Weak Yen, Big Savings? Test Your Japan Travel Cost IQ

Since Japan's tax-free system launched, eligible tourists have skipped the 10% consumption tax right at the register by showing their passport. Starting November 1, 2026, that flips: shoppers pay the full tax-included price at checkout, then apply for a refund at the airport when leaving the country, closer to how tax-free shopping works in much of Europe. The reform also drops the old sealed-bag requirement for consumables like cosmetics and snacks, and removes the separate rules that used to treat food and general goods differently. The ¥5,000 pre-tax minimum purchase per store per day stays in place, and travelers get 90 days from purchase to complete departure and claim the refund. The stated goal is curbing misuse of the old system. If your trip spans this date, keep every receipt no matter when you bought something.