Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (MLIT) announced as of 1st of May, 2016 that the total value to enjoy the tax free (consumption tax and other tax like VAT) for the general product(一般物品) and consumable product (消耗品) lower. 

 

Now the foreign travelers can enjoy duty free for the product(s) with the total value of 5000JPY or more. If you buy several souvenirs with value of 5000JPY in total (let us say, you buy 3000JPY Jeans and 2000JPY T-shirts), you get tax free with your passport.

 

Formally the values were more than 10,000JPY (i.e. not including 10,000JPY) for general product and more than 5000JPY (i.e. not including 5000JPY) for consumable product from one shop per day.

 

 

The examples of consumable product (消耗品): Something you can consume within 6 month. Foods (check out the popular food gifts in Japan), Beverage including alcohol, Cosmetics, medicine, batteries, film (for camera etc.), cigarette

 

The examples of general product(一般物品): Something other than consumable product. Electronic devices, Jewelries, watches, bag, clothes, Kimono, craft goods.

 

We notice the popular products from Japan for travelers are the following:

 

How can you get the tax free? You just bring your passport (and boarding ticket just in case). Be careful. You can NOT use a photo copy of passport. No other ID allowed.

 

 

NOTE: even if you are a foreigner, if you live or work in Japan or stay in Japan longer than 6 months, you can not get the tax free treatment. "Duty free" and "tax free" are different. The former means custom tax free regarding to the timing when you come back to your country and the latter, VAT etc. free where you do not pay the taxes normal residents in Japan usually pay. For details, please contact MLIT.

 

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Onegai Kaeru wants you to enjoy Japan trip.

 

If you are looking for more traveler"s info and can not find one, please let us know. We will try to help you with Japan Traveler Help Service (we work on hourly charge to arrange, book, find info you need). Feel free to contact us!

 

 

Want to know more places for the great photos in Japan? For example, Toshima island with so many flowers. Please check this out!

 

Do you know an island with over 2000 years old tree in Japan? Please check this out!

 

Onegai Kaeru, a group of passionate travelers, bring happiness to the world with its shopping support service and original super cute items!

 

Source: MILT website

 

 

Disclaimer: Even though we try to make the info as updated and accurate but the accuracy of the information herein is not guaranteed by us. If you have any uncertainty, please contact the information source. All the shops we introduce here are just examples we found online by random search. We do NOT support these shops for their integrity or authenticity. We shall have NO responsibility whatsoever as to any isssue or problem regarding your use of or purchase from such shops.