TRAVEL GUIDES
Japan tax refund: purchases and departure from November 2026
A guide to the refund method for purchases from 1 November 2026, departure customs confirmation and Visit Japan Web procedures.
Three things to check first
- Confirm the refund method and conditions with the shop
- Prepare your passport and goods and identify the final departure airport
- Complete customs confirmation, then follow the shop’s refund instructions
Answers for your trip
What changed for Japanese tax-free shopping in November 2026?
Japan Customs describes tax-inclusive payment followed by departure export confirmation and a refund for purchases from 1 November 2026. Distinguish this from the previous tax-exclusive checkout. Confirm eligibility and purchase conditions with the shop and official guidance.
Scope: purchase-date change, threshold, 90-day confirmation and inspection results / refund reform effective date, 90-day export confirmation and shop-managed refunds
Sources & review dates
- Japan Customs · purchase-date change, threshold, 90-day confirmation and inspection results ·
- National Tax Agency Japan · refund reform effective date, 90-day export confirmation and shop-managed refunds ·
What purchase threshold and confirmation deadline apply?
The published threshold is at least JPY 5,000 excluding tax at one shop on one day. Departure confirmation with your passport is required within 90 days of purchase. Consumables used in Japan are not eligible for export confirmation and refund.
Scope: purchase-date change, threshold, 90-day confirmation and inspection results / refund reform effective date, 90-day export confirmation and shop-managed refunds
Sources & review dates
- Japan Customs · purchase-date change, threshold, 90-day confirmation and inspection results ·
- National Tax Agency Japan · refund reform effective date, 90-day export confirmation and shop-managed refunds ·
What should I do at the departure airport?
Locate the refund kiosk and inspection area at your final departure airport or seaport in Japan. Present your passport; if selected for inspection, take the goods to the designated area. Keep goods accessible and check local instructions before handing over checked baggage.
Scope: purchase-date change, threshold, 90-day confirmation and inspection results / final departure point and shop-managed refund
Sources & review dates
- Japan Customs · purchase-date change, threshold, 90-day confirmation and inspection results ·
- Japan Customs · final departure point and shop-managed refund ·
Can I use Visit Japan Web?
Customs lists smartphone procedures on the international departure floors at Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha. Prepare Visit Japan Web in advance and follow the dedicated customs Wi-Fi instructions. Use a kiosk if the online procedure cannot be completed.
Scope: purchase-date change, threshold, 90-day confirmation and inspection results / smartphone procedure and supported departure airports
Sources & review dates
- Japan Customs · purchase-date change, threshold, 90-day confirmation and inspection results ·
- Japan Customs · smartphone procedure and supported departure airports ·
Does Customs hand me a cash refund?
Customs confirmation is followed by a refund from the shop through the registered method. Ask the shop about timing, fees and status. This guide does not promise an amount, instant payment or a processing period for a particular payment method.
Scope: final departure point and shop-managed refund / refund reform effective date, 90-day export confirmation and shop-managed refunds
Sources & review dates
- Japan Customs · final departure point and shop-managed refund ·
- National Tax Agency Japan · refund reform effective date, 90-day export confirmation and shop-managed refunds ·
Sources and review scope
Sources and review scope
- Japan Customs · purchase-date change, threshold, 90-day confirmation and inspection results ·
- Japan Customs · final departure point and shop-managed refund ·
- Japan Customs · smartphone procedure and supported departure airports ·
- National Tax Agency Japan · refund reform effective date, 90-day export confirmation and shop-managed refunds ·
These dates apply to the named fields, not every country or flight condition.