Hi kawan-kawan! 👋
I just got back from Japan – still recovering from the shopping high! 😆 Whether it's skincare, snacks, or gadgets, Japan is truly a shopper's paradise. But did you know that as Malaysians, we can get 10% tax back on many of our purchases? 🎉 Yup, it's called Tax-Free Shopping, and trust me, the savings really add up.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know – from how the tax system works to how to claim your refund like a pro. Grab your notepad (or your phone, haha), because this guide is going to save you some serious yen! 💴💡
🧾 Tax Refund and Exemption
In Japan, you’ll notice that the price tag often includes two numbers – the base price and the price with tax included. That extra 10% is called Consumption Tax. It’s like Malaysia’s SST, applied to most goods and services.
But here's the good news: Tourists are exempted from this tax on eligible items bought at approved stores. 🙌
This means:
- More budget for your next bowl of ramen 🍜
- More skincare from Shiseido and Hada Labo 💆♀️
- And more kawaii souvenirs for family and friends 🎁
💡 Consumption Tax in Japan
Japan's Consumption Tax is currently 10%, and it applies to:
- Fashion & apparel 👕👗
- Electronics & gadgets 💻📱
- Beauty products & skincare 💄🧴
- Snacks & packaged food 🍘🍫
- Drinks (non-alcoholic) 🧃
You might not notice it right away, but this tax sneaks up fast, especially when you’re doing some serious shopping in places like Don Quijote or Bic Camera
🧠 Tip: Always check the “tax-included” vs “tax-excluded” prices. Some stores show both clearly.
📜 The Current Tax Exemption System – What’s Eligible?
There are two main categories for tax exemption in Japan:
1. General Goods:
Things like clothes, electronics, bags, toys, etc. These are non-consumable items.
Conditions:
- Must spend at least ¥5,000 (excluding tax) in one day, in the same store.
- No maximum limit – go wild (if your luggage can handle it 😂).
2. Consumable Goods:
Food, drinks, cosmetics, medicine, toothpaste, supplements, etc.
Conditions:
- Minimum spend: ¥5,000
- Maximum limit: ¥500,000 (about RM16,000)
- Items must be sealed and used outside Japan only.
- Usually packed in a special sealed bag by the store – don’t open it before you fly!
⚠️ Some shops allow combining both types, others handle them separately. Always ask!
✅ Tax Refund Conditions – Are You Eligible?
Here’s what you’ll need to qualify for the tax exemption:
✅ You must be:
- A non-resident of Japan (tourist visa holder)
- Staying in Japan for less than 6 months
✅ You must:
- Bring your physical passport with you when shopping (photocopies not accepted)
- Spend at least ¥5,000 before tax in a single store in one day
- Buy items for personal use only – not for business or resale
- Leave Japan within 30 days of the purchase date
- Not open or use consumables in Japan
✈️ Customs may inspect your tax-free items at the airport, so keep everything sealed and accessible in your carry-on bag!
Cheap Hotels in Tokyo
5 star
Amazing720 Ulasan
Central Tokyo Tokyo|2.87km dari pusat bandar
A very large, traditional western styled hotel in Akasakamitsuke, which is close to some historical government buildings. Quiet surroundings but not immediately next to a neighborhoody type area. Just business buildings. But Shibuya and Harajuku are a couple subway stops away, about 20 min. Beautiful Japanese garden, and the rooms are fairly large. I liked its retro type feel. And the prices is reasonable compared to other large hotels as Okura or Hyatt. I also stayed at the Hyatt and I much preferred its full service and well trained staff.Dari€138
Great1293 Ulasan
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.49km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is excellent. You can sit in the lobby and enjoy the night view of Tokyo Tower, and it's within walking distance of Ginza for shopping. Plus, there are two FamilyMarts and one 7-Eleven right downstairs, which is super convenient.
However, the room was incredibly small. After putting down two suitcases (one large, one small), I couldn't even open the fridge door, and there was hardly any space to move around.
The service was subpar. The charging socket by the bed broke at night and couldn't be fixed. They suggested we move to another room of the same type, but it felt like too much hassle, so we didn't. We didn't book a room with breakfast, but we walked in and ate. Later that night, we found a collection letter from the hotel at our door, as if we were going to skip out on the bill? Don't guests usually pay upon check-out? It's not like we didn't pay a deposit. How desperate for money do you have to be to send a collection letter? It was a terrible experience! On the other hand, there wasn't even an apology for the broken charging socket that couldn't be fixed promptly. The service was really bad!Dari€187
Amazing1877 Ulasan
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.66km dari pusat bandar
This was my second stay at the Imperial Hotel. At its current price point, it offers decent value for money in Tokyo, especially considering that even budget hotels in Ueno can go for over 1,000 JPY. However, to be honest, the hotel's location isn't the most convenient. It takes about 8-10 minutes to walk to the nearest subway station, and the elevator is even further away, which can be a hassle if you have luggage.
That said, the hotel's service is absolutely top-notch. The doorman literally ran out to greet us and helped with our luggage, escorting it all the way to our room.
Cleanliness is also completely trustworthy; the bedding and towels were entirely odorless.
Conferences are frequently held here, with many Japanese businessmen in black suits hurrying about, creating a very solemn and dignified atmosphere.Dari€258
Great3296 Ulasan
Suidobashi/Tokyo Dome Tokyo|3.75km dari pusat bandar
If you're attending a concert, this is definitely the place to stay. It's incredibly convenient. The subway station is just a couple of steps away, and there are plenty of restaurants, convenience stores, Starbucks, and other amenities downstairs. If you don't mind a short walk, there are even more subway lines available within about 10 minutes, making it a quick 20+ minute ride to Ginza, Shinjuku, and Omotesando.
While the room's fixtures and fittings are a bit dated, they are very well-maintained and spotlessly clean. For Tokyo, this room is quite spacious, and the hotel staff are very friendly.Dari€91
Great1836 Ulasan
Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.41km dari pusat bandar
I was a bit worried about the environment after reading some reviews before my trip, but my actual experience was really great! The room wasn't particularly old, and with the tower view, it felt quite stylish. The service was also good, and I especially want to thank the front desk for arranging such a wonderful room for me. The only downside is that the transportation isn't super convenient; it's a bit of a walk from the subway station (though taxis are readily available). Overall, a perfect Tokyo trip!Dari€203
Great478 Ulasan
Shinagawa Tokyo|4.74km dari pusat bandar
The service was great; they proactively delivered our luggage to the hotel. The hotel's breakfast buffet was the best I've ever had at a five-star hotel, with several types of fish, plenty of fruits, and a wide variety of drinks. It was even more extensive than the Banyan Tree I recently stayed at in China. The hotel garden is beautiful; I managed to photograph ginkgo and red leaves. I didn't even visit other attractions in Tokyo because this place was so good. The hotel shuttle bus is also a highlight—very convenient. You can catch it next to the taxi stand, near a small sign, after exiting the JR Meguro East Exit (see picture two).Dari€170
Amazing277 Ulasan
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.35km dari pusat bandar
Hotel Marunouchi was definitely the biggest surprise of this trip. It's directly accessible from Tokyo Station's Marunouchi North Exit/Otemachi direction, B1 floor, leading straight to the Oazo building with an elevator directly to the hotel. From check-in to check-out, every staff member we encountered was incredibly friendly and efficient. Next time I'm near Tokyo Station, Hotel Marunouchi will be my first choice.Dari€270
Great4088 Ulasan
Shinjuku Area Tokyo|6.73km dari pusat bandar
Great location! There is airport bus direct to/fro Narita and Haneda airports. Check in is fast. Room is clean and new. We also received entrance passes to visit the sky tower, enjoy shinjuku night scenary and free drinks! Shinjuku train lines are 5 mins walk away and plenty of malls and food places to go. A good accommodation choice.Dari€160
Business travel
Very Good1242 Ulasan
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.29km dari pusat bandar
Good location, 3 minutes walk from airport bus. Lots of eateries nearby. Room was decent size for a solo traveller and I could open my large luggage up fully.
Overall, for location and amenities it was good.
However the service was terrible and unhelpful, had a bad experience with them. Unfortunately, this would make me think twice booking with them.Dari€83
Very Good993 Ulasan
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.44km dari pusat bandar
Great location!
Located in the heart of Tokyo's Ginza, it's just a few minutes' walk to Ginza-Itchome Station on the Yurakucho Line. Shopping, dining, and transportation are all extremely convenient.
Clean, comfortable, and modern
The room was clean and tidy, the bed was comfortable, and the facilities were quite new. There was plenty of space to open a suitcase.
Friendly and efficient staff
The front desk had staff who spoke Chinese, and all the service personnel were professional and friendly.habis dijual
Great741 Ulasan
Odaiba Tokyo|4.77km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is conveniently located for both arrival and departure from Haneda Airport, with good transport links and plenty of restaurants nearby. The hotel itself is relatively new, clean, and well-maintained. The bedding is comfortable, and the service is efficient. However, it's a pity that despite booking a high-floor deluxe room with two double beds, we were assigned to room x7x1. The sealed window next to the bed faced a very noisy area, which significantly impacted our sleep quality.Dari€127
Great1673 Ulasan
Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.05km dari pusat bandar
The location is decent, and the rooms offer a good view of Tokyo Tower. There's a subway station right outside, but you'll need to transfer to get to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza. The room size is generous, but the price is quite high, and the facilities are definitely outdated. I stayed for 5 nights, and every single night there were loud drag races happening outside, which was incredibly annoying. The windows offer very poor soundproofing, making it extremely noisy; you pretty much won't get any peace before 1 AM. This is a real problem. Honestly, besides the Tokyo Tower view, there's not much else to write home about.Dari€109
Very Good481 Ulasan
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.34km dari pusat bandar
My stay at Quintessa Hotel Tokyo Ginza was excellent. The hotel is clean, modern, and perfectly located in the heart of Ginza, surrounded by great shopping, restaurants, and easy access to public transportation. The room was comfortable and well-equipped, making it easy to relax after a long day exploring Tokyo.
The staff were professional, friendly, and always willing to assist with anything I needed. Their hospitality made a huge difference and made my stay even more enjoyable.
Overall, it was a smooth and comfortable experience, and I would definitely stay at Quintessa Hotel Tokyo Ginza again on my next trip to Tokyo.Dari€124
Great627 Ulasan
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|0.99km dari pusat bandar
The only minor drawback was the small room; otherwise, everything was excellent. Upon arriving at Narita Airport, I had planned to take a bus, but struggled to find where to purchase a transport card (as suggested by an online guide). So, I ended up taking the JR train directly from the airport to Tokyo Station instead. The journey cost 3070 JPY, took less than an hour, and had frequent services. I exited from the Yaesu Central Exit, following the orange signs, and it was just a 7-8 minute walk to the hotel using navigation. The hotel provides a comprehensive array of toiletries, including skincare products, face masks, and razors, and guests can also choose their preferred pillow. Ladies have access to a complimentary public bath on the third floor. Additionally, on the first floor, complimentary free-flow cocktails and ice cream are available until 9 PM.Dari€102
Great709 Ulasan
Central Tokyo Tokyo|2.63km dari pusat bandar
I stayed here for three nights and it was pretty good. The bed was comfortable and the room was spacious. The hotel isn't too far from the metro station, about a 10-minute walk. There's a laundry room, and a convenience store right across the street, which is quite handy. Plus, there are plenty of coffee shops nearby for breakfast, which is a big plus!Dari€42
Great1234 Ulasan
Central Tokyo Tokyo|2.68km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location right next to the Imperial Palace was wonderful. Even though I couldn't get a tour reservation, I really enjoyed the tranquility; it was so peaceful every day. It's super close to the subway exit, just across the street – I think it was exit 5, which has both an elevator and stairs, so no problems with luggage. The hotel had a lovely scent! The front desk staff were excellent; they accurately understood my needs even when my communication wasn't perfectly smooth, and even upgraded my room. The room type I booked originally wasn't quite right, and they adjusted it for me without even needing to switch rooms, which was a pleasant surprise. Overall, I thought it was pretty good. Perhaps because I've stayed in even smaller rooms in Korea, the size felt perfectly fine. They provided many drinks daily, and downstairs there was free orange juice or hot green tea, as well as skincare products and face masks, usually available if you returned before 10 PM. The only minor inconvenience was needing to transfer to get anywhere, though getting to Omotesando was quite convenient. Highly recommended! Finally, a shout-out to Trip.com customer service. I booked hotels on four different platforms, and Trip.com's customer service was the most responsive and effective in solving actual problems, blowing the others out of the water.Dari€48
Breakfast
Great731 Ulasan
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.31km dari pusat bandar
Honestly, aside from the price, this hotel has no flaws. It has its own natural hot spring, free to use after 3 PM as long as you follow the communal bathing rules. After a thorough rinse, you can enjoy a relaxing soak. From 5 PM onwards, there's even complimentary alcohol served on the first floor.
Every day, you can choose free pajamas and pillows, with various softness and firmness options available. There's an ice machine on each floor, where you can also get iced water.
Fresh and clean bath towels and other linens are provided daily.
The service is incredibly attentive and meticulous. Every time you leave, someone at the front desk wishes you a safe journey. When checking out, someone at the door will open it, bow, and wish you a safe trip.
Downstairs, there's a ramen shop open until 4 AM, so even if you miss dinner sometimes, you're in the central Ginza area, with countless restaurants open until the early hours just a few steps away.
The K S Higashi-Ginza Station is right at the doorstep. Across the street is the Higashi-Ginza Line of the Hibiya Line, and just one more street over is the Ginza Station of the Ginza Line, making transportation extremely convenient.Dari€79
Great70 Ulasan
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.84km dari pusat bandar
Hoshinoya Tokyo is situated in a tower in Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, uniquely blending a traditional Japanese garden with a high-rise hotel concept. While its immediate surroundings are dominated by corporate offices like Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, its location isn't as prime as other similarly priced luxury hotels such as The Peninsula Tokyo or Bulgari, with a noticeable lack of nearby dining options or convenience stores.
The service, on the other hand, truly made guests feel at home. Each floor boasts a dedicated Japanese-style common area, but the atmosphere felt a bit too rigid or rule-bound. For example, when I asked for a second welcome dessert, it wasn't possible.
However, I would strongly advise against staying here for a business trip. Firstly, the hotel's policy of not allowing unregistered guests to enter is quite inconvenient and arguably unsuitable for a business-oriented establishment. Secondly, the hotel itself offers a rich array of experiences – from its two-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant to kimono fittings, tea ceremonies, kendo classes, hot springs, and sightseeing bicycles. These features highlight its strong appeal for leisure travel, making it less ideal for business.Dari€1,053
Great1242 Ulasan
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|2.06km dari pusat bandar
My stay at VIA INN PRIME Nihonbashi Ningyocho was quite good overall. The location is very convenient, close to Ningyocho Station, making it easy to get to Tokyo Station, Ginza, and Ueno. There are also many convenience stores and small restaurants nearby, and it's quiet at night when you return. The room, while not large, was very clean and well-arranged. A pleasant surprise was being able to see the Tokyo Skytree from my window; seeing it lit up at night always brightened my mood, which was a nice little bonus.
The bed was comfortable, and the soundproofing was better than expected, so I slept soundly. The only minor drawback was the 10 AM check-out time, which felt a bit early and made the morning feel rushed. However, the front desk check-out process was very quick and efficient. Overall, it's a practical and hassle-free hotel to stay in, with a great location and good value for money. If I'm ever in central Tokyo again, this would definitely be a place I'd consider rebooking.Dari€61
Very Good228 Ulasan
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.36km dari pusat bandar
This was my first time visiting Tokyo, and I stayed at Agora for five days:
🤵♀️ During check-in, although the staff didn't speak Chinese, they provided detailed check-in instructions in Chinese. All the front desk staff I encountered during my stay had excellent attitudes.👍🏻
🧹 The hotel usually cleans rooms every three days. If you need daily cleaning, just put the magnetic sign from your room outside your door before noon on that day.
🛏️ I chose a twin room, and when I opened the door, I found they had pushed two single beds together. The size was decent, and two adults could sleep comfortably without feeling cramped.
📍 The location is excellent. Downstairs, there's a restaurant called Bansuke that serves delicious fried fish ochazuke. Just a short walk away, you'll find FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven. There are also drugstores and restaurants at the large intersection outside.
🚇 Higashi-Ginza Station is just around the corner from the hotel entrance, making it very convenient to take the Asakusa Line and Hibiya Line. There's also an express train directly to the airport; just check Google Maps for the schedule. If you prefer to walk to Ginza Station, there's a dedicated underground passage, which is very convenient.
🛍️ If you want to go shopping, most malls are about a 10-minute walk away, and the street is quite lively.
💦 The only downside is that the room is indeed quite small, with barely enough space to lay one suitcase flat. But honestly, for this price, getting such a great location is already very satisfying. The experience was excellent, and I'm grateful to Agora for a wonderful memory of Tokyo.🥰Dari€137
Great817 Ulasan
Roppongi Tokyo|3.16km dari pusat bandar
Stayed at remm Roppongi with my husband and we truly enjoyed it. The hotel is stylish, cozy, and perfectly located near Roppongi Station. The room was spotless, the bed was super comfortable, and the massage chair made our nights extra relaxing. A great place to rest after exploring Tokyo.Dari€66
Great185 Ulasan
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.41km dari pusat bandar
We were really satisfied with this hotel! It was our last two nights in Japan as three girls traveling together, and the location was absolutely perfect. Step out, and there’s a FamilyMart on the right, followed by Donki. Walk straight from the main entrance, and you’ll reach Ginza Six. Many popular Instagram-worthy spots are within walking distance. We highly recommend the Yellow Soup Curry—this hotel is a bit pricey, but that’s expected in Ginza.Dari€162
Great882 Ulasan
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.13km dari pusat bandar
Basic with the necessary for a night stay and yet very comfortable. Room is big enough for my luggage to be open up fully and space to walk around and sit down at the coffee table for a meal. Best is the location , Foo’s everywhere , walking distance to imperial palace and the JR train station! Shopping area is also here. The Marunouchi street is also just on the other side of the JR Tokyo station - easy to walk there. The stay is Value for money. Love the free drinks available at lobby with waiting area to rest. Self service Laundry corner also at the same level - super easy. I’d recommend this for next stay in Tokyo.Dari€85
Great749 Ulasan
Haneda Airport/Kamata Tokyo|13.45km dari pusat bandar
Arrived at the airport in the middle of the night and needed a place to crash; this hotel was a decent option for a short rest. The room cost a bit over 500 [yuan], and a taxi ride was about 70 [yuan]. It's very close to the subway. I got in at 1 AM, so the hotel shuttle wasn't running anymore, but overall, it was still pretty good.Dari€50
🔁 Tax Refund Procedures – How to Claim It?
source from https://globaloptimizer.com/
Let me break down the steps I followed:
🛍️ At the Store:
- Shop normally at a tax-free store. (Look for the red and blue “Japan Tax-Free Shop” logo!)
- When paying, tell the cashier you want a tax exemption.
- Show your passport – they’ll record the details and print a purchase record.
- The tax (10%) will either be deducted on the spot or refunded in cash/card at a separate counter.
- They may staple a receipt to your passport – do not remove it yourself!
💼 I kept all my tax-free purchases and receipts in a special pouch just to stay organized.
🛫 At the Airport:
- Arrive early – at least 3 hours before your flight
- Go to the Customs Declaration area (before security)
- Show your passport and receipts
- Sometimes they may ask to inspect your purchases
- That’s it! No need for further refund steps if you got it at the store
🧠 Tip: Not all airports require customs staff to check your items, but it’s best to be prepared!
🏪 Duty-Free Shops in Japan – Where to Go?
Here are some tourist-favourite spots for tax-free shopping:
- 🐧 Don Quijote (Donki) – Has EVERYTHING, open till late
- 📷 Bic Camera / Yodobashi – Electronics, cameras, kitchen gadgets
- 🧴 Matsumoto Kiyoshi / Welcia – Pharmacy chains, beauty & supplements
- 👗 UNIQLO / GU – Affordable fashion, especially winter wear
- 🎨 Tokyu Hands / LOFT – Lifestyle products and quirky gifts
Always ask: “Tax-free available?” or look for signs like “免税” or “Japan Tax-Free” at the entrance!
🔥 Japan Tax Refund Tips
Here’s what I wish I knew before my trip – learn from my experience! 👇
🔖 Keep Your Passport Handy
Don’t just store it deep in your backpack – you’ll need it every time you check out.
🗃️ Stay Organized
Receipts, tax exemption forms, sealed bags – I bought a cheap folder from Daiso just for this.
🛍️ Plan Your Purchases
Instead of small buys in different stores, combine everything in one shop to hit the ¥5,000 minimum.
⛔ Don’t Break the Seal
For consumables, the packaging is serious business. If opened, you might get questioned at the airport.
📍 Airport Stores Are Your Backup
If you miss out in town, airport shops like Narita, Haneda, and Kansai have tax-free counters too (but less variety lah).
📱 Use Apps Like LINE or Google Translate
Some shopkeepers aren’t fluent in English – using your phone can save time.
💳 Use a Credit Card With No FX Fees
I used my BigPay card – easier to track and better rates than cash exchanges.
Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo
- Sehala
- Pergi Balik
- direct cheapest
KUL14:506j 50mTanpa hentiHND22:40Kuala Lumpur - Tokyo|Kha, 5 Mac|AirAsia X Berhad (Malaysia)€ 155€ 18717% off17% off€ 187€ 155 
KUL12:457j 5mTanpa hentiNRT20:50Kuala Lumpur - Tokyo|Sel, 28 Apr|Batik Air Malaysia€ 168€ 18710% off10% off€ 187€ 168
KUL13:3510j 25m1 hentianHND01:00Kuala Lumpur - Tokyo|Sab, 18 Apr|VietJet Air€ 114€ 18739% off39% off€ 187€ 114- KUL13:3510j 25m1 hentianHND01:00Kuala Lumpur - Tokyo|Sab, 25 Apr|VietJet Air€ 114€ 114
KUL02:1521j 30m1 hentianHND00:45Kuala Lumpur - Tokyo|Sab, 2 Mei|Philippine Airlines€ 115€ 115- KUL13:3510j 25m1 hentianHND01:00Kuala Lumpur - Tokyo|Ahd, 3 Mei|VietJet Air€ 115€ 115
- KUL13:3510j 25m1 hentianHND01:00Kuala Lumpur - Tokyo|Kha, 23 Apr|VietJet Air€ 116€ 116
- KUL13:3510j 25m1 hentianHND01:00Kuala Lumpur - Tokyo|Sel, 28 Apr|VietJet Air€ 116€ 116
KUL1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiTYO2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Tokyo|Mon, Feb 23|AirAsia X Berhad (Malaysia)Cari Penerbangan LainCari Penerbangan Lain
Tambang penerbangan yang dipaparkan dari ${{departCityName}} ke ${{arrivalCityName}} adalah berdasarkan harga purata daripada pelbagai syarikat penerbangan untuk 3 bulan seterusnya, mengikut pangkalan data Trip.com terkini.
💬 Final Thoughts – It’s Totally Worth It!
Shopping in Japan is already an adventure, but getting a 10% discount on top? That's the real win 🏆. The process might sound mafan at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. If you're heading to Japan soon, I say: shop smart, shop tax-free! 🛍️✨ And remember, don’t forget your passport – and maybe bring an extra suitcase just in case. 😉
✈️ Book your flight to Japan now on Trip.com
🏨 Find the best Japan hotel deals in Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto
📱 Grab a Japan eSIM for fast internet right when you land
Happy travels, fellow Malaysians – and enjoy your Japanese shopping spree!❤
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Japan Tax Refunds
🧾 1. What is a Japan tax refund?
It's a system that allows foreign tourists to get back the 10% Consumption Tax on eligible purchases made at approved stores in Japan. You either get the tax deducted at checkout or refunded immediately in-store.🛂 2. Who is eligible for a tax refund in Japan?
You are eligible if: You're a foreign tourist staying in Japan less than 6 months. You're holding a temporary visitor visa. You have your original passport with you when shopping.💼 3. Do I need to show my passport?
Yes, your original passport must be shown at the time of purchase. Photocopies or digital versions will not be accepted.💳 4. Is there a minimum purchase requirement?
Yes! You must spend at least: ¥5,000 (before tax) on general goods (e.g., clothes, electronics). ¥5,000 to ¥500,000 (before tax) on consumables (e.g., cosmetics, snacks, supplements). All purchases must be made at the same store on the same day.🧴 5. What are consumables and why are they treated differently?
Consumables include food, drinks, cosmetics, medicines, etc. These items must: Be sealed at the store in a special bag. Not be opened before leaving Japan. Be taken out of the country within 30 days of purchase.🛍️ 6. What’s the difference between tax-free and duty-free?
Tax-Free: Applies to purchases made within Japan at certain stores (10% consumption tax waived). Duty-Free: Refers to goods bought at the airport that are exempt from customs duties, taxes, and consumption tax.🏪 7. Where can I shop tax-free in Japan?
Look for shops with the sign “Japan Tax-Free Shop”. Common ones include: Don Quijote UNIQLO Bic Camera / Yodobashi Camera Matsumoto Kiyoshi LOFT / Tokyu Hands🔁 8. How is the tax refund processed?
There are two methods: Instant Deduction: The tax is removed at the cashier. Separate Counter Refund: You pay full price, then go to a counter in-store to get your refund (in cash or to your card).🛫 9. Do I need to do anything at the airport before leaving Japan?
Yes. Go to the Customs Declaration counter (before security) and show: Your passport Receipts Tax-exempt goods (especially consumables) Sometimes officers may inspect your items. Don’t open sealed consumables until after your flight.⏱️ 10. Can I claim a refund after I leave Japan?
No, tax refunds must be processed while you're still in Japan, and on the day of purchase at the store. There’s no option to claim online or after you’ve flown home.📅 11. Is there a time limit to use tax-free items?
Yes. All tax-free goods must be taken out of Japan within 30 days of purchase. Customs may check your departure date against the receipts.