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On the ground · Shopping

Shopping, and the new tax refund

From November 1, 2026, you pay the tax at the register and get it back as you leave. Here's how in four steps, then where to shop.

  1. 01
    At the register, show your passport

    You pay the tax (10%, 8% on food) and choose how you'll be refunded.

    5,000 ¥ before tax minimumper store, per day
  2. 02
    Keep it all in your carry-on

    Every item on the same receipt goes in your hand luggage: if one is missing at the check, nothing on that receipt is refunded.

  3. 03
    At the kiosk, before check-in

    In the departure hall, passport scanned: green, you're done; red, show your purchases. Or online with Visit Japan Web, at 7 major airports.

    within 90 days of purchase
  4. 04
    The refund

    Paid afterwards by the store: to your card, by bank transfer or in cash, depending on the store. No customs check, no refund.

Where to shop

Department stores

Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, Isetan… and their basement food halls, the depachika.

Don Quijote

The discount store that sells everything, with its “Tax Free” counters.

BOOKOFF

Secondhand manga, books and games. Our map shows every store.

In Tokyo

Ginza for luxury brands, Akihabara for electronics, Nakano Broadway for manga.

In Kyoto

Shijo Avenue, Nishiki Market and its 100+ shops, the Toji flea market on the 21st of each month.

In Osaka

Grand Front and Osaka Station City, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi.

PlanJapanOn the ground · Shopping and tax-free
PlanJapan · Japan, the complete guide · 2026–20271