What goods qualify for a tax refund?↓
Most consumer goods qualify: clothing, electronics, cosmetics, food items, and souvenirs. Exclusions include services (hotel, restaurants), items consumed in Japan, and tobacco. Food and consumables require a minimum ¥5,000 purchase and must be sealed/unopened when leaving Japan.
What receipts do I need to keep?↓
Under the new (post-Nov 2026) system, keep all tax receipts from participating stores. The receipt must show the store name, date, items purchased, and tax amount. Many major department stores will issue a consolidated receipt at the tax refund counter.
How long does the airport refund process take?↓
Budget 30–60 minutes minimum, especially at busy airports like NRT and KIX. The refund counter is located before immigration (airside). Lines can be long during peak travel seasons (spring, autumn, holiday periods).
Can I get the refund in foreign currency?↓
Most refund counters offer cash in JPY or a credit card refund. Some counters at major airports also offer refunds in USD, EUR, and CNY. The exchange rate is set by the refund operator.