Shopping
🗓️Tax-Free
Stores participating in the program typically display a corresponding icon at the display window or cash register. The minimum receipt amount to receive tax-free is 5,000 yen.
Terms valid until November 1, 2026
A separate checkout counter may be designated for tax-free processing, which is typically the longest line. The process is quite simple: your passport and visa sticker are scanned, purchased items are packed into bags and sealed, and you receive an 8–10% discount. Purchase information is sent to the customs database, and you may be asked about each item upon exit. Under the terms, you may use clothing, electronics, tools, and other non-consumables immediately, but you cannot consume food, drinks, cosmetics, and other consumable goods. Therefore, if you need to use something immediately, ask to process it separately without tax-free. The purchase limit for consumable goods is 500,000 JPY, and special packaging is required.
Conditions as of November 1, 2026
Stores no longer issue refunds; the full amount including tax must be paid, and after scanning your passport or visa, you receive a receipt with a QR code. At the airport, before check-in and baggage drop, you must process each receipt at dedicated counters. The system then evaluates the items and indicates whether additional inspection is needed. All items listed on the receipts must be with you — if even one item is missing or you’ve already started using cosmetics, the entire receipt is rejected. The 500,000 JPY limit and special packaging no longer apply. For expensive purchases (1M+ JPY), additional documentation for the items may be requested. No more than 90 days must have passed between the purchase date and your departure.
Refund methods are listed as foreign cards, bank transfer, or cash. Electronic money options may be added later. Refunding in cash could exceed the permitted export limit of 100,000 yen.
These operations are expected to take some time, so it’s advisable to plan your arrival at the airport with a buffer, as everything must be completed before your flight check-in.
Coupons and Discounts
Besides tax-free, another way to save is by using discount coupons. It’s quite easy to find them for stores like Bic-camera, Don Quijote, and others. Universal coupons covering all items in a store aren’t very common, but the plus is that they usually stack with tax-free, so the total discount from the original price can reach up to 20%. Here’s a list from the recommended app payke