Drugstores are a go-to souvenir stop for visitors to Japan. Cosmetics and over-the-counter medicine are compact, easy to share, and reasonably priced — and tax-free shopping makes them even better value. Starting November 1, 2026, though, the way tax-free shopping works is changing significantly, so the process you’ll follow depends on when you’re traveling. Here’s a look at popular drugstore souvenirs, plus how the old and new tax-free systems compare.
Popular Drugstore Souvenirs
- Skincare & cosmetics: Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion, Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Rohto Melano CC Whitening Essence
- Eye drops: Rohto V (strong menthol kick), Sante FX Neo
- Pain relief, patches & stomach medicine: Eve A painkillers, Salonpas patches, Seirogan (a classic stomach remedy)
- Other popular picks: Pocari Sweat powder packets (light to pack), and small Kobayashi Pharmaceutical gadgets (nose-hair trimmers, cooling sheets) that make easy gifts
Tax-Free Shopping: Old System vs. New System
The eligibility rule itself isn’t changing: you generally need to spend at least ¥5,000 (before tax) at the same store on the same day to qualify.
Through October 31, 2026 (current system). Show your passport at the register and the tax is deducted on the spot — you simply pay the tax-free price. Consumables like cosmetics and food are sealed in a special bag that you’re not supposed to open until you leave Japan.
From November 1, 2026 (new system). You’ll pay the full tax-included price at the register, then apply for a refund when you leave Japan. The main changes are:
- The distinction between “consumables” and “general goods” is dropped, and sealing your items is no longer required (though you still can’t use them up while you’re in Japan)
- The ¥500,000 purchase cap that used to apply to consumables is removed
- The window between purchase and departure is standardized to 90 days for everything
- You now have to complete a refund procedure at the airport when you leave — it’s no longer automatic
What to Do at the Airport (New System)
- At the departure lobby, use the customs terminal (or your pre-registered Visit Japan Web information) to process your refund application
- If the screen shows green, head straight to check-in; if it shows red, go to the customs counter so an officer can check your purchases
- Once that’s done, you’ll receive your refund through whatever method you registered in-store (credit card, cash, etc.)
Things to Keep in Mind
- Hang on to your entry stamp: if you entered Japan through an automated gate, you won’t have an entry stamp in your passport. If you think you might need one, ask an immigration officer to stamp it when you arrive.
- The process depends on your departure date: leaving on or before October 31, 2026 means the current system applies; leaving November 1, 2026 or later means the new system applies. Check which one fits your trip.
- Skipping the airport step means no refund: under the new system, you have to complete the refund procedure at the airport, so leave enough time before your flight.
Common Misunderstandings
- Assuming tax-free is applied automatically: under either system, you need to show your passport and meet the minimum purchase amount — it’s never automatic.
- Assuming consumables always come in a sealed bag: under the new system (from November 2026), sealing is no longer required, so you can open and use items while you’re still in Japan (just not use them up before leaving).
- Assuming every store handles tax-free the same way: not every shop offers tax-free processing, so check for a tax-free sign near the register before you count on it.
What Should You Do in These Situations?
Q. I entered through an automated gate, so I don’t have an entry stamp. Can I still get my tax refund?
A. The refund process may need to confirm your entry record, so if you’re not sure, it’s safest to ask for a stamp when you go through immigration on arrival.
Q. I’m arriving in October 2026 but leaving in November — which system applies to me?
A. It’s based on your departure date. If you leave on or after November 1, 2026, the new refund-at-departure system applies to your purchases.
Scope: General overview of Japan’s consumption tax exemption system for visitors, including the system change taking effect in November 2026. Last verified: 2026/09/10
