Poketinerary

Non‑resident (tourists) staying in Japan for less than six months, are able to shop tax‑free at licensed retailers simply by flashing their passport or the QR code obtained when filling out the ‘tax free’ section on the visit japan website (where you fill out the immigration/customs info prior to your trip).

Both physical goods (electronics, clothing) and consumables (snacks, cosmetics) can qualify, but the minimum purchase amount must total at least 5,000 yen before tax.

Consumable items – think food, drinks, and things like face masks – must be sealed in a special bag and remain unopened until you leave Japan. If you get these items tax free and then consume/use them in Japan, you will be expected to pay the tax at the airport.

The way it works is: the retailer will attach a portion of your receipt to your passport, and customs officials will expect to see the sealed goods when you depart. If you used the QR code, the purchase will be linked to your passport digitally, so they will still be able to see what you purchased tax free.

If you intend to use or consume the goods in Japan, it is much less hassle to just pay the tax at the point of purchase, as ultimately you will need to pay it later at the airport if you used something you should have kept sealed, which just creates extra hassle for what is essentially the same result.

This is particularly worth remembering when buying trading cards, such as sealed product and packs whether from dedicated TCG shops or one of the Pokemon Centers.

Non‑consumable items like a new electronic device or anime figurines that you win at the arcades (which you will!), can be used in Japan, meaning they do not need to be kept in their original packaging, but they must leave the country with you within the six month period.

Ensure to keep ALL receipts (even if using the QR code – it’s just good practice), because you may be asked to show them at customs on your way out. Given the potential language barrier, this bit of extra housekeeping could save you a lot of hassle.

Many stores deduct the tax at the register/point of purchase, but it’s important to ask if they offer tax-free shopping and if so, to request it explicitly. From our experience due to the language barrier and staff unfamiliarity, they do not always offer it automatically, and it’s not reasonable for them to assume every buyer is eligible for tax free. As a result, it’s not uncommon to pay tax even if you qualify for tax-free shopping – so always ask!

On the other hand, some stores offer consolidated tax‑free counters, which you must visit after purchase to get a tax refund.

If in doubt, be sure to ask – staff are usually very patient with confused tourists.

Ensure to bring your ACTUAL passport as copies and photos will not be accepted. The shop may even scan or take a photocopy of your passport.

If you have the QR code, this is all you will need, which the store will scan. Please note, not all stores support this digital method yet, so you may still need to present the passport.

That said, please note that Japanese law requires all foreign visitors to carry their passport at all times in Japan. If police stop you and request identification for any reason, failure to produce can lead to fines or legal trouble. The QR code simply saves you the trouble of having to present your passport multiple times.

Some significant changes are due to arrive late 2026.

The biggest of which being the switch to a refund-based system, with new digital steps already on the way.

This means instead of getting tax removed in shops (meaning you pay less at the point of purchase), you’ll now pay the full price and claim your refund at the airport. No doubt adding some hassle and effort.

Due to the refund procedure taking place at the airport after its introduction, you will need to factor in extra time to complete the process prior to flying home.

Stay tuned – we will provide more up to date information as and when it is made available.