Reference
Every page here is written from the Japanese original — the National Tax Agency's own Q&A documents, Japan Customs, and the published terms of the companies involved — rather than from other English-language guides. Each one says which document it came from and the date it was last checked.
Tax-free shopping
Japan moved to a refund method on 1 November 2026. You now pay the tax at the till and claim it back on your way out.
- Can you use what you bought tax-free in Japan?
Clothes, shoes and electronics can be used in Japan and still clear customs on the way out. Food, medicines and cosmetics cannot. What the rule says, and why one missing item can cost a whole receipt.
- Japan's tax-free airport check: what to do before you fly
Since 1 November 2026 the tax-free customs check happens at the airport before you drop your checked bag. What the kiosk does, what the result means, and the four mistakes that forfeit the refund.
Taxes and fees
What Japan charges you, and when.
- Japan's departure tax: ¥3,000 from July 2026
¥3,000 per person per departure. Who pays, who is exempt, and how the transitional ¥1,000 rate works.