What changed: Japan's tax-free shopping scheme moves to a refund method on 1 November 2026. The current system, where shops take the consumption tax off at the till, ends on 31 October. From 1 November you pay the full tax-inclusive price and claim the tax back when you leave, once customs confirms the goods are going abroad.
Who it affects
Any visitor who buys goods in Japan and wants the consumption tax back, including shoppers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, the UK, the EU and the US. If you buy on or after 1 November, the new process applies to you.
What stays the same, and what changes
- You still need to spend at least 5,000 yen before tax, in one shop, on one day.
- You must show your passport when you buy.
- You must complete the departure process within 90 days of the purchase.
- Goods must be limited to what you can personally carry out of Japan, and must not be used or consumed in Japan first.
- japan-guide.com reports that the separate rules for consumables and general goods are being merged, and that the 500,000 yen consumables cap is dropped. Check this against the official guidance before relying on it.
Key dates
- 31 October 2026: last day of the till-side tax-free system.
- 1 November 2026: refund method starts.
What to do now
- Budget for paying the full price at the shop, then waiting for the refund.
- Keep your receipts and your purchases together in your carry-on or luggage that you can access.
- At the airport, use a tax-free procedure terminal in the international departure lobby before baggage check-in. Major airports such as Narita, Haneda and Kansai also allow the first step through Visit Japan Web.
- Leave extra time on departure day in case customs asks to inspect your goods.
