Japan customs and tax-free shopping: allowances and the new refund system

Japan customs rules apply on arrival, while the Japan tax free system applies when you leave with goods bought during the trip. Both deserve attention in 2026, because tax-free shopping moves to a refund model on 1 November 2026.

Duty-free allowances on arrival

Goods above these limits are taxed. Items with an overseas market value of ¥10,000 or less each are generally left out of the ¥200,000 calculation.

What must be declared or is prohibited

• Cash, cheques or securities worth more than ¥1,000,000 in total must be declared.
• Narcotics, firearms, explosives and counterfeit goods are prohibited.
• Stimulant-based medicines, such as those containing amphetamine, are banned even with a prescription.
• Meat products, including jerky and sausages, many fresh fruits and plants need quarantine certificates and are usually confiscated.
• Medicines beyond a one-month supply (prescription) or two-month supply (non-prescription) need an import certificate (yunyu kakunin-sho) obtained before travel.

The new Japan tax free system from 1 November 2026

Until 31 October 2026, eligible visitors bought goods without consumption tax directly at the till. From 1 November 2026, shops charge the full price including the 10% consumption tax (8% for food and drink taken away). Purchases of ¥5,000 or more per shop per day remain eligible, and the old distinction between consumables and general goods disappears. At departure, the goods are presented to customs, which confirms electronically that they leave Japan, and the shop or its refund operator then pays back the tax.

How to get the refund

1. Show your passport when payingThe shop records the purchase electronically. A tax-free code from Visit Japan Web can be used to share passport details quickly.
2. Keep the goods with youGoods must leave Japan within 90 days of purchase, and every item has to be available for inspection at departure.
3. Pass the customs confirmationAt the airport, use the customs kiosk or counter shown on the signs, before the flight.
4. Receive the refundThe shop or refund operator reimburses the tax using the method chosen at purchase, such as the card used or a refund counter.

Allow extra time at the airport: under the Japan tax free refund model, a missing item means the tax on it is not refunded.

Japan customs at departure

Travelers leaving Japan with more than ¥1,000,000 in cash also declare it. Japanese swords, firearms and certain cultural properties need export permits, and endangered species products protected by CITES cannot be taken out without documents.

Pets, plants and food

Bringing pets requires advance notification and quarantine procedures that can take months. Many plants, soil and fresh produce are restricted. Packaged sweets and snacks are generally fine, but declare any meat or dairy products.

Official source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, bringing medicines into Japan

Frequently asked questions