, imagine buying a camera and some Japanese sweets together. If you eat the sweets before leaving, you could lose the refund on the camera too. Better save the treats for home!

Claiming tax refund in Japan at the airport

To claim your tax refund in Japan at the airport, you must complete the required customs checks before checking in your luggage and passing through security. You'll need your passport and should keep your tax-free purchases close by.

Step 1. Find a tax refund kiosk

Tax refund kiosks are located in the international departures area, before airport security.

Look for the signs and keep your passport and purchases handy. Don't check in your suitcase yet – customs might want to see what's inside.

Step 2. Scan your passport

Scan your passport at the kiosk to find out whether customs needs to check your purchases.

You'll see one of two results:

• Green: You're good to go! No further inspection is needed.
• Red: You'll need to visit the customs counter and show your purchases.

Don't worry if you get red. It doesn't mean you've done anything wrong – customs simply wants to check your shopping.

Step 3. Show your purchases if asked

If customs asks to inspect your purchases, take them to the designated counter before checking in your luggage. Make sure you have everything you've bought tax-free. Remember, missing products could mean losing your refund.

Once customs has checked everything, you can continue with your flight.

Step 4. Get your money back

You'll receive your refund after customs approves your purchases. The store or the company handling its refunds will arrange the payment.

You won't necessarily receive cash at the airport. Depending on the store, the money may arrive later through the refund method you chose when shopping.

Ask about the timing and possible fees before making your purchase.

Using Visit Japan Web 

You can use Visit Japan Web instead of a physical kiosk for the first part of the tax-free check at seven major airports: Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu Centrair, New Chitose, Fukuoka and Naha.

Connect to the special Wi-Fi network in the international departures lobby and follow the instructions. You may still need to show your purchases to customs, so keep them nearby. 

The option is available to eligible foreign visitors with Temporary Visitor, Diplomat or Official status. See the official Visit Japan Web instructions for details.

How to claim a tax refund in Japanese airports

Currently, VAT is only deducted in stores or refund counters of special providers when you use their services. As for the future, the procedure of how to claim a tax refund in Japanese airports is yet to be revealed.

Inspection

When leaving Japan, you must undergo a tax-free inspection. Proceed to the Customs counter with your passport and the purchased goods for a quick inspection. Counters may be located before or after security, depending on the airport

Tips on shopping in Japan

Comparing prices, carrying some cash and keeping your tax-free purchases together can make shopping in Japan easier and cheaper. Here are a few more tricks to know.

Compare prices

The same product can cost surprisingly different amounts in Japanese shops. If you're hunting for skincare, compare Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sugi Drug and Don Quijote before buying. These shops often have promotions, and sometimes a regular discount can save you more than a tax refund.

Don't rush into buying the first thing you see. You might find it cheaper around the corner.

Carry some cash

Cash is handy in Japan, especially in smaller shops, markets and traditional restaurants. Foreign cards work in many places, but not everywhere. 

Luckily, ATMs are easy to find in convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson. Many accept international cards, so you can withdraw yen whenever you need more cash. Just check the withdrawal fees and your bank's exchange rate before taking out money.

Know where to shop

Japan has shopping spots for every taste, from luxury fashion streets to tiny souvenir shops.

• Fashion: Shibuya, Harajuku and Ginza in Tokyo
• Traditional crafts: Asakusa in Tokyo and Gion in Kyoto
• Souvenirs: Don Quijote, LOFT and Hands
• Snacks and food gifts: Supermarkets and konbini

Not every store offers tax-free shopping, so look for the sign or ask the staff.

Bring a reusable bag

A foldable shopping bag can save you a little money, as many Japanese stores charge for plastic bags. And since rubbish bins can be surprisingly hard to find in Japan, carrying a separate bag for trash is a good idea too.

More for travellers:

• The top 10 famous landmarks and places in the world to visit.
• Top holiday scams and how to avoid them.
• 10 tips to travel on a budget.

FAQ – Japan tax-free shopping guide