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Japan's tax-free Information

Japan is a country that offers much to see and do: sights, cuisine, fun places, and more. And with any trip abroad one of the perks is shopping at tax-free prices! However, you might not be familiar with the process. Get to know your way around Japan's tax-free shopping as part of an amazing trip.

Tax exemption in Japan

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01

Short-term visa holders are eligible for tax exemption

Visitors with a short-term visa status (up to 6 months) are eligible for tax exemption. A passport with a valid landing permit sticker is required for tax exemption procedures.

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02

Tax exemption is possible For purchases of JPY 5,000 or more

The total amount of a single purchase must be at least JPY 5,000 (excluding tax). Consumable goods have a limit of up to JPY 500,000 (excluding tax) per day in the same store.

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03

The 10% consumption tax Is tax exempt

The tax rate is 8% for products subject to reduced tax rate.

point
01

Short-term visa holders are eligible for tax exemption

Visitors with a short-term visa status (up to 6 months) are eligible for tax exemption. A passport with a valid landing permit sticker is required for tax exemption procedures.

point
02

Tax exemption is possible For purchases of JPY 5,000 or more

The total amount of a single purchase must be at least JPY 5,000 (excluding tax). Consumable goods have a limit of up to JPY 500,000 (excluding tax) per day in the same store.

point
03

The 10% consumption tax Is tax exempt

The tax rate is 8% for products subject to reduced tax rate.

Which stores in Japan sell tax-free products?

JAPAN Tax Free Shop

You can do tax-free shopping at online stores, drugstores, department stores or convenience stores that have the Tax-free shop mark.

Online Shopping

Online Shopping

Perfect if you think a communication barrier makes it difficult to find the store selling what you want, you don't want your items to get wet on a rainy day or you want to avoid waiting in line.

Tax-free proceduresOnline
Online
Social distancingMaintained
Maintained
ConvenienceShipped to the airport
Shipped to the airport

Drugstores

Drugstores

Perfect if you feel inconvenienced carrying shopping around, still have plans and need to board the train oryou need to buy for someone else .

Tax-free proceduresPossible
Possible
Social distancingFace-to-face
Face-to-face
ConvenienceMust carry luggage
Must carry luggage

Department Stores

Department Stores

Perfect for you if you think tax-free procedures are complicated such as finding no tax-free service, communicating with japanese-speaking staff, or having tax-free service charges.

Tax-free proceduresTime-consuming
Time-consuming
Social distancingFace-to-face
Face-to-face
ConvenienceMust carry luggage
Must carry luggage

Online Shopping

Online Shopping

Perfect if you think a communication barrier makes it difficult to find the store selling what you want, you don't want your items to get wet on a rainy day or you want to avoid waiting in line.

Tax-free proceduresOnline
Online
Social distancingMaintained
Maintained
ConvenienceShipped to the airport
Shipped to the airport
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Online tax-free shop Purchase flow

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What's eligible for tax exemption in Japan?

You can purchase tax-free items in all online shops, drugstores, department stores or convenience stores that have the Tax-free shop mark on them.

General items

General items

Accessories

Accessories

Clothes

Clothes

Bags

Bags

Shoes

Shoes

Electric appliances

Electric appliances

Cameras

Cameras

Watches

Watches

  • *1 person eligible for tax exemption must spend a total of JPY 5,000 or more per day and per store. *Can be used in Japan, must be taken out of the country within 6 months after entry
Consumable goods

Consumable goods

Cosmetics

Cosmetics

Food

Food

Liquor

Liquor

Cigarettes

Cigarettes

Health supplements

Health supplements

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals

  • *1 person eligible for tax exemption must spend a total of JPY 5,000 or more per day and per store. *Can be used in Japan, must be taken out of the country within 6 months after entry

About tax-free products in Japan

  • ・Tax-free products that fall under the category of consumables cannot be opened and used in Japan. ・Tax-free goods cannot be passed on to another person before leaving the country. ・Liquids such as beverages, condiments, and cosmetics are subject to carry-on restrictions. ・When shipping tax-free items overseas, you need to submit a copy of the acceptance receipt, shipping slip, etc. issued by the post office to customs. ・Tax-free goods must be taken out of the country by the purchaser.

Tax-free procedures FAQ

  • QWhat is the difference between "DUTY FREE" and "TAX FREE"?
    A(4) Go behind the ATM and you will see the WAmazing tax-free lockers. It's a fun, effortless tax-free shopping experience!
  • QWhat do you need when applying for tax exemption ?
    AYour passport and the tax-free purchase.
  • QCan I apply for tax exemption after the day of purchase?
    ANo, you can't. Tax exemption is only possible on the day of purchase.
  • QCan I use the tax-free system when using the automated gate?
    AIf you use the automated gates during passport control, your passport will not be stamped with the entry permit and you may not be able to complete tax-free procedures. If you use tax-free stores, inform the immigration office in advance that you require a stamp.
  • QCan I carry tax-free liquid items on board?
    ACarry-on liquids are limited to 100 ml or less. However, if you meet the following conditions, the items can be brought on board. ・If you place them inside a suitcase and check-in at the luggage counter. ・If you purchase the tax-free liquids inside the departure area (*direct flights only)
  • QCan another person perform the tax-free procedures on my behalf?
    AOnly the person buying the tax-free items can apply for tax exemption.
  • QCan I hand over the tax-free items to another person to bring overseas?
    AOnly the person who purchased the items is responsible for bringing them overseas.