Japan’s tax refund change brings first departure checks at Narita
On the first day of Japan’s new tax refund system, 1 November 2026, TVB showed travellers using Narita airport kiosks before checking in their baggage. Eligible purchases are now paid for including tax, with refunds following customs confirmation that the goods are leaving Japan.
The broadcaster reported queues at some cash-refund counters. A Wing On Travel executive said his groups departing that day had not experienced longer airport processing. That account concerns those groups and does not establish that there were no waits at every airport.
Japan’s Tourism Agency says travellers must present their passport and retain all relevant goods for checks within 90 days of purchase. The procedure must take place before baggage is checked in. The purchase threshold remains 5,000 yen excluding tax per store per day; refund arrangements depend on the store or its provider.