New System for Tax-Free Shopping in Japan

Effective November 1, 2026, all of the tax-free purchases in Japan function on a refund basis. Goods can no longer be purchased at tax-exclusive prices. Instead, visitors can be refunded for the equivalent of their consumption tax after a customs inspection upon their departure from Japan.

Check the video Japan Tourism Agency’s official video and website linked below to learn all about the new tax-free shopping system!

Information on the New Tax-Free Shopping System (Japan Tourism Agency)

Japan’s Tax-Free Shopping System for Visitors: Refund Method Explained (YouTube)