Estimate your refund
Formula: refund = spend × rate ÷ (100 + rate). The real refund can be lower because shops and refund agents charge handling fees, and the operational details may change before the system starts. Treat this as a rough estimate.
What changes on 1 November 2026
From 1 November 2026, Japan switches its consumption-tax exemption for foreign visitors from "tax deducted at the register" to "pay now, get refunded on departure". The table below compares the old and new methods. (Detailed rules may still change, so use this as a guide.)
| Item | Old method (until 2026-10-31) | New method (from 2026-11-01) |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | Pay the tax-excluded price at the tax-free counter | Pay the full tax-included price, like a normal purchase |
| When you get the benefit | Immediately at purchase (tax deducted up front) | After a customs check when you leave Japan (refunded later) |
| What you do | Show passport; purchase record attached to passport | Keep receipts / refund papers → get them verified at airport customs → receive refund |
| Consumables cap | 500,000 yen cap; sealed special bag required | Cap expected to be abolished (confirm details) |
| Refund method | N/A (instant discount) | Credit-card refund, cash, dedicated kiosk — varies by operator |
The biggest change: you must get the customs check when you leave. If you miss it, you may not get back the consumption tax you already paid, so arrive at the airport with time to spare.
Who and what qualifies
- Spend 5,000 yen or more (tax included) on the same day at the same store (general goods and consumables can be combined).
- You must be a short-stay foreign visitor, and you show your passport at purchase.
- The tax rate depends on the product. Most goods (clothing, cosmetics, electronics) are the standard 10%; some food and drink items use the reduced 8% rate.
- In principle you keep the goods with you until departure, when customs verifies them.
- The old 500,000 yen cap on consumables is reported to be abolished under the new system, but check the latest official notice until the rules are formally in force.
FAQ — common questions from visitors
Can I still shop tax-free after the new system starts?
Yes. Department stores, drugstores, electronics stores, convenience stores and downtown tax-free shops all continue. The difference is you pay the full tax-included price first, then get the customs check at the airport to receive your refund.
When and how do I get the refund?
Keep the purchase records the shop gives you (receipt, refund form, QR code), then have them verified at the customs counter in your departure airport. After verification you are refunded by the operator's method — credit-card refund, cash or a dedicated kiosk. Miss the customs check and you may lose the refund, so allow extra time.
What is the minimum spend?
5,000 yen or more on the same day at the same store. The old 500,000 yen cap on consumables is reported to be abolished, but detailed rules are still being finalised.
Is this calculator exact?
No. It estimates the consumption-tax portion only. The real refund can be lower after shop / refund-agent handling fees and depends on the final operational rules. Confirm with the shop at purchase or with customs on departure.
Do opened cosmetics or food still qualify?
Under the old system, consumables had to stay sealed in a special bag until departure. The new system is expected to relax this, but the rules can change — check the latest official notice before you travel.
Is the amount I type in stored anywhere?
No. Every calculation happens in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server or saved.
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