In brief
A Mega Don Quijote store in Tokyo’s Shibuya district began handing out multilingual flyers to explain Japan’s new tax‑free shopping process, which requires travelers to pay consumption tax upfront and claim refunds at departure points. The change, set in effect on Nov. 1, aims to curb abuses such as resale before departure. Don Quijote officials say the new approach will streamline the system once customers become familiar with it.
Early in November, a Mega Don Quijote store in Tokyo’s Shibuya district began distributing multilingual handouts to explain Japan’s revamped tax‑free shopping rules, following the policy change that took effect on Nov. 1.
Under the previous system, foreign visitors could buy items at tax‑exclusive prices by showing a passport in eligible shops. The overhaul now requires shoppers to pay the consumption tax when they purchase and then submit a claim for a refund at a departure airport or seaport after completing customs inspections. This shift aims to reduce abuses such as reselling goods abroad and to make the tax‑free experience more transparent for international tourists, Japanese officials said.
At the Shibuya outlet, clerks passed flyers to inbound tourists at the cashier. The handouts, printed in several languages, warned travellers that they must claim their refunds upon leaving Japan. The store’s multilingual approach is intended to ease the transition for visitors who may not be fluent in Japanese.
“It takes time to explain the system (to customers) but once we get used to it, the burden will be reduced,” a Don Quijote official said, according to a Kyodo News report. The official added that the store is prepared to support customers through the new process as they become familiar with it.
“The new system requires a little extra effort from travelers like me, though I would have no trouble navigating it,” an American shopper told a reporter in the same interview, noting that the extra steps are manageable.
Bloomberg reported that the new guidelines also abolish the daily purchase limit of ¥500,000 for consumables and the requirement for goods to be packaged in sealed transparent bags. Instead, tourists must spend at least ¥5,000 (excluding tax) at a single store in a day and present their passport when they make a purchase. These updated rules are part of Japan’s effort to streamline tax‑free shopping while curbing misuse.
According to Kyodo, foreign‑visitor spending in Japan reached a record $59.7 billion (9.46 trillion yen) in 2025, underscoring the importance of a smooth, consistent tax‑free system for the tourism sector. Don Quijote’s expansion of the high‑end liquor section and other lineup changes at the Shibuya outlet reflect the chain’s anticipation of attracting more high‑value customers.
Shibuya remains a top destination for souvenir shopping, cited by travel guides such as VELTRA as a must‑visit for bulk gifts like matcha treats and famous Kit‑Kats. The arrival of multilingual guides at a flagship store in the area provides a practical way for tourists to navigate the new tax‑free process during their stay.
As Japan moves ahead with these policy changes, overseas shoppers and retailers alike will rely on clear communication and updated procedures to navigate the tax‑free landscape.
