“Tax-free” means you don’t have to pay Japan’s consumption tax on eligible purchases—but only if you buy from stores officially authorized as “Export Sales Shops” by the tax office. These include duty-free shops in airports, electronics stores, department stores, and more.

In recent years, tax-free services have expanded to department stores with centralized counters, large shopping malls, outlet centers, and even local shopping streets. Look for the official tax-free shop logo displayed at the store entrance.

You may not qualify for tax-free shopping in the following cases:
・If you use an automated gate at immigration and your passport does not show an entry stamp
・If you’ve been in Japan for over six months
・If you are working in Japan
・If you do not meet the minimum purchase requirements

The tax-free system is intended for non-residents—specifically, foreign tourists who have been in Japan for less than six months, or Japanese nationals living abroad for over two years who are returning temporarily for less than six months.

To qualify for tax-free shopping, the items must be for personal use (not for business or resale) and must be taken out of Japan.

For general goods like electronics, clothing, bags, and watches, the total amount spent at a single store on the same day must be at least 5,000 yen (excluding tax). For consumables like food, cosmetics, and medicine, the purchase must total between 5,000 and 500,000 yen and be packaged in a way that prevents domestic use.

In department stores or malls with a centralized tax-free counter, purchases from multiple stores can be combined to meet the 5,000 yen minimum. However, even if the spending threshold is met, some items may still not qualify depending on the category.

Consumables must be packaged in a sealed bag or box—often with a tamper-evident sticker—and cannot be opened before leaving Japan. Also, you generally cannot combine the value of general goods and consumables to meet the tax-free minimum; each category must independently exceed 5,000 yen.

However, if general goods are packaged in the same way as consumables to prevent use in Japan, their value may be combined. In such cases, neither type of item can be opened or used within Japan.

There are two main ways to complete the tax-free process, depending on the store.
(A) Present your passport at checkout and pay the tax-exempt price immediately.
(B) At department stores or shopping malls with a centralized tax-free counter, you’ll first pay the full price (including tax) at each store. Later the same day, visit the tax-free counter with your items, receipts, and passport to get a refund. A service fee may apply. Stopping by the counter before shopping may also get you discount coupons.

At the store
1) Show your passport
Present your original passport—copies aren’t accepted. Store staff will verify your photo, name, nationality, birthdate, visa status, entry date, and passport number.

2) Receive explanations from the store
Since October 2021, the paper form for tax-free purchases has been abolished. Stores now send your purchase data directly to the National Tax Agency. Signing a purchaser’s declaration is no longer required, but staff will explain important details to you.

3) Payment and receiving your items
If using method (A), you pay the tax-free amount and receive your items. If using method (B), you’ll be refunded the tax after visiting the centralized counter. If your total spending drops below the minimum due to returns or exchanges, your tax exemption will be canceled and you’ll need to pay the consumption tax.

At the airport
4) Show your passport at customs
Your purchase info is sent electronically, but you still need to show your passport to customs. Tax-free items must be taken out of Japan by the purchaser. If you want to check the items in your luggage, inform the airline at check-in. A customs officer will come to confirm the tax-free goods before your baggage is checked.

Visit Japan Web is an online service that streamlines arrival procedures—quarantine, immigration, and customs—for travelers entering Japan, including returning Japanese citizens. It allows you to handle everything in one place.
Learn more here.

As of April 1, 2023, a new “Tax-Free Shopping” feature was added. By registering your passport details in advance, you can complete tax-free procedures without needing to show your passport at the store.

It’s simple to use: once your passport details (such as name, nationality, birthdate, visa status, entry date, and passport number) are uploaded, a QR code will appear under “Prepare for Tax-Free Shopping.” Show this code at participating stores, and staff will scan it to complete the process. Note that this function is only available at shops equipped to read the code, so check in advance. If not supported, you can still complete the procedure by presenting your passport directly.

For instructions on how to use the Tax-Free Shopping feature on Visit Japan Web, see the link above.

A.
“Tax Free” refers to exemption from Japan’s consumption tax (value-added tax) only. “Duty Free,” on the other hand, includes exemptions from other taxes like customs duties, liquor tax, and tobacco tax in addition to consumption tax. Since departure areas past immigration in international airports are legally considered outside of Japan, they are designated as duty-free zones.

Aside from airports, there are only a few duty-free stores in Japan, such as T Galleria Okinawa by DFS, Japan Duty Free GINZA (8th floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi), and Lotte Duty Free Tokyo Ginza (8th and 9th floors of Tokyu Plaza Ginza).

A.
At the time of purchase, you must present your original passport—copies are not accepted. If you're using a centralized tax-free counter, you'll need your original passport, the purchased items, and the receipts.

A.
No—the tax-free procedure must be completed on the same day as the purchase. Your original passport is required at the time of purchase, so be sure to retrieve it from your hotel and return to the store the same day. (Also note that visitors to Japan must carry their original passport at all times.)

A.
No—only the person who made the purchase can complete the tax-free procedure. It cannot be done by a proxy.

A.
To complete tax-free procedures, your passport must be presented and verified to confirm your non-resident status. If you use an automated gate at airports like Narita, Haneda, Chubu, or Kansai, your passport may not be stamped, which can prevent stores from verifying your eligibility. Be sure to inform the immigration officer at the gate that you need an entry stamp for tax-free shopping.

A.
General goods may be used in Japan as long as you take them out of the country. However, consumables must remain sealed in their designated packaging—once opened, they no longer qualify for tax exemption. If you open or use them before departure, customs will charge tax. If the remaining untaxed items fall below the 5,000 yen threshold, all items may become taxable.

A.
Since the customs counter at the airport is located after security and carry-on baggage screening, tax-free items should be brought as carry-on luggage. This allows customs to inspect them during the declaration process. Do not check them in unless you have made special arrangements with your airline and customs staff.

A.
On international flights, liquids in containers over 100 ml are not allowed in carry-on luggage and will be confiscated at security. Be sure to place any liquids over 100 ml into your checked luggage at the airline counter and inform staff accordingly. Liquids in containers of 100 ml or less can be carried onboard if they’re placed in a resealable, transparent plastic bag with a zipper, no larger than 1 liter (approximately 29 cm × 20 cm).

A.
No—tax-free items cannot be transferred to someone else. Only the person who made the purchase is allowed to take them out of Japan.

A.
At stores with a centralized tax-free counter, such as department stores, you'll first pay the full price (including tax) with your credit card. After completing the procedure at the counter, the consumption tax refund will be credited back to your card—usually within 10 days to 2 weeks. At other tax-free stores like electronics shops, discount stores, or drugstores, you typically pay the tax-free amount directly at the time of purchase. Most stores accept credit card payments, but availability may vary by location.

A.
Whether you can use points or miles depends on the store, but most tax-free shops do not accept them. It’s generally recommended to pay with cash or a credit card.

A.
Yes—many tax-free shops can be found outside airports, including department stores, electronics retailers, drugstores, and shopping malls.

A.
A wide variety of items are eligible for tax exemption, but electronics like digital cameras and beauty or wellness devices often offer significant savings compared to prices abroad.

Popular tax-free picks also include cold medicine, cough drops, disposable eye masks, and other health-related goods—many of which are unique to Japan and affordably priced despite their high quality. Some drugstores and electronics shops also offer discount coupons, making your purchases even more cost-effective.

In Japan, tax-free shopping isn’t limited to airports and department stores—it’s also available at shopping malls, discount stores, drugstores, and more. Below is a list of major retailers across different categories that support tax-free purchases.

Keep in mind that not all tenants within department stores or malls offer tax-free services, and even among nationwide chains, availability may vary by location. Be sure to check in advance before visiting.

Not all stores within department stores or shopping malls are tax-free eligible. Similarly, not all locations of nationwide chains like discount stores or drugstores support tax-free shopping. Please confirm in advance.

Now that you know how tax-free shopping works, it’s time to hit Tokyo’s top stores. Explore our curated guides below by category.

Online tax-free shopping lets you place orders before or during your trip and pick up items at your hotel, an airport, or a participating downtown tax-free store. It’s a convenient way to save shopping time and explore Japan hands-free without bulky bags.

A wide range of items is available, including electronics, medicine, cosmetics, snacks, stationery, kitchen goods, daily essentials, books, CDs/DVDs, souvenirs, and figurines.

Payment and tax-free processing are done at the pickup location, so bring a device with internet access, your passport with your Japan entry date, and a credit card or e-money—cash payments are not accepted. Only the purchaser may collect the items.

See the banner link below to start shopping tax-free online.

Starting November 1, 2026, Japan’s tax-free shopping system will see a major update. The new rules aim to prevent misuse, simplify procedures for stores, and make shopping easier for travelers. Here are the three key changes to know.

The biggest shift is a move to refunds. Currently, tax is waived at checkout. From November 2026, travelers will pay the full price including tax, then claim a refund at departure after clearing customs.

To reduce hassle for both shoppers and stores, several restrictions will be lifted:
・No more distinction between general goods and consumables
・The 500,000 yen limit on consumables will be removed
・Special packaging rules for consumables will end
・Shops won’t need to confirm “personal use”

At departure, travelers will verify purchases by scanning their passport at airport kiosks in public areas. To cut down congestion, online processing and integration with self check-in machines are also being considered. The result: a smoother, faster tax-free shopping experience.

Mitsui Outlet Park is one of Japan’s top outlet mall chains, offering international and domestic brands at discounted prices. From fashion and accessories to lifestyle goods, you can shop in a relaxed open-air setting and save more with this coupon.

BicCamera is a favorite among international travelers. With this coupon, you’ll enjoy the standard 10% tax exemption plus an extra 3–7% off select items including cameras, watches, electronics, medicine, cosmetics, and even sake. Just show the coupon image at checkout to redeem.

Tax for some products is 8%. This coupon is valid for tax-free shopping only.This coupon cannot be applied to some products, including but not limited to, Apple genuine products, non-Japanese brand watch, Grand Seiko products, game consoles and the brand's genuine accessories, game software, PlayStation VR, Meta Quest, selected Panasonic products, DJI products, selected FUJIFILM products, selected alcohol such as whisky, outlet products and second-hand products. Japanese Sake (excluding Dassai and Hakkaisan) is applicable to 3% off. Alcohol must be paid at a designated check-out counter. This coupon cannot be combined with other campaigns, discounts, or coupons. BicCamera reserves the right to change the terms and conditions of this coupon without advance notice. Please ask BicCamera staff for more details.

Don Quijote, or “Donki,” is Japan’s go-to discount chain, selling everything from electronics and cosmetics to snacks and quirky souvenirs. Use this coupon to get up to 10% tax-free plus an extra 5-7% off your purchase. Tap the coupon below and show it at checkout (conditions apply, see coupon page for details).

Yamada Denki LABI, one of Japan’s largest electronics retailers, offers the latest appliances, beauty devices, and Japanese goods. Enjoy a special coupon: 10% Tax-Free + 7% OFF! With locations near major stations in Tokyo and Osaka, it’s easy to stop by for smart shopping on souvenirs and the newest gadgets.

Save 10% on rentals with Nippon Rent-A-Car, one of Japan’s most trusted car rental services. Convenient locations nationwide make it easy to explore at your own pace.

Located in upscale Ginza, Lotte Duty Free offers premium cosmetics, fragrances, and designer goods. Use this coupon for extra savings on top of your tax-free purchases.

SATUDORA, with 200+ stores mainly in Hokkaido, is the perfect spot to pick up medicine, cosmetics, and exclusive Hokkaido souvenirs. Use this coupon for extra savings.

Aeon Mall is a family-friendly shopping complex with retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Use this coupon to get a 500 yen discount ticket or novelty item along with tax-free savings.

Laox carries everything from electronics and home goods to hobby items and traditional crafts. Multilingual staff and free Wi-Fi make shopping convenient. Show your coupon for additional savings.

Edion is a major electronics chain offering home appliances, beauty gadgets, and daily electronics. Use this coupon to save more on your purchases.

Tsuruha is a well-known Japanese drugstore chain with a wide selection of health, beauty, and skincare products. This coupon gives you extra discounts on top of tax-free savings.

Japan Duty Free Ginza, located inside Mitsukoshi Ginza, is the first airport-style duty-free store in downtown Tokyo. Shop luxury brands and cosmetics tax-free and save an extra 5% with this coupon.

Shop at Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku and save with an additional 6% discount on top of your tax-free benefits.

Takeya, the iconic Ueno discount store, offers everything from daily goods and snacks to cosmetics and electronics. Show this coupon for extra discounts.

Sundrug is a popular chain offering great deals on cosmetics, medicine, health products, and daily necessities. Save more with this coupon.

Joshin is a trusted electronics retailer offering appliances, gaming gear, and hobby goods. Use this coupon to enjoy an additional 8% off tax-free purchases.

AOKI is a leading retailer of business suits, formalwear, and casual clothing. Use this coupon for extra savings on top of tax-free discounts.

ORIHICA offers modern business and casual wear. Show this coupon to get an extra 10% off tax-free purchases.

Get 20% off Pocket WiFi rentals when booking through the special site. Discounts will also apply to SIM and eSIM purchases from summer 2025.

Get the most out of your shopping trip by understanding Japan’s tax-free system. Major changes are coming in November 2026, and we’ll keep this page updated with the latest details, so check back often and don’t miss out.