Japan Tax-Free Shopping Complete Guide 2026: How to Get 10% Back on Every Purchase

By Nihongo to Japan · Updated June 17, 2026

Japan's 10% consumption tax can be refunded or exempted for foreign tourists. This guide covers 2026 tax-free shopping rules: which products qualify, how much you get back, airport refund procedures, and common mistakes to avoid.

Japan Tax-Free Shopping (2026)

Japan's 10% consumption tax can be refunded for foreign tourists. Key rules:

• Minimum purchase: ¥5,000 (pre-tax) at the same store on the same day
• Must be for general goods or consumables (food, cosmetics, medicine)
• Consumables must leave Japan unused within 30 days
• Show your passport at checkout to request tax exemption

Tip

The biggest tax-free savings are at drug stores (matsukiyo, Welcia, Don Quijote) on cosmetics and supplements — popular brands like SK-II, COSRX, and Japanese sunscreen brands are significantly cheaper than in Taiwan.

Practice shopping Japanese at [Nihongo to Japan Challenge](/challenge).