【日本退稅新制 2026】11 月 1 日起實施！4 步驟退稅流程

Japan's new tax-free system starts Nov 1: pay tax upfront, confirm at airport KIOSK

Japan's new tax-free system for foreign visitors is reported to take effect on 1 November 2026, shifting from instant exemption at the shop to paying the tax-inclusive price first, confirming at an airport KIOSK, then receiving the refund after departure.

Roughly four steps: shop at a tax-free store where same-day pre-tax spending reaches ¥5,000, show your original passport or Visit Japan Web tax-free QR code, and pay the tax-inclusive total; register on J-TaxRefund by phone and link a credit card, e-wallet or bank account, usually once per trip; before checking in luggage at the airport, bring the goods, receipts and passport to the customs KIOSK — a green light lets you pack and check in, a red light means manual customs inspection; after departure the refund is paid to your registered method, with cash collection available at some airport restricted areas.

The new rules also relax several points: general goods and consumables can be combined toward the threshold, the daily ¥500,000 consumables cap is removed, and sealed bags are no longer required. Note that a single missing item on a receipt can void the whole receipt's refund, goods must leave Japan within 90 days of purchase, and liquids over 100ml need KIOSK confirmation before check-in. Check the latest official arrangements before you travel.

Editor’s noteThe change starts 1 November, so check the KIOSK and J-TaxRefund steps before your Japan trip, and keep every receipt and item with you.

This guide draws on public sources and does not claim a first-hand visit. Reviews and arrangements may change.