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M02 · Shopping & stays

Japan Tax Refund Calculator 2026

You’ll see 免税 menzei: tax-free, on shop signs

From November 2026, the instant tax-free system ends. You'll pay 10% tax upfront everywhere and reclaim it at the airport. Calculate your refund here.

Quick answer

Until October 31, 2026: tourists can shop tax-free instantly at participating stores by showing their passport. The consumption tax (消費税: 10%, or 8% on food and drinks) is removed at the point of sale. The minimum qualifying purchase is ¥5,000 (before tax) at a single store in one day.

From November 1, 2026: the instant tax-free system ends. You pay the tax-inclusive price, then at departure Japan Customs confirms you are taking the goods out (at kiosks in the departure lobby, before baggage check-in). The store then refunds the tax by bank transfer, card, app or cash at the airport, depending on the store. Export must be confirmed within 90 days of purchase.

Refund = tax-inclusive price × 10/110 (about 9.09%) for general goods, or × 8/108 (about 7.41%) for food and drinks. ¥50,000 of general goods returns ¥4,545. Goods used up in Japan and services (hotels, restaurants, transport) do not qualify.

Big Change: November 1, 2026
Before Nov 2026: show passport at checkout → instant tax-free price.
After Nov 2026: pay the full price → Customs confirms export at departure (before check-in) → the store refunds you. Export must be confirmed within 90 days of purchase.

More about Japan tax refunds

Japan Tax-Free Shopping Guide 2026First Time in Japan: 10 Safety Tips

Frequently asked questions

What goods qualify for a tax refund?
Most goods for personal use qualify: clothing, electronics, cosmetics, food and souvenirs. Services (hotels, restaurants, transport) and goods used up in Japan do not. Until October 31, 2026 consumables must stay sealed; from November 1, 2026 the sealing rule, the ¥500,000 consumables cap and the general/consumables split are abolished.
What receipts do I need to keep?
Under the new (post-Nov 2026) system, the store records your purchase against your passport, so keep your receipts and bring the goods and your passport to the Customs kiosk at departure. For items of ¥1,000,000 or more, product details are recorded.
How long does the airport refund process take?
Customs confirms export at kiosks in the departure lobby before baggage check-in, so do it before you drop your bags. The refund itself is paid afterwards by the store. Waiting times are not officially published; leave extra time at busy airports.
Can I get the refund in foreign currency?
The refund method is set by each store: bank transfer, credit card, a payment app, or cash at the airport. Card and bank refunds may be converted into your home currency by your card issuer or bank.
Sources · 3 official pages · checked September 24, 2026
  1. National Tax Agency — Overview of the tax-free refund method (from November 1, 2026)
    Refund method, 90-day export window, abolished sealing and consumables cap
  2. Japan Tourism Agency — Tax-free shopping FAQ for travelers (refund method)
    Customs confirmation before check-in; how stores pay the refund
  3. JNTO — Japan’s tax exemption
    ¥5,000 minimum purchase (excluding tax)

Fact-checked by the TravelSafe Japan team against these pages; AI helped with drafting. General information, not legal advice. Report an error · How we verify

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