🧾 Japan Tax-Free Refund Calculator (2026)
Updated for the new refund system effective Nov 1, 2026. Sources: Japan Tourism Agency / National Tax-Free Store Association.
Note: under the current (pre-Nov 2026) system, cosmetics & medicines count as consumables (¥500,000 cap) even though they carry 10% tax.
Enter your total at one store on one day. Calculate each store separately — the ¥5,000 minimum applies per store per day.
How to claim your refund (from Nov 1, 2026)
- Shop at a licensed tax-free store and pay the full tax-included price. Show your passport — the store registers your purchase electronically. Minimum ¥5,000 (excl. tax) per store per day.
- Keep the goods with you (in Japan, unused for consumables is no longer a sealed-bag requirement — packaging rules are abolished).
- At the airport, before you leave: go to the customs counter/kiosk, show your passport and the goods. Customs confirms you are exporting them. This must happen within 90 days of purchase.
- Receive the refund — paid back after customs confirmation, e.g. to your card or in cash depending on the store/refund operator. Refund operators typically deduct a service fee.
Old vs new system at a glance
| Until Oct 31, 2026 | From Nov 1, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Tax deducted at the register | Pay full price → refund at departure |
| General goods vs consumables | Separate rules & caps | Distinction abolished |
| ¥500,000 cap (consumables) | Applies | Abolished |
| Sealed-bag packaging | Required for consumables | Abolished |
| Minimum spend | ¥5,000 excl. tax / store / day | ¥5,000 excl. tax / store / day (unchanged) |
| Food tax rate (excl. alcohol) | 8% | 8% → 1% planned from Apr 1, 2027 (2-year measure, bill pending) |
| Deadline | Export when departing (consumables: within 30 days) | Customs confirmation within 90 days of purchase |
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Sources & last verified
Rules verified against official sources on Aug 21, 2026:
This calculator gives a general estimate based on publicly announced rules (Japan Tourism Agency, National Tax-Free Store Association). It is not legal or tax advice. Actual refunds can differ — e.g. refund-operator service fees, store participation, and eligibility conditions (temporary visitor status, etc.). Always confirm with the store and Japan Customs. Full disclaimer.