Japan's tax-free shopping changes on November 1, 2026
Japan is replacing in-store tax-free shopping with a refund at departure. What changes, what stays, and what travelers should do differently — by purchase date.
On 2026-11-01, Japan switches how tourists get their consumption tax back. Today you pay the tax-free price at the register. From November 1, you pay the full price including tax, and get the tax refunded when you leave Japan. Which system applies is decided by your purchase date — not your departure date.
What changes on November 1
| Until Oct 31, 2026 | From Nov 1, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you get the benefit | At the register (tax-free price) | At departure (refund after customs check) |
| What you pay in store | Price without tax | Full price including tax |
| Consumables (cosmetics, food) | ¥5,000–¥500,000 pre-tax, sealed bag required, no use in Japan | Cap and sealed bags abolished — but still no consuming in Japan |
| Minimum purchase | ¥5,000 pre-tax, same store, same day | Same: ¥5,000 pre-tax, same store, same day |
| Inspection at exit | Occasional spot checks | Per receipt — if one item on a receipt is missing, that whole receipt gets nothing |
| Deadline | Leave Japan while eligible | Depart within 90 days of purchase (the day after purchase counts as day 1) |
Your purchase date decides the rules. Something bought on October 31 follows the old system even if you fly out in November — keep receipts from the two periods separate in your head.
Shopping after November 1 — the new habits
- Budget the full tax-included price at the register; the refund comes later
- Keep every receipt — the refund is processed per receipt
- Don't open or consume tax-free purchases while in Japan
- Do the refund procedure at your departure airport before checking your bags
- Depart within 90 days of each purchase
- Expect the refund amount to vary — stores and refund operators may deduct fees
What stays the same
The eligibility threshold does not move: ¥5,000 or more pre-tax, added up per store, per day. Gold and platinum bullion, non-taxable goods, and quantities beyond personal use remain excluded either way.
How the money comes back (cash, card, when) is up to each retailer or their refund operator — check at the store when you buy.
At the airport
Where is the tax refund procedure?
Plan your haul with these rules built in
税金の払い戻し手続きはどこですか？