In order to increase the consumption by tourists visiting Japan, the Japanese government exempted the payment of consumption tax, shohizei, for non-resident foreigners. The exemption is applied on items, such as home appliances, accessories, shoes, alcohol beverages, food, cosmetics, tobacco and medicines. Purchases for later resale do not fall under this exemption.
The program is exclusively intended to the foreign tourists who will remain in the country for less than 6 months, therefore, it is fundamental to present the original passport.
The minimum purchase price is ¥5,000; however, some establishments may require a higher or lower value.
The 8% or 10% discount on the tag price (when the tax is already included) may be attractive for many foreign tourists. In fact, they must pay attention whether the store displays both prices, with and without tax included, and if the refund is made right away or at some another specific sector.
Usually, the stores adhering to such type of benefit for foreigners use to display with signs in English (Tax-Free Shopping). Click here to see a list of stores in the plan (website in English).