Tax-free shopping in Fukuoka: New refund rules and airport steps

Understand the Japanese tax-free shopping system for purchases from November 2026, including eligibility, spending limits, refund procedures and steps at Fukuoka Airport.

Last checked:

  • Fukuoka
  • Shopping
  • Before you go

Japan’s tax-free shopping system changes for goods purchased from 1 November 2026. Previously, eligible shoppers could pay the tax-excluded price directly at a tax-free store. Under the new system, shoppers first pay the tax-inclusive price and receive a refund equivalent to consumption tax only after customs confirms the goods are leaving Japan at departure. This article summarises the rules published by the Japan Tourism Agency and points to note when departing from Fukuoka Airport. As this is high-risk information, check the official website again before travelling. For other information, see the Fukuoka travel guide.

Key points

  • Purchases made on or before 31 October 2026: Pay the tax-excluded price at a tax-free store (old system)
  • Purchases made on or after 1 November 2026: First pay the tax-inclusive price. The amount equivalent to consumption tax is refunded only after customs confirms the goods will be taken out of Japan at departure (refund system)
  • Minimum purchase: 5,000 yen or more in total before tax at the same shop on the same day
  • Departure procedure: Within 90 days of purchase, present your passport at a tax-free procedure kiosk at the airport or port; bring all tax-free goods for the procedure and check your baggage only afterwards
  • Fukuoka Airport: The official guidance says that online procedures using Visit Japan Web are also available in designated areas of departure halls at major airports, including Fukuoka
  • Refund: Each tax-free shop or its appointed refund company handles the refund; ask the shop for details

Who is eligible

According to the official guidance, tax-free shoppers must be “non-residents”:

  • Foreign-national visitors: Those staying in Japan for less than 6 months after entry (excluding diplomats, government officials and members of the US military stationed in Japan), with a passport
  • Japanese nationals living overseas: Those temporarily returning to Japan for less than 6 months who can provide documents showing they have had an address or residence outside Japan for at least 2 consecutive years
    • A passport together with one of the following: a copy of the supplementary family register record, a resident record, or a My Number Card; the My Number Card must show the move overseas

When purchasing

Item Official rules (from 1 November 2026)
Minimum amount At least 5,000 yen before tax at the same shop on the same day
Payment Pay the tax-inclusive price
Goods Must be taken out of Japan; gold bars, platinum bars and goods exempt from consumption tax are excluded
Quantity Limited to the amount the traveller can personally carry out of Japan at departure
Consumables Special packaging requirements for food, drinks, cosmetics and other consumables have been abolished. However, goods consumed in Japan cannot undergo customs inspection for a refund
  • Present your passport and other necessary documents to the tax-free store when buying (see the official eligibility categories above)

Departure procedure (Fukuoka Airport and others)

  1. Within 90 days of purchase, find a “tax-free procedure kiosk” (kiosk or electronic machine) in the airport departure hall, before checking in baggage
  2. Bring all tax-free goods and present your passport
  3. The machine will show a result:
    • Green result: No inspection is required; the procedure is complete
    • Red result: Take the tax-free goods to the designated customs inspection area for confirmation
  4. Complete customs inspection before the flight (or ship) boarding procedures

At major airports, including Fukuoka, Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose and Naha, it is also possible to use Visit Japan Web online within areas of the departure hall equipped with dedicated Wi-Fi (before security screening).

Important official reminders

  • Do not check baggage first: All tax-free goods must be with you when completing the procedure. Checked baggage cannot be retrieved solely to complete tax-free procedures
  • Allow enough time: If you give up the inspection because of insufficient time, the procedure is considered incomplete. If this prevents departure, neither the airline nor customs will provide compensation
  • Each receipt is treated separately: If even one item on a purchase record (receipt) is not with you, none of the items on that receipt is eligible for a tax refund
  • Goods already consumed: Do not undertake the tax-free procedure for goods already eaten or used, such as food or drinks; declare them to customs staff
  • Goods must leave Japan: Goods that pass inspection must be taken out of Japan promptly. Otherwise, an amount equivalent to the exempted consumption tax may be collected, and penalties may apply
  • Connections: When transferring from a domestic flight to an international departure, complete the procedure at the last airport from which you leave Japan
  • The purchase date determines the system: purchases made on or before 31 October 2026 follow the old system, while purchases from 1 November 2026 follow the new system

Ask the tax-free shop before shopping in Fukuoka

  • The official guidance says refunds are handled by each tax-free shop or its appointed refund company. Ask the shop about the refund method and timing when purchasing
  • This article does not provide a list of Fukuoka tax-free shops or their individual refund arrangements, as the official information used does not provide these details. Check with each shop
  • The Japan Tourism Agency operates a “Consumption Tax-Free Shop” website with shop information and questions and answers for visitors

Frequently asked questions

Do items bought before 1 November use the new system?

According to the official guidance, purchases made on or before 31 October 2026 follow the old system. Purchases made on or after 1 November use the refund system.

Can I ship tax-free goods home first?

The official FAQ has a question about shipping tax-free goods overseas. See the official questions and answers for the answer.

Can I check my baggage at the airport first?

No. All goods must be with you during the tax-free procedure. You cannot retrieve checked baggage to complete the procedure.

Further reading

Sources