Who can claim the refund, and on what

First, check which type of traveller you are

Who is eligible

Foreign visitors in Japan for less than 6 months,
and Japanese citizens living overseas

• Foreign visitor (e.g. “Temporary Visitor” status)

  Less than 6 months since entering Japan

  Show in storePassport

• Diplomatic or official status, or US forces under the Status of Forces Agreement

  No 6-month limit

  Show in storePassport

• Shore pass at a port of call, or transit landing permit

  Valid permit

  Show in storePassport

• Cruise sightseeing landing permit, crew landing permit, emergency or distress landing permit

  Valid permit

  Show in storePassport and the permit

• Japanese citizen living abroad

  Lived outside Japan for 2+ years and less than 6 months since returning

  Show in storePassport plus one of: copy of the family register annex (koseki no fuhyō), certificate of residence from an embassy or consulate, or a My Number card showing you moved abroad

Try the refund calculator

What you can buy tax-free

• At least ¥5,000 before tax at the same shop on the same day. Receipts from that day at that shop are added together.
• General goods and consumables (food, drinks, cosmetics, medicine) are now treated the same. The old ¥500,000 limit on consumables and the sealed bags are gone.
• Only as much as you can carry out of Japan yourself when you leave.
• Gold and platinum bullion, gold and platinum coins, and goods that are not subject to consumption tax are excluded.