What you can buy tax-free in Japan and the 5,000 yen minimum
You need to spend 5,000 yen or more before tax in the same shop on the same day. From 1 November 2026 general goods and consumables are counted together and the 500,000 yen cap on consumables ends. Gold and platinum bullion, gold and platinum coins, and goods that carry no consumption tax are excluded.
The 5,000 yen minimum
The minimum is judged on the price before tax, adding up what you buy in the same shop on the same day.
- Before tax
- 5,000 yen
- You pay at 10%
- 5,500 yen
- You pay at 8%
- 5,400 yen
- Upper limit
- None in yen
The 5,000 yen minimum does not apply to goods a shop ships abroad for you. They are handled as an export.
One category from 1 November 2026
General goods and consumables used to be counted separately. From 1 November 2026 they are one group.
| Until 31 October 2026 | From 1 November 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| General goods | 5,000 yen or more | 5,000 yen or more, counted together with consumables |
| Consumables: food, drinks, medicine, cosmetics | 5,000 yen to 500,000 yen, in a sealed bag | 5,000 yen or more, no sealed bag |
| Purpose | Goods for daily life only | Any purpose |
What is excluded
Three kinds of goods cannot be bought tax-free.
- Gold and platinum bullion
- Gold coins and platinum coins
- Goods that are exempt from consumption tax
How much you can buy
There is no upper amount in yen, but every item has to leave Japan with you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum purchase for tax-free shopping in Japan?
5,000 yen or more before tax, in the same shop on the same day. That is 5,500 yen at the till for goods taxed at 10%.
Is there a maximum for tax-free shopping in Japan?
From 1 November 2026 there is no upper amount. The 500,000 yen cap on consumables is abolished. You can buy only what you can carry out of Japan yourself.
Can I add up purchases from different days to reach 5,000 yen?
No. The minimum is the total for one day in the same shop.
Is gold tax-free in Japan?
Not as bullion or coins. Gold and platinum bullion and gold and platinum coins are excluded from tax-free shopping. Gold jewellery is not on the excluded list.
Related items
Official page: Japan Tourism Agency
Sources for this page
- Japan Tourism Agency Refund method: page for travellers (旅行者向け特設ページ)checked October 2, 2026
- Japan Tourism Agency Changes to the procedure: comparison table (手続の変更点)checked October 2, 2026
- National Tax Agency Tax-Free Shopping System will be shifted to the Refund Method (FY2025 tax reform leaflet)checked October 2, 2026
- National Tax Agency Q&A on the tax-free shop system under the refund method, overview, April 2026 (輸出物品販売場制度に関するQ&A)checked October 2, 2026
- Japan Tourism Agency Frequently Asked Questions for Travelers (Refund Method)checked October 2, 2026
Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 2, 2026