Picture this: you just landed in Tokyo, passport in hand.
You’re eager to shop the latest beauty releases or gadgets without the consumption tax.
That is the magic of Tokyo duty free shopping.
You can save on everything from designer perfume to quirky local souvenirs.
In this ultimate guide, you will learn how to qualify and where to find premier tax free outlets.
Then you will see how to claim your refund seamlessly.
You’ll explore airport duty free counters at Haneda and Narita.
You will uncover tax free stores in Ginza and Harajuku, and discover hidden gems where luxury meets local charm.
By the end, you will have a clear plan to maximize your savings.
Then you can pick up one-of-a-kind keepsakes before you fly home.
Ready to dive in?
Understand duty free basics
When you shop duty free in Tokyo, you skip the consumption tax on most items. That levy runs at 10 percent for general goods or 8 percent on select food and daily necessities (MATCHA). Only nonresidents qualify.
You must hold a Short Term Stay, Diplomatic, or Official visa, or be a Japanese national returning after living abroad for over two years. Your stay cannot exceed six months.
Items fall into two categories:
- General goods like electronics, clothing, jewelry, or crafts
- Consumables such as snacks, medicine, and cosmetics
Spend at least 5,000 yen (before tax) on general goods in one store on the same day to qualify. Consumables need a combined total between 5,000 and 500,000 yen pre-tax. They must remain sealed until you depart (LIVE JAPAN).
At checkout you’ll present your passport and boarding pass, then receive a receipt or a special tag for export. Got all that? Great, now let’s see where to shop.
Explore airport duty free
Airports in Tokyo serve up top-tier duty free finds, with minimal paperwork. You simply flash your passport and boarding pass, then pick up your items after security.
Haneda airport shopping
Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3 (formerly International Terminal) hosts a range of beauty, liquor, and luxury boutiques. You’ll find:
| Section | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Beauty | La Mer, Shiseido, SK-II, NARS Oversized Setting Powder (Duty-Free Japan) |
| Liquor | Moët & Chandon, Remy Martin, Veuve Clicquot |
| Tobacco | IQOS devices, Winston, Marlboro, Camel |
Many shops offer pre-order services online, so you can guarantee availability. Just place your order within the required timeframe and pick up at a dedicated counter after security.
Narita airport shopping
Narita’s three terminals boast similar duty free corridors. In Terminal 1 you can browse high-end cosmetics, premium spirits, and Japanese snacks. Terminal 2 and 3 feature electronics kiosks and souvenir stalls.
You’ll need to show your passport stamp and departure details to claim tax free pricing on the spot.
Pre-order and pickup
Pre-ordering duty free items adds peace of mind. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Find the official airport duty free website
- Select your items and schedule a pickup time
- Complete payment online or at the store counter
- Present your order confirmation, passport, and boarding pass on arrival
This method cuts down on in-store browsing time and secures limited-edition releases.
Discover city tax free spots
Tokyo’s airport counters are only the start. The city itself teems with tax free stores in department stores, electronics retailers, and specialty districts.
Department stores
Major department stores feature dedicated tax free counters, usually on the ground or basement floors. Popular names include Isetan, Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi, and Matsuya. At checkout you:
- Present your passport and boarding pass
- Complete a short form
- Receive a tax exemption stamp on your receipt
For more on navigating flagship stores, see our shinjuku department stores guide.
Electronics and drugstores
You can find tax free deals at:
- Bic Camera and Yodobashi in Akihabara (akihabara electronics shopping)
- Don Quijote outlets across Tokyo
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Rakuten Duty-Free in major districts
These shops often require you to show your passport before finalizing payment.
Specialty districts
Tokyo’s neighborhoods each serve up a unique shopping vibe. Tax free shops dot:
- Ginza for designer labels and high-end watches (ginza luxury shopping tokyo)
- Harajuku for street style and vintage finds (harajuku fashion shopping guide)
- Shibuya for youth brands and pop culture (shibuya shopping district guide)
- Ikebukuro for large shopping centers (ikebukuro shopping centers)
- Back-street corners for second-hand gems (vintage shopping tokyo districts)
Each store handles tax exemptions at checkout, so you can mix and match purchases within the same shop.
Shop luxury and local products
Tokyo duty free shopping is not just about big names. It’s a chance to blend luxury buys with authentic Japanese treasures.
High-end beauty
Let’s be honest, you can’t leave Tokyo without a skincare haul. Look for:
- Shiseido and Clé de Peau at japanese beauty products shopping boutiques
- SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and exclusive sets
- Local indie brands at airport pop-ups
Many stores offer gift-with-purchase sets during seasonal campaigns.
Traditional crafts
Bring home a piece of Japan with:
- Hand-painted kutani ware bowls (traditional crafts shopping tokyo)
- Edo kiriko cut glass items
- Lacquerware and sake cups
These items often qualify under the general goods threshold when you spend over 5,000 yen.
Unique souvenirs
If you hunt for one-off keepsakes, check:
- Regional snacks in sealed gift bags (japanese snacks where to buy)
- Character goods in Akihabara (anime merchandise shopping tokyo)
- Tokyo-themed stationery at specialty stores (tokyo stationery stores)
You’ll score souvenirs that stand out and stay fresh until you land home.
Claim tax refunds smoothly
Knowing how to process your refund saves you stress at departure.
In-store procedures
- Shop at an authorized outlet and spend the minimum amount
- Present your passport, boarding pass, and completed form
- Receive a refund ticket or special sticker
Some shops deduct the tax at point of sale. Others let you fill a claim form and refund later.
Airport refund counters
At the airport, look for tax refund booths before passport control. You will:
- Show your receipts and refund ticket
- Present your purchased items, sealed if they are consumables
- Get cash or credit-card refund on the spot
Allow extra time—during peak hours lines can stretch.
New 2026 system update
From November 1, 2026, you will pay full price on purchase and then claim your refund at airport customs before departure. The change aims to simplify processing and prevent resale scams (MATCHA).
Maximize your duty free savings
A few strategic moves can boost your tax free haul.
Combine purchases wisely
Currently you cannot combine general goods and consumables to meet the minimum spend, unless general goods are sealed like consumables. Plan your shopping list to hit each threshold.
Use QR code service
Since April 2023, some stores scan a tax free QR code for smooth transactions. Keep your passport data handy, and ask staff about QR-enabled counters.
Shop online for pickup
Many airport and city stores let you order duty free items online, then pick them up in store or at the airport. Benefits include:
- Guaranteeing limited edition releases
- Comparing prices and promotions easily
- Saving browsing time on site
See our tokyo shopping mall directory for links to official pre-order portals.
Plan your shopping journey
A little prep makes your shopping trip stress free.
Best times to shop
- Weekday mornings avoid weekend crowds
- Off-season travel (June or September) can mean better deals
- Early in your trip leaves room to claim refunds later
Packing and luggage
- Reserve extra suitcase space for duty free haul
- Use soft-sided luggage for flexible packing
- Store receipts, tags, and refund forms in a clear folder
Currency and etiquette
- Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Carry some yen for smaller shops
- Learn a few polite Japanese phrases or follow tokyo shopping etiquette
No tipping is expected in Japan, so there’s no need to calculate extra. Enjoy the friendly service and efficient counters.
Frequently asked questions
1. Who qualifies for duty free shopping in Tokyo?
Foreign visitors on Short Term Stay, Diplomatic, or Official visas, and Japanese nationals returning after living abroad for over two years. Your stay must not exceed six months.
2. What items can I buy tax free?
General goods (electronics, clothing, jewelry, crafts) require a 5,000 yen minimum pre-tax spend. Consumables (food, cosmetics, medicine) need 5,000–500,000 yen pre-tax, and must stay sealed until departure.
3. How do I claim my refund at the airport?
Head to the tax refund counter before passport control. Present your receipts, refund ticket, purchased items, and passport. You’ll receive cash or a card refund on the spot.
4. Can I combine purchases from different stores?
No, each store handles tax refunds separately. Make sure you meet the minimum spend in a single outlet to get the exemption.
5. When will Japan switch to the refund-at-departure system?
On November 1, 2026 Japan will require travelers to pay full price up front and claim refunds at the airport customs counter, helping to streamline processing and prevent resale abuse.
