Tax-Free Shopping Procedures
Choose the tax-free procedure that applies to your purchase date: tax-free at the store or a refund after departure checks.
The tax-free process depends on your purchase date. Choose the date that applies to you.
Tax-free price at the store
Check that you and your purchases qualify
For most tourists, eligibility means being a non-resident with Temporary Visitor status, less than six months after entering Japan. Residents on student or work status do not qualify for tourist tax-free shopping. Ask the store about other permitted statuses, such as Diplomat or Official. Purchases for business or resale are excluded.
At the same store on the same day, general goods must total at least ¥5,000 before tax; consumables must total ¥5,000–¥500,000 before tax. Combining the two categories brings the purchase under the consumables rules, including designated packaging. Keep that packaging sealed and do not consume the goods in Japan.
Show your passport at an eligible store and complete the tax-free procedure at purchase. Some stores charge the normal price and refund you at an in-store counter.
- Take your original passport shopping
- Tell the store you want to use tax-free shopping when you purchase
- Consumables may need to stay unopened until departure
Official sources checked:
Useful Japanese phrases
Before checkout
免税の手続きはどこでできますか。
Menzei no tetsuzuki wa doko de dekimasu ka.
Where can I complete the tax-free procedure?
Refund method
税金はいつ、どの方法で返金されますか。
Zeikin wa itsu, dono hoho de henkin saremasu ka.
When and how will the tax be refunded?
Official sources
Article updated:
Review status: Provisional translation
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