Who is eligible
| Traveller | Condition | What to show in the shop |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign visitor (e.g. “Temporary Visitor” status) | Less than 6 months since entering Japan | Passport |
| Diplomatic or official status, or US forces under the Status of Forces Agreement | No 6-month limit | Passport |
| Shore pass at a port of call, or transit landing permit | Valid permit | Passport |
| Cruise sightseeing landing permit, crew landing permit, emergency or distress landing permit | Valid permit | Passport and the permit |
| Japanese citizen living abroad | Lived outside Japan for 2+ years and less than 6 months since returning | Passport plus one of: copy of the family register annex (koseki no fuhyō), certificate of residence from an embassy or consulate, or a My Number card showing you moved abroad |
What you can buy tax-free
- At least ¥5,000 before tax at the same shop on the same day. Receipts from that day at that shop are added together.
- General goods and consumables (food, drinks, cosmetics, medicine) are now treated the same. The old ¥500,000 limit on consumables and the sealed bags are gone.
- Only as much as you can carry out of Japan yourself when you leave.
- Gold and platinum bullion, gold and platinum coins, and goods that are not subject to consumption tax are excluded.
Opening consumables in Japan
Food, drinks and cosmetics no longer come in sealed bags, but if you use or eat any of them before leaving, the receipt they are on cannot be refunded.
Shipping goods home
Mailing tax-free goods home yourself is no longer allowed (this option ended on 31 March 2025). Some shops can ship your purchase abroad directly under a separate export rule, without the airport check. Ask the shop if it offers this.