Japan switches to tax refunds for tourists and nomads starting Nov. 1

How Japan’s refund system will work

Japan will switch tax-free shopping to a refund method for purchases made on or after Nov. 1, 2026. Travelers will pay tax-inclusive prices at the store, then get the consumption tax back after departure customs inspection confirms the goods are leaving Japan.

The current system stays in place until Oct. 31, 2026. After that, the refund is handled at airport or seaport departure terminals, with Visit Japan Web available at major airports for online processing.

Who the change affects

The rule matters most for short-term foreign visitors, including tourists and digital nomads on temporary stay status who buy goods for export. The official guidance frames eligibility around people taking items out of Japan, not nationality alone.

Purchases still need to total 5,000 yen or more per store per day, excluding tax. Special packaging for consumables is going away and food, beverages and cosmetics consumed in Japan won’t qualify for a refund.

What travelers need to do

The departure procedure must be completed within 90 days of purchase and travelers need to have the goods with them before check-in because the process can’t be done after baggage is checked. At the terminal, passport details go through an electronic check that can return a green or red result, with red sending the goods to customs for inspection.

The refund comes from each tax-free shop or a refund service provider the shop uses, so the exact process can vary by retailer. If even one item from a receipt is missing, none of the goods on that transaction qualify for inspection. Read our full Japan guide for the complete picture.