Many stores have signs about tax-free purchasing for tourists. Japan generally taxes purchases by 8%-10%, and that is what you can save by taking advantage of this offer. To do so, you will need to supply your passport (the information is recorded along with purchase details), and you will only pay the price minus tax. Nothing else is required in Japan or on exit. For small purchases, the amount of savings may not outweigh the extra time and trouble of completing the paperwork.

You will need your physical passport, as most places will not accept photocopies or pictures. This is because they require a scan or photo of your passport page with the relevant information. If you only have a picture, most won’t go through the trouble of getting that into their computer.

To legally import these items into the US (the process may differ in other countries), you will need to declare the total value on the required form (or electronically via the Mobile Passport Control app). If the value is under $800 (as of July 2025, and per person), everything should be allowed without further tariffs or duties. Keep your receipts to substantiate the declared value.

As per presidential order from August 2025, this so-called “de minimus” exception was ended. That means nearly all imported shipments, regardless of value or origin, now face duties, taxes, and formal customs entry. Items for your own use, if declared and within limits (often up to $200), may still be duty-free. Still, the previous $800 personal exemption for returning goods is gone, meaning you pay duties on amounts exceeding these specific allowances.

When retrieving all your purchases, you may encounter challenges with transportation and packing. Luggage forwarding is one answer to this problem.