{"id":737,"date":"2026-10-01T15:16:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T15:16:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/?p=737"},"modified":"2026-10-19T05:10:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T05:10:23","slug":"%ec%9d%bc%eb%b3%b8-%ec%84%b8%ea%b8%88-%ed%99%98%ea%b8%89","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/japan-tax-refund\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan Tax Refund From 1 November 2026: The Complete Guide to the New System"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ub354 <strong>Japan tax refund<\/strong> works differently from 1 November 2026: you pay the full price, tax included, at the till, clear a customs check at the airport within 90 days, and the shop then pays the tax back. Anything bought up to 31 October 2026 still follows the old system, where the tax usually came off at the register.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japan calls this the refund method. This guide covers both systems side by side, a step-by-step for the till and the airport, how and when the money arrives, and the mistakes that will cost people their refund.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block jpj-facts\"><div class=\"wrap\"><div class=\"facts\"><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">1 Nov 2026<\/p><p class=\"label\">New system starts<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">\u00a55,000<\/p><p class=\"label\">Minimum, before tax, per shop per day<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">90 days<\/p><p class=\"label\">To clear the customs check<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">10% \/ 8%<\/p><p class=\"label\">Tax you get back (goods \/ food)<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group key-takeaways\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From 1 November 2026 you pay tax-inclusive prices and get the tax back after customs confirms you are taking the goods out of Japan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The minimum is still \u00a55,000 before tax at one shop on one day, but general goods and consumables now count together, and the \u00a5500,000 cap is gone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do the tax-free procedure in the departure lobby <strong>before<\/strong> you check your bags. After that it is too late.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If one item on a receipt is missing or used, the whole receipt loses its refund.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Each shop decides how, when and with what fee it pays you. Ask at the till before you pay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Japan tax refund: what changes on 1 November 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The change is set by the National Tax Agency and explained for travellers by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlit.go.jp\/kankocho\/tax-free\/page01_000001_00028.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Japan Tourism Agency<\/a>. Here is the old system next to the new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Japan tax refund rules<\/th><th>Until 31 October 2026<\/th><th>From 1 November 2026<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>At the till<\/strong><\/td><td>Tax-free price at most shops<\/td><td>Full price, tax included<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Passport<\/strong><\/td><td>Shown at the shop<\/td><td>Shown at the shop, then scanned again at a customs terminal when you leave<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Minimum spend<\/strong><\/td><td>\u00a55,000 before tax; general goods and consumables usually counted separately<\/td><td>\u00a55,000 before tax, everything combined, one shop, one day<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Consumables cap<\/strong><\/td><td>\u00a5500,000 per shop per day<\/td><td>No cap<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sealed bags<\/strong><\/td><td>Required for food, drink, cosmetics<\/td><td>Not required, but nothing can be used in Japan<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>\ub9c8\uac10<\/strong><\/td><td>Consumables out of Japan within 30 days<\/td><td>Customs check within 90 days of purchase, for everything<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Customs check<\/strong><\/td><td>After security, airside<\/td><td>Before security and before baggage check-in, in the departure lobby<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Getting the tax back<\/strong><\/td><td>Taken off at the till, or refunded at a store counter<\/td><td>Paid by the shop or its refund company after customs confirms<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fees<\/strong><\/td><td>Some store counters keep a fee<\/td><td>Set by each shop or refund company; the government charges none<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Shipping goods home<\/strong><\/td><td>Not eligible since 31 March 2025<\/td><td>Not eligible (some shops may export for you; ask)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three changes help you. A \u00a53,000 shirt and \u00a52,500 of snacks now add up to \u00a55,500 and qualify, where under the old rules each would usually have missed the line. The \u00a5500,000 consumables cap and the sealed bags are both gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rest makes life harder. The money comes back later, by a route that changes from shop to shop, and there is a job to do at the airport before you check in. Miss it and there is no refund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who can get a Japan tax refund?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The refund is for visitors, not residents. That means foreign nationals on Temporary Visitor status, which is what most tourists get on arrival, plus a few other statuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japanese nationals who have lived abroad for two years or more also qualify. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlit.go.jp\/kankocho\/tax-free\/page01_000001_00027.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JTA traveller FAQ<\/a> accepts a residency certificate, a copy of the family register attachment, or a My Number Card showing the move abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u00a55,000 or more before tax,<\/strong> at the same shop on the same day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Goods you carry out of Japan yourself,<\/strong> in quantities you can take when you leave<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nothing on the excluded list:<\/strong> gold and platinum bullion, and anything that carries no consumption tax<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much do you actually get back?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-12-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Yen notes, \u00a5500 coins and a calculator\" class=\"wp-image-743\" style=\"width:600px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-12-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-12-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-12-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-12-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-12-18x12.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-12.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yen notes, \u00a5500 coins and a calculator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your refund is the consumption tax you paid. Most goods carry 10%, while food and non-alcoholic drinks carry 8% (alcohol is 10%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A camera at \u00a550,000 before tax costs \u00a555,000 at the till. The tax is \u00a55,000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a510,000 of snacks costs \u00a510,800. The tax is \u00a5800.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then there is the fee. The JTA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlit.go.jp\/kankocho\/tax-free\/page01_000001_00024.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FAQ for shops<\/a> says there is no rule on whether the traveller or the shop pays a refund company\u2019s fee, and the government itself charges nothing. Some shops already keep one: <a href=\"https:\/\/website.hankyu-dept.co.jp\/fl\/taxrefund\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hankyu department stores<\/a> deduct 1.55% of the pre-tax price, so the \u00a550,000 camera returns \u00a54,225, not \u00a55,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same FAQ even mentions refunds in the form of coupons or points. If you want cash or money on your card, say so at the till.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Price tags and signs: the Japanese to know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u00a55,000 minimum uses the price before tax. With tax that is \u00a55,500 for most goods and \u00a55,400 for food, so a \u00a55,400 jacket is still just under the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u7a0e\u8fbc (zeikomi):<\/strong> tax included, what you pay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u7a0e\u629c (zeinuki):<\/strong> before tax, the figure the minimum uses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u514d\u7a0e (menzei):<\/strong> tax-free, on shop doors and airport signs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u514d\u7a0e\u624b\u7d9a\u304d (menzei tetsuzuki):<\/strong> the tax-free procedure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u7a0e\u95a2 (zeikan):<\/strong> customs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u8fd4\u91d1 (henkin):<\/strong> refund<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u624b\u6570\u6599 (tes\u016bry\u014d):<\/strong> handling fee, the word to listen for<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to claim a Japan tax refund at the till, step by step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-9-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Paying at a drugstore counter in Japan, the moment to ask how your tax refund will be paid\" class=\"wp-image-739\" style=\"width:600px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-9-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-9-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-9-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-9-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-9-18x12.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-9.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Paying at a drugstore counter in Japan, the moment to ask how your tax refund will be paid<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Check the shop and the receipt total<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for the tax-free sign and make sure one receipt reaches \u00a55,000 before tax. Buy anything you\u2019ll eat or use during the trip on a separate, ordinary receipt, without your passport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Show your passport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hand over your passport, as before. The shop records the sale against it electronically, and that record is what customs checks when you leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Pay the full, tax-inclusive price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You pay what a resident pays, by cash or card. Nothing comes off at the register any more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Register how you will be refunded<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The JTA says the shop will tell you how to register your refund method when you buy. That could be a card, an app or bank details, or cash at the airport after the customs check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>\uc77c\ubcf8\uc758 \ud301:<\/strong> Ask one question before you pay: \u201cHow and when will I get my tax refund, and is there a fee?\u201d Also ask how long you have to claim: the shops\u2019 FAQ says there is no legal cut-off and tells shops to agree one with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Keep the receipt and the goods together<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Customs checks one receipt at a time. Items priced at \u00a51,000,000 or more before tax are recorded in detail (brand, model, model number, colour), so keep the warranty or certificate of authenticity with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The 90-day deadline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-11-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"The terminal at Kitakyushu Airport, which has international flights to Taipei\" class=\"wp-image-741\" style=\"width:600px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-11-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-11-767x511.jpeg 767w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-11-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-11-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-11-18x12.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-11.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The terminal at Kitakyushu Airport, which has international flights to Taipei<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You have 90 days from the date of purchase to leave Japan and clear the customs check. Each receipt has its own 90 days, counted from the day you bought the goods, not the day you fly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buy on 1 November and your window closes at the end of January 2027. Most visitors fly home well inside it; it matters on long stays and trips where you leave Japan and come back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to claim your Japan tax refund at the airport, step by step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-13-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Check-in counters in the international departure lobby at Chubu Centrair Airport, one of seven airports where Visit Japan Web can be used\" class=\"wp-image-742\" style=\"width:600px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-13-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-13-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-13-767x511.jpeg 767w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-13-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-13-18x12.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-13.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Check-in counters in the international departure lobby at Chubu Centrair Airport, one of seven airports where Visit Japan Web can be used<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Arrive early and keep the goods with you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The terminals and customs inspection areas are in the international departure lobby, before baggage check-in. Once your bags are checked, you cannot do the procedure, and you can\u2019t get checked bags back to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Scan your passport at a tax-free terminal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find a tax-free procedure kiosk and scan your passport; the JTA says it takes a few seconds. At Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha you can use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digital.go.jp\/en\/policies\/visit_japan_web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit Japan Web<\/a> instead, on the dedicated Wi-Fi in the departure lobby before security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Green or red<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Green:<\/strong> no inspection. The customs step is done<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Red:<\/strong> take your tax-free goods to the customs inspection area and show them<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If one item on a receipt is missing, nothing on that receipt qualifies. If you ate or used something, don\u2019t start the procedure for it: report it to a customs officer at the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Check in, fly, and take the goods out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then check your bags as normal. Goods that pass customs must leave Japan without delay, or the tax is collected back with a penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Connecting from a domestic flight? Do the procedure at the airport where you finally leave Japan. On a fly-and-cruise trip, do it at the airport you fly out from; on a cruise that starts and ends abroad, at the last Japanese port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>\uc77c\ubcf8\uc758 \ud301:<\/strong> Add 30 minutes to your airport timing and keep your tax-free goods in one bag you haven\u2019t closed yet. The JTA warns that neither customs nor airlines compensate you if the procedure makes you miss your flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When and how is the refund paid?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After customs confirms the export, the shop, or a refund company working for it, pays you back. The possible methods are bank transfer, credit card, app payment, or cash at the port of departure after the customs check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What nobody gives is a deadline. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nta.go.jp\/publication\/pamph\/shohi\/menzei\/201805\/format\/002.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Tax Agency<\/a> says Japan\u2019s consumption tax law sets no rules on how the refund is carried out. Each shop decides the method, timing and fee, and there is no government office to chase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit Japan Web covers the customs step, not the payment. If money doesn\u2019t arrive, contact the shop or the refund company it named, with your receipt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>\uc77c\ubcf8\uc758 \ud301:<\/strong> On big purchases, a refund to a credit card is the easiest to chase, because you have a statement and a named merchant. Cash at the airport is quickest, but leaves no paper trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What got easier, and what didn\u2019t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-10-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"A rice ball: anything you plan to eat during the trip is best bought on a separate, ordinary receipt\" class=\"wp-image-740\" style=\"width:600px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-10-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-10-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-10-767x511.jpeg 767w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-10-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-10-18x12.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-10.jpeg 1937w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A rice ball: anything you plan to eat during the trip is best bought on a separate, ordinary receipt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Easier:<\/strong> no sealed bags, no \u00a5500,000 consumables cap, one combined \u00a55,000 minimum, and 90 days instead of 30 for food and cosmetics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Harder:<\/strong> you pay the tax up front, the refund depends on each shop, and there is a compulsory stop before check-in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unchanged:<\/strong> passport at the till, goods must leave with you, and posting things home doesn\u2019t count<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Five ways to lose your Japan tax refund<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>You checked your bags first.<\/strong> The biggest risk, and it cannot be fixed afterwards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>You missed the 90 days.<\/strong> Each receipt has its own deadline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>One item on a receipt is missing.<\/strong> Eaten, used, given away or posted home, it takes the whole receipt with it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>You spent under \u00a55,000<\/strong> before tax at one shop in one day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>You never set up a refund method.<\/strong> Sort it out at the till, not from home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travelling across 1 November<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Purchases up to and including 31 October 2026 follow the old rules: tax off at most tills, sealed bags for consumables, and 30 days to take them out. There is no overlap period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your trip spans the changeover, so will your receipts. Do the airport procedure for the November receipts before you check in, and keep the old-rule goods with you too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Budgeting the trip? Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/japan-travel-cost\/\">Japan travel cost guide<\/a> has daily figures. Flying from Haneda or Kansai, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/haneda-layover\/\">Haneda layover<\/a> \ubc0f <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/kansai-airport-to-kyoto\/\">\uce78\uc0ac\uc774 \uacf5\ud56d\uc5d0\uc11c \uad50\ud1a0\uae4c\uc9c0<\/a> guides; for shopping ideas, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/%ec%9d%bc%eb%b3%b8-%ec%a0%84%ec%9a%a9-%ed%96%a5%ec%88%98\/\">Japan exclusive perfumes<\/a> \ubc0f <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/shibuya-marui-2026\/\">Shibuya Marui<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block jpj-tips\"><div class=\"wrap\"><div class=\"know\"><p class=\"know-head\">Know before you go<\/p><div class=\"know-grid\"><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Ask about the fee<\/p><p>Shops can keep a fee or pay in points. Ask before you pay, not after.<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Split your receipts<\/p><p>Buy snacks for the trip without your passport, so eating them can\u2019t void a big receipt.<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Bring the passport<\/p><p>Tax-free sales are recorded against it, so carry it on shopping days.<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Customs before check-in<\/p><p>Find the tax-free kiosk in the departure lobby first, then queue for your airline.<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Card beats cash<\/p><p>A card refund is traceable if it is slow to arrive.<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Mind the oldest receipt<\/p><p>On long trips, the first week\u2019s shopping runs out of 90 days first.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Japan tax refund FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-cffea115\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">When does Japan\u2019s new tax refund system start?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>It applies to purchases on or after 1 November 2026. Anything bought up to 31 October 2026 follows the old rules, even if you leave Japan later.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-8f03218a\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">\uc77c\ubcf8\uc758 \uacc4\uc0b0\ub300\uc5d0\uc11c \uc5ec\uc804\ud788 \uc138\uae08 \uba74\uc81c \uac00\uaca9\uc744 \ubc1b\uc744 \uc218 \uc788\ub098\uc694?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Not from 1 November 2026. You pay the full price including consumption tax and get it refunded after customs confirms at departure that the goods are leaving Japan.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-48dec7f8\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What is the minimum spend for a Japan tax refund?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>\u00a55,000 before tax, at the same shop on the same day. General goods and consumables now count together, and there is no upper cap.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-a27532f1\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Can I do the tax-free procedure after checking in my bags?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>No. The terminals and customs areas are in the departure lobby before baggage check-in, and the procedure cannot be done once your luggage is checked.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-050c9942\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">How long do I have to leave Japan after buying?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>90 days from the date of purchase, counted separately for each receipt.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-d26f31e5\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">How and when will I receive my tax refund?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>It depends on the shop: bank transfer, credit card, app payment or cash at the airport after the customs check. The law sets no timing, so ask at the till.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-068c55dd\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Is there a fee for a Japan tax refund?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>The government charges none, but shops and refund companies may keep a fee. Hankyu department stores, for example, deduct 1.55% of the pre-tax price.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-127b683e\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Can I use things I bought tax-free before I leave Japan?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>No. Anything eaten, drunk or used in Japan loses its refund, and so does everything else on the same receipt.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ucd9c\ucc98\uc640 \ud655\uc778 \ubc29\ubc95<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We checked these rules on 19 October 2026 against the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlit.go.jp\/kankocho\/tax-free\/page01_000001_00028.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Japan Tourism Agency traveller guide<\/a>, its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlit.go.jp\/kankocho\/tax-free\/page01_000001_00027.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">traveller FAQ<\/a> \ubc0f <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlit.go.jp\/kankocho\/tax-free\/page01_000001_00024.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shop FAQ<\/a>, the customs and tax <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlit.go.jp\/kankocho\/tax-free\/content\/001990233.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">traveller leaflet<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nta.go.jp\/publication\/pamph\/shohi\/menzei\/201805\/format\/002.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Tax Agency<\/a> \ubc0f <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/us\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-japans-new-tax-free-shopping-system\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JNTO<\/a>. The JTA page is where any change appears first, and we will update this page once shops start paying refunds under the new system.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block jpj-cta\">    <div class=\"wrap\">\n      <div class=\"cta\">\n        <div>\n          <h2>Shopping your way round Japan?<\/h2>\n          <p>Japan Pro can book tours, food experiences and transfers, so you have more time for the shops and less stress at the airport.<\/p>        <\/div>\n        <a class=\"btn btn-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/beta.thejapanpro.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Plan with Japan Pro<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block\">    <section class=\"section\">\n      <div class=\"wrap\">\n        <div class=\"section-head\">\n          <div><h2>\ub2e4\uc74c \uae00<\/h2><\/div>\n                    <a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/\">All stories \u2192<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"rail\">\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/shinkansen-fare-increase-2027\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"826\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-fare-increase-2027-1-768x826.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Shinkansen fare increase 2027: N700 Tokaido Shinkansen at Tokyo Station\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-fare-increase-2027-1-768x826.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-fare-increase-2027-1-279x300.jpg 279w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-fare-increase-2027-1-952x1024.jpg 952w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-fare-increase-2027-1-1428x1536.jpg 1428w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-fare-increase-2027-1-11x12.jpg 11w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-fare-increase-2027-1.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>Shinkansen Fare Increase 2027: New Nozomi and Green Car Prices<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">12 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/ic-card-japan\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"488\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ic-card-japan-1-768x488.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"IC card Japan: automatic IC ticket gates at a station in Osaka\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ic-card-japan-1-768x488.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ic-card-japan-1-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ic-card-japan-1-1024x651.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ic-card-japan-1-1536x976.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ic-card-japan-1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ic-card-japan-1.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>IC Card Japan Guide 2027: Which One Works Where, and How to Get One (11 Cards Compared)<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">12 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/is-jr-pass-worth-it\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/is-jr-pass-worth-it-1-768x432.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Shinkansen arriving at Tokyo Station, the starting point for checking whether the JR Pass is worth it\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/is-jr-pass-worth-it-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/is-jr-pass-worth-it-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/is-jr-pass-worth-it-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/is-jr-pass-worth-it-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/is-jr-pass-worth-it-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/is-jr-pass-worth-it-1.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>Is the JR Pass Worth It in 2026? Run the Numbers for Your Route (7 Itineraries Tested)<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">12 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/kagoshima-free-shinkansen-tickets\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyushu-shinkansen-n700-kagoshima-sakurajima-768x511.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Kyushu Shinkansen N700 train arriving at Kagoshima-Chuo above the city, with Sakurajima volcano behind\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyushu-shinkansen-n700-kagoshima-sakurajima-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyushu-shinkansen-n700-kagoshima-sakurajima-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyushu-shinkansen-n700-kagoshima-sakurajima-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyushu-shinkansen-n700-kagoshima-sakurajima-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyushu-shinkansen-n700-kagoshima-sakurajima-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyushu-shinkansen-n700-kagoshima-sakurajima.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>Free Shinkansen Tickets for Tourists: Kagoshima 2026 (Who Qualifies, How to Claim, and the Trip Around It)<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">13\ubd84 \uc77d\uae30<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From 1 November 2026, you pay tax at the till and get it back after a customs check at the airport. Old vs new rules, step by step, plus fees and the mistakes that cost you the refund.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":738,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jpj_city":"","jpj_station":"","jpj_label":"Explainer","jpj_top_pick":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[109],"tags":[191,187,189,188,186,365,190,185],"class_list":["post-737","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-transport","tag-consumption-tax-japan","tag-japan-airport-tips","tag-japan-tax-refund","tag-japan-tax-free-rules-2026","tag-shopping-in-japan","tag-shopping-spots-malls","tag-tax-free-shopping-japan","tag-visit-japan-web"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/737","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=737"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/737\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2018,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/737\/revisions\/2018"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/738"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=737"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=737"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=737"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}