To make the most of shopping in Japan, it is helpful to understand the country’s tax-free system.
Japan levies a tax on consumption spending on goods and services, which is called shōhizei (consumption tax, 消費税).
The current tax rate is 10% .
If you are traveling in Japan as a tourist (“temporary visitor” status) and are staying in Japan for less than 6 months, you can enjoy tax-free shopping at stores that display the “Japan Tax-free Shop” logo and receive a refund of the consumption tax.
This service covers home electronics, clothes and kimono, handbags and footwear, groceries, beverages (including alcohol), medicines, supplements, cosmetics and more!
Find Tax Free Shops
Look for stores with the mark above to make tax-free purchases.
Note that not all tax-free shops display the mark, so please confirm with shop staff to confirm the tax-free conditions,
You can search for participating stores using the Tax-Free Shops Directory.
Current Rules (Until October 31, 2026)
Minimum Spend:
You must spend at least 5,000 yen (before tax) at the same store on the same day.
Categories:
General goods (electronics, clothes) and consumables (food, cosmetics, medicine) are calculated separately and cannot be combined to reach the 5,000 yen minimum
At the Store:
Show your passport at checkout or the tax-free counter to pay the tax-exclusive price directly.
New Rules (Starting November 1, 2026)
From November 1, 2026, Japan’s tax-free system for inbound travellers will change to a refund-based system.
From November, visitors will need to pay the full tax-inclusive price (including 10% consumption tax) and apply for a refund when completing the necessary procedures before their departure.
The new “Refund Method” system brings with it a great deal of simplification, including the abolition of the current “sealed packaging” requirement for consumables, which previously required items (like cosmetics, medicines and food items) to be contained in a sealed bag. The consumables product category will be phased out entirely.
Refund System:
You will pay the full tax-inclusive price (including the 10% consumption tax) at the store and apply for your refund at an airport customs terminal when leaving Japan.
No Category Splits:
The distinction between general goods and consumables is removed. All purchases of 5,000 yen or more at the same store per day count together.
No Sealed Bags:
Special sealed packaging for consumables is abolished, though you still cannot consume or use the items in Japan before departure
