One of the highlights of traveling in Japan is shopping. Whether it is cosmetics, snacks, pharmaceuticals, daily necessities, or character goods, many people find that their suitcases are packed to the brim on the way home every time. In this context, it has been announced that Japan’s consumption tax exemption system will undergo a major change starting in November 2026. Under the new system, instead of being exempted from tax at the store as is currently the case, you will purchase items at the tax-inclusive price and then receive a consumption tax refund after leaving the country. This is called the “refund method.”
How will Japan’s tax-free system change from November 2026?
Let’s first compare the differences before and after the revision.
| Item | Until now (up to October 2026) | From November 2026 (New System) |
| At time of purchase | Purchase at tax-free price (or refund at in-store tax-free counter) | Purchase at the tax-inclusive price (register refund destination information such as credit card)* |
| At time of departure | Confirmation at customs after security check (restricted area) | Confirmation at customs that tax-free goods are being taken out of Japan before security check (general area) *Within 90 days from date of purchase |
| Refund | (Completed at store) | Refund after confirmation at customs |
*The method and timing for registering refund destination information such as credit cards may vary depending on the store where you make your purchase or the refund service you use.
Procedure flow after the revision
English version: Consumption Tax Tax-Free Shop Site Refund Method Leaflet (For Travelers)
Important Points for Travelers Under the New Tax-Free System | Procedures Required Even After Shopping
The biggest change with the new system is that your shopping is not “finished” once you are done buying. Until now, completing the tax-free procedure at the store was the end of the process, but from now on, you will need to be mindful of your purchase information and refund application as you shop.
Is the New Tax-Free System Complicated? Tips for Smooth Shopping with a Little Preparation
Looking at the details of the system change, some people may feel anxious, thinking, “The procedures seem more complicated and troublesome…” or “Will I have to wait in long lines at the airport and waste time?” But do not worry. In fact, with just a little preparation and some tips on how to shop, you can continue to enjoy a comfortable and great-value shopping experience just as before. This time, for those planning a trip to Japan from November onward, we will introduce tips for smooth shopping even after the new tax-free system is implemented.
Procedures Required for Refund Application and Points to Note About Managing Receipts
Under the new system, in order to receive a consumption tax refund after purchasing products, you will need to register your passport information, purchase details, and refund account information using the refund application method provided by each store. While traveling in Japan, many people enjoy shopping at multiple stores such as drugstores, souvenir shops, electronics retailers, and variety shops. What you need to be aware of is that the refund application process may differ depending on where you make your purchase. If you shop at various stores, you will need to:
- Handle different refund application methods for each store
- Check for any missed refund applications
- Store and manage a large number of receipts
This can lead to stressful situations during your trip, such as wondering, “Which website do I use to apply for a refund for this product?” or “Where did I put that receipt?” For this reason, under the new system, “where you shop” becomes an even more important point than before.
Why “Where You Shop” Matters Under the New System｜The Convenience of Buying in Bulk
Even though the system is changing, you can still enjoy great deals when shopping in Japan. That’s why, from now on, the smartest and most convenient choice is to “buy as much as possible in one place.” This is where “Don Quijote” deserves renewed attention.
💡Why Don Quijote is Recommended｜Buy Cosmetics, Medicine, and Souvenirs All at Once
Here are the reasons why Don Quijote is highly recommended:
- Unmatched product selection You can find everything from cosmetics, medicine, and snacks to classic souvenirs, electronics, daily necessities, and character goods all in one store.
- Open late at night Many locations are open late or even 24 hours, so you can shop without worrying about the time, even after sightseeing or dining out.
- Less paperwork and hassle If you consolidate your shopping at one place, it becomes much easier to manage your receipts and handle refund applications.
Don Quijote, where you can buy everything you want in one place, is the perfect shopping spot for the new tax-free system era.
How to Use Visit Japan Web to Make Airport Procedures Smoother
To avoid congestion at the airport caused by customs checks when departing Japan, be sure to take advantage of “Visit Japan Web.” Visit Japan Web is an online service that allows you to pre-register for immigration and customs procedures, and it is also extremely useful under the new tax-free system.
- Smooth procedures at major airports At major airports such as Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose, Fukuoka, and Naha, you can use Visit Japan Web (in the dedicated Wi-Fi area in the international departure lobby) to complete procedures online instead of lining up at tax-free terminals.
- Stress-free with pre-registration If you register before arriving in Japan or during your trip, you can greatly reduce your waiting time at the airport.
💡Don Quijote Exclusive Benefit｜Get a Shopping Bag by Showing Visit Japan Web
Currently, Don Quijote is running a campaign where customers who present the Visit Japan Web screen during the tax-free procedure will receive an exclusive original shopping bag. (※Available at select stores only) By simply registering in advance, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Tax-free procedures become more convenient
- Procedures at the airport go more smoothly
- You receive an exclusive original shopping bag
It truly is a win-win-win situation. The participating stores are listed below.
※The number and list of participating stores are current as of August 2026. Please note that participating stores may be added or changed without prior notice.
List of Participating Stores
| 1 | Ueno Store |
| 2 | Takamatsu Marugame-machi Store |
| 3 | Shinjuku Tonanguchi Bekkan Store |
| 4 | Fukuoka Tenjin Honten Store |
| 5 | Dotonbori Store |
| 6 | Dotonbori Midosuji Store |
| 7 | Sendai-Eki Nishiguchi Honten Store |
| 8 | Naha Tsubogawa Store |
| 9 | Matsuyama Okaido Store |
| 10 | Ikebukuro-Eki Nishiguchi Store |
| 11 | Umeda Honten Store |
| 12 | Sakae Honten Store |
| 13 | Kyoto Karasuma Shichijo Store |
| 14 | MEGA Don Quijote Shinsekai Store |
| 15 | MEGA Don Quijote Narita Store |
| 16 | MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Honten Store |
| 17 | MEGA Don Quijote Nago Store |
| 18 | Asakusa Store |
| 19 | Asakusa EKIMISE |
| 20 | Shijo Kawaramachi Store |
| 21 | Shijodori Store |
| 22 | Shimodori Store |
| 23 | Okachimachi Store |
| 24 | Ginza Honkan Store |
| 25 | Tenjin Nishidori Store |
| 26 | Shinjuku Tonanguchi Store |
| 27 | Kokusai-dori Kumoji Store |
| 28 | MEGA Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji Honten Store |
| 29 | MEGA Donki Tanuki Koji Bekkan Store |
| 30 | Akihabara Store |
| 31 | Kokusai-dori Store |
| 32 | Shinjuku Kabukicho Store |
| 33 | Shinjuku Store |
| 34 | Roppongi Store |
| 35 | Ikebukuro Higashiguchi Ekimae Store |
| 36 | Kyoto Avanti Store |
| 37 | Namba Sennichimae Store |
| 38 | Nakasu Store |
Three Key Points to Remember for Traveling to Japan After November 2026
There are just three important points to keep in mind regarding the changes to the tax-free system starting from November 2026.
✅ Try to consolidate your shopping at one location as much as possible (Don Quijote is convenient for bulk shopping)
✅ Use stores that are experienced with tax-free procedures and foreign language support
✅ Don’t forget to make use of Visit Japan Web pre-registration
By keeping these three points in mind, you can greatly reduce the hassle both locally and at the airport. In particular, under the new tax-free system, “where you shop” will become an even more important factor than before. If you make good use of Don Quijote, where you can buy everything from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to souvenirs and electronics all in one place, and prepare in advance with Visit Japan Web, you’ll be able to enjoy shopping in Japan even more smoothly. Prepare wisely and enjoy shopping to the fullest in Japan, even after the new system is in place!
Q. Will there be any changes to how Don Quijote tax-free coupons are used?
A. There are no changes to how Don Quijote tax-free coupons are used.
Please use these coupons to enjoy great savings on your shopping!
Exclusive FUN! JAPAN Don Quijote Coupon
👇👇Click here👇👇
- Target audience: Tourists visiting Japan from other countries
*Foreign residents in Japan excluded - Details:
- 10% Tax Free + 5% off for purchases over 10,000 yen (excluding tax)
- 10% Tax Free + 7% off for purchases over 30,000 yen (excluding tax)
* Each of the two types of coupons can be used only once - Target stores: "Don Quijote" stores in Japan
* Including general supermarkets "APITA" and "PIAGO" stores (excluding some stores)
* Local stores in other countries are not included. - How to use: Please show the coupon screen (barcode) to the cashier at the time of payment.
*For other details and precautions, please check the URL below. - https://japanportal.donki-global.com/coupon/?ptcd=0293000001
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