1. How to Identify Tax-Free Shops
The easiest way to find a participating store is to look for the official “Japan Tax-Free Shop” logo, which is typically displayed on the storefront, entrance doors, or near the cash registers.
Common Types of Tax-Free Stores
- Electronics Retailers: Major chains like Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, and Yamada Denki.
- Department Stores: High-end stores such as Takashimaya, Isetan, Mitsukoshi, and Sogo. They usually have a dedicated “Tax Refund Counter.”
- Drugstores & Discount Stores: Shops like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sun Drug, and Don Quijote are incredibly popular for tax-free cosmetics and medicine.
- Apparel Stores: Uniqlo, GU, and many luxury brand boutiques.
- Convenience Stores: Certain branches of 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson located in tourist-heavy areas offer tax exemptions.
2. Eligible Items and Purchase Requirements
To qualify for the tax exemption, your purchases must meet specific minimum spending amounts at the same store on the same day. Items are divided into two main categories:
General Goods
- What it includes: Electronics, clothing, shoes, bags, watches, jewelry, etc.
- Requirement: The total purchase must be 5,000 JPY or more (excluding tax).
- Rule: You are allowed to use or wear these items while you are still in Japan.
Consumables
- What it includes: Food, beverages, alcohol, cosmetics, supplements, and medicine.
- Requirement: The total purchase must be between 5,000 JPY and 500,000 JPY (excluding tax).
- Rule: These items will be packed in a special sealed clear bag. You must not open or consume them while in Japan. If you open the bag before leaving the country, you may be charged the consumption tax at the airport.
(Note: You can combine General Goods and Consumables to reach the 5,000 JPY minimum, but in that case, the General Goods will also be sealed and cannot be used in Japan.)
3. Who is Eligible?
Tax exemption is strictly for non-residents. You are eligible if:
- You are a foreign tourist with a “Temporary Visitor” visa status, staying in Japan for less than 6 months.
- You are a Japanese citizen who has lived outside of Japan for more than two consecutive years (this requires specific official documents for proof).
- Foreigners working or studying in Japan, or anyone staying longer than 6 months, are not eligible.
4. The Shopping Procedure
- Bring your Physical Passport: You must present your actual passport (with the entry stamp/sticker). Copies or photos on your phone are not accepted.
- Payment Process: * Direct Discount: At drugstores and electronics shops, the cashier will simply deduct the tax at the register when you show your passport.
- Refund Counter: At large department stores, you usually pay the full price (including tax) at the regular register. Afterward, you must take your receipt, the purchased items, your passport, and the credit card used (if applicable) to the designated Tax Refund Counter to receive your money back. (Department stores often charge a small handling fee for this service, around 1.55%).
- Customs at the Airport: Japan has digitized the process. The store will send your purchase data electronically to customs. When departing from the airport, simply scan your passport at the customs terminal before passing through security.
REFERENCES
1. Japan Tourism Agency (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)
https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/tax-free/page01_000113.html
2. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/japans-tax-exemption/
3. National Tax Agency (PDF Guide)
https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/shohi/menzei/201805/pdf/explanation_eng.pdf
4. GO TOKYO (The Official Tokyo Travel Guide)
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/plan/tax-free-shopping/index.html
5. Global Blue
https://www.globalblue.com/en/business/newsroom/basic-guide-to-japan-tax-free-procedures
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