Tax-free shopping in Japan — what actually happens, store by store
Japan saves you 10% on almost everything — electronics, clothing, cosmetics, souvenirs. But the process isn't as simple as showing a card. Here's exactly how it worked, from immigration stamp to checkout.
⚠️ Important: The system is changing in November 2026
Everything in this guide reflects the current system — tax is deducted instantly at checkout. From November 1, 2026, Japan is switching to a "pay first, refund at the airport" model. If you're travelling after that date, check the official Japan Tax-Free Shop website for updated procedures.
Step 1 — get the QR sticker at immigration
When you land in Japan and go through immigration, the officer stamps your passport and sticks a small QR code sticker next to the stamp. This QR code is your entry into the tax-free system — it links your passport to your Visit Japan Web account so the tax-free QR code can be generated.
Step 2 — generate your tax-free QR code on Visit Japan Web
The tax-free QR code on Visit Japan Web — live, timed, refreshes each session.
Once you have your passport stamp and sticker, open Visit Japan Web on your phone, go to the tax-free shopping section, and take a photo of the QR sticker in your passport when prompted. The site then generates your personal tax-free shopping QR code.
Keep a tab open in your browser for the "Visit Japan Web site" throughout your trip — you'll be logging in frequently. Screenshots are not accepted. Stores scan the live QR code directly from the Web site on your phone.
Official Visit Japan Web
Visit Japan Web — Open here ↗WiFi is required to load the QR code at stores. Most large stores and shopping centres have free WiFi available.
Step 3 — at the store (this is where it varies)
Every store handles the tax-free process slightly differently. Some do it at the checkout counter, some have a dedicated tax-free desk. Some refund instantly, some take a few days. Here's exactly what happened at three stores I shopped at.
Musashi (department store)
Pay tax now, refund in 2–5 days
Common in department stores and larger malls. You pay more upfront but get it back automatically.
Zara Japan
Instant tax deduction at checkout
The simplest version. Common in clothing stores. Instant, no waiting.
Uniqlo
Visit Japan Web QR code only — no passport asked
Uniqlo is one of the most Visit Japan Web-compatible chains. Fast and smooth if you have the QR code ready.
Practical tips from the trip
Carry your passport everywhere: Your passport is required for tax-free purchases, not a photo of it. I know it feels safer in the hotel safe, but you'll need it every time you shop. Keep it on you.
Ask before you buy — confirm the store does tax-free. Not every store participates. Smaller independent shops often don't. If you're close to the ¥5,000 minimum, confirm they're tax-free eligible before deciding whether to buy.
Consumables must stay sealed until you leave Japan. Cosmetics, food, medicine bought tax-free will be sealed in a bag. Don't open them in Japan — customs can check. General items like clothing and electronics can be used.
Official resources
Related Japan guides
10% back on everything adds up fast.
Happy shopping ✈️
- Dee