Foreign tourists on a temporary visitor visa (valid up to 6 months) are exempt from Japan’s 10% consumption tax (8% on select food and beverages) when spending at least 5,000 yen (pre-tax) in a single tax-free shop on the same calendar day. In almost all department stores, electronic superstores (like Bic Camera or Yodobashi), and drugstores, this deduction is processed directly at the cash register or a dedicated in-store service counter. Because tax exemption requires instant verification of your temporary tourist entry stamp, you must present your physical original passport at checkout—photocopies and phone photos are strictly rejected.
System Transition Notice: Japan’s National Tax Agency is transitioning the nationwide tax-free framework away from point-of-sale register exemptions to an airport departure refund model (scheduled for nationwide rollout starting November 1, 2026). Under the new procedure, shoppers will pay tax-inclusive prices at retail tills and receive their refund at airport kiosks after customs verification before bag check-in. Always carry your passport when shopping, regardless of system phase.
Please do remember to carry your passport around with you!
