Japan's New Tax-Free Shopping Rules (From 1 November 2026)

From 1 Nov 2026 tourists pay the 10% tax at the till and claim it back when leaving Japan. Here is exactly what changes and how to avoid losing your refund.

Tax-free shopping is not going away, but the way it works is. If you shop in Japan on or after 1 November 2026, you will no longer get 10% off at the register.

What changes on 1 November 2026

Until now, eligible tourists could buy at tax-free stores without paying consumption tax at the till. From November 2026 the system switches to a refund method: you pay the tax-inclusive price in the shop and get the tax back when you leave the country [1]. Purchases made up to 31 October 2026 stay under the current system [3].

How the new process works

Shop at an eligible tax-free store and show your passport when you pay. You still need it at the point of sale, and the purchase is logged electronically for verification [1].
Pay the full price, including the 10% consumption tax [2].
Complete the refund procedure at customs when you leave Japan, before you check in for your flight [1]. One report describes electronic kiosks where you present your passport and have your purchases inspected [4].
Receive your refund from the shop or the refund service it contracts [2].

What gets simpler

90 days instead of 30. The period for taking purchased goods out of Japan is extended from 30 to 90 days [1].
No more “general goods vs consumables” split. Consumables no longer need sealed packaging [1].
No ¥500,000 cap on consumables such as food and medicine, according to a trade report [4].
Still a ¥5,000 minimum. Purchases of ¥5,000 or more (before tax) at the same store on the same day qualify [4].

Common mistakes that cost you the refund

Using consumables in Japan. Consumables become ineligible for a refund if they are consumed in Japan [1]. Eat the snacks at home, not on the train.
Not carrying the goods. You must be able to show the tax-free goods for customs confirmation when you depart [3]. Our reading: keep them out of checked luggage until the customs step is done, and confirm at the airport.
Forgetting your passport. It is needed at the till [1], so do not leave it at the hotel on shopping days.
Cutting it close on the 90 days. Make sure you leave Japan within 90 days of purchase for the tax-free status to remain valid [2].

Quick answers

Is tax-free shopping still available? Yes. Only the procedure changes [1].

Can a shop still ship my purchase overseas? Direct shipping from the store remains available after the change [5].

Where are the official details? The Japan Tourism Agency publishes the rules on its tax-free page: mlit.go.jp/kankocho/tax-free.

Rules were checked on 19 October 2026, shortly before they take effect. Details can be adjusted, so confirm with the shop and the official source before a big purchase.