Japan's Tax Free Shopping Explained
If you’ve ever had a friend or family member visit Japan, there’s a few things that you are guaranteed to have heard from them once they returned – normally in this order.
The first, how good the food at convenience stores is. The second, sushi is 100% better in Japan. The third, and possibly the most harped on about, is how cheap Japan is.
And sure, part of how cost efficient Japan is can be boiled down to the yen being at an all time low, offering epic exchange rates for international tourists from Aus and the US – a shoppers paradise. But, a big part of it also comes down to Japan’s tax free system.
But is it really the case that tax-free is no longer an option for travelling shoppers? No. Tax Free is still a viable option for all travellers.
So then what are the changes to the system, and what do they mean for you?
Let’s break it down. We caught out with longtime Rhythm Japan crew member Mel Leach to grab her thoughts on the updated system, here’s everything you need to know.
What does Tax Free mean when buying items in Japan and how has the system changed?
Previously, travellers visiting Japan could score a 10% tax reduction on their total price on retail items, if offered by the store. Discounts would be applied at checkout and deducted off the total cost.
Now with the new updates to the country's tax free system, purchasers can still score the same discount, although it is now a refund through a handy kiosk that reads all the shopping you’ve registered as Tax Free in Japan right before going through customs. Refunds are then added back to the bank account/credit card you registered to receive the refund, all at once. No more carrying around stacks of yen you might not need otherwise!
How do you make sure your purchase is covered by the Tax-Free System?
Guests pay upfront in the store (the full RRP inc. tax) and register the purchase on the day, in-store. Then, they claim the tax free refund at the airport via tax free kiosks and/or pre-departure counters getting all their refunds sorted in one go for the duration of their trip in Japan.
Stop, shop, record, travel, play, refund, and remember you’ve got some great omiyage in the bag of your amazing time in Japan.
Is this Tax Free available to anyone travelling in Japan dependent on the country they are travelling from?
Providing they are on a tourist visa, and exiting the country within 90 days with their goods, unused, anyone can use it! It’s also eligible for Japanese nationals who live outside of Japan and are returning temporarily.
Is it only for retail purchases?
Correct, you can use it on anything at our Rhythm stores you can wear or shred on, but it’s not for any consumable services (like our bangin’ coffees, toasties, rentals, workshop tunes or lessons).
Is there a threshold or limit on how much someone can purchase using the tax-free system?
Purchases must be a minimum 5500JPY (inc tax) to be eligible – but the purchase limit in a single transaction has no cap. So if you want to buy 10 snowboards, 15 sets of skis and an epic selection of jackets and pants to have different steeze every day of your trip, get on it.
Can you claim tax free on the essentials like beers and strong zeros?
Grabbing that last bit of sake, treasured japanese whisky, onsen bath salts or a monster packet of happy turn senbei or can be purchased at registered tax free stores (not from us at Rhythm) - but prepare to stay thirsty until your plane takes off.
Ok, epic – so where can I go shopping?
All of our Rhythm retail stores offer tax free… and all the freshest gear!
Find us in Niseko, Hakuba or Furano for fresh new gear this Winter!