This is a guide to directly managed tax-free stores.
For specialty stores, please check with each store.
Guide to Tax-Free Procedures
What is Tax-Free Shopping?
Tax-free shopping is a system that allows non-residents who meet certain conditions to make purchases exempt from consumption tax in Japan.
Eligible Customers for Tax-Free Shopping
Only non-residents are eligible. Conditions vary depending on nationality (foreign or Japanese), so please refer to the details below
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Temporary Visitor
※Please note that re-entry stamps alone are not sufficient for completing tax-free procedures. - Diplomat
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Official
■Visit Japan Web
If you have a [Temporary Visitor] [Diplomat] or [Official] visa, registering through Visit Japan Web in advance will expedite the tax free process.
For more information, please visit the government's official website.
https://services.digital.go.jp/visit-japan-web/ -
U.S. Military Personnel and Affiliates
※A stamp indicating the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA:Status Of Forces Agreement) must be present in the passport. -
Port of Call Landing Permit and Transit Landing Permit
※Please be aware that re-entry stamps or landing permit stamps alone do not qualify for tax-free procedures. - Sightseeing Landing Permit for Ship Passengers
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Crew Landing Permit
※The permit number must be clearly stated. If the field is blank, tax-free procedures cannot be processed. - Emergency Landing Permit
- Landing Permit Due to Distress
【Note】
The landing permit (*3) does not include information that is necessary for the tax-free procedure (such as a photo or date of birth.)
For this reason, the PPIH Group requires you to present your passport or seaman's notebook to verify your identity and confirm the conditions for tax-free eligibility.
If you entered the country with a [ship tourist landing permit] a copy of your passport can also be used for verification.
In addition, other certificates issued overseas cannot be used as they cannot be verified as official identification. Thank you for your understanding.
*1 Residence statuses not listed above are not eligible for tax-free shopping. *2 「Diplomats」,「officials」, and 「U.S. military personnel」 are exceptions. *3「Landing permission for crew members」,「Landing permission for ship tourists」,「Emergency landing permission」, and「Landing permission due to distress」
■ For detailed information on eligible taxfree customers, please refer to the Japan Tourism Agency website.
List of Eligible Residence Statuses for Tax-Free Shopping
https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/tax-free/content/001577553.pdf
Source: Japan Tourism Agency Website
- Less than 6 months have passed since the date of entry into Japan (*1).
- The customer can provide documentation (*2) verifying continuous residence outside Japan for over 2 years.
- The documentation must be issued on or after the date that is 6 months prior to the return date.
*1 If there is no re-entry stamp, the date of entry cannot be verified, and tax-free purchases cannot be processed. Japanese passports typically receive a re-entry stamp upon return.However, if the automated gate is used, no stamp will be issued.For details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website. *2 Only the original of either the Certificate of Residence Abroad or the Copy of the Supplementary Family Register is accepted as valid documentation. Additionally, the registered domicile on the document must include the full address down to the lot number. If this information is missing, tax-free procedures cannot be processed under the tax-free system, and purchases will be declined. We kindly ask that you prepare in advance.
■ For detailed information on eligible taxfree customers and frequently asked questions, please refer to the Japan Tourism Agency website.
List of Eligible Residence Statuses for Tax-Free Shopping
https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/tax-free/content/001577553.pdf
Source: Japan Tourism Agency Website
FAQs for Japanese Nationals Temporarily Returning to Japan
https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/tax-free/page01_.html
Source: Japan Tourism Agency Website
Tax-Free Eligible Items
Items eligible for tax-free shopping are divided into two categories:
・Unconsumable items: Items that do
not get consumed through use
・Consumables: Items that are used up through consumption
Eligible Purchase Amount:¥5,000 or more(excluding tax)
Eligible Purchase Amount:¥5,000 to ¥500,000(excluding tax)
- Tax-free items must be taken out of Japan.
- Items packed with designated materials cannot be used within Japan.If you wish to open or consume the items before departure, please bring all purchased items back to the store. Our staff will assist with ecalculation and repackaging.
Additional Notes
- Tax-free procedures can only be completed on the day of purchase and at the store where the purchase was made. ※Items purchased on a previous day cannot be returned and combined for tax-free processing.
- If multiple people visit the store together, group purchases by a representative or splitting items for packaging are not accepted.
- When using credit cards, UnionPay cards, or majica cards, the name on the payment method must match the name on the passport.Depending on the payment method, we may verify the name for confirmation.
- Please present the original passport or landing permit of the purchaser. ※ Copies or photos are not accepted.
- You have landing permit, please also present your passport or seaman's notebook.
- For customers with dual nationality, tax-free eligibility will be determined based on the nationality of the passport used at the time of entry.
- Customers with a multiple-entry crew landing permit that cannot be verify their entry date, are not eligible for tax-free purchases.
- Japanese crew members do not receive a re-entry stamp, making it impossible to confirm the entry date, and thus tax-free purchases are not allowed.
- There may be restrictions on bringing certain products home, such as alcohol, liquids, food, and tobacco, depending on each country’s regulations.In addition, items that are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage are not eligible for tax-free purchase.
- At the time of departure, you must present your passport and purchased items to customs.Please note that if you do not possess the tax-free items at the time of departure, consumption tax will be charged by customs.
- Tax-free items purchased by U.S. military personnel entering Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) must be personally taken out of Japan by the purchaser.
① Purchases made for business use or resale purposes are not eligible for tax-free shopping.(* Receipts cannot be issued for tax-free purchases)
Example: Repeated purchases of the same item or bulk purchases
② Use of gift certificates, regional coupons, or prepaid cards for tax-free purchases
③ Items that are difficult to carry overseas, non-taxable items, or item that genre cant be identify
Examples: POSA cards, bicycle registration, repair fees, lottery items, etc.
PPIH Group enforces sales quantity limits on certain items in accordance with national tax-free regulations.
To prevent misuse of the tax-free system, tax-free purchases may be declined depending on the purchase circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.
A Request to Our Customers
Important Points to Note When Visit Our Store
To ensure that all customers can enjoy a pleasant shopping experience, we kindly ask for your cooperation in observing proper manners inside the store.
Please be mindful of the following points out of consideration for other customers.
- Please refrain from eating and drinking inside the store. ※In stores with designated eat-in areas, food and drinks may only be consumed in those specified locations.
- Opening or consuming unpaid items is not allowed.
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To protect customer privacy and ensure smooth store operations, unauthorized photography and posting on social media inside the store are strictly prohibited.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
If you wish to take photos or make posts, please contact us using the form below.
▶ Click here for the inquiry form - Please refrain from any other behavior that may disturb other customers, such as loud conversations, phone calls, or blocking walkways.
Examples of Non-Tax-Free Items

Japan Tourism Agency URL
https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/tax-free/index.html?_fsi=QBilCU8L&_fsi=QBilCU8L
