Date: 2026-01-02 (JST)
Japan offers tax-free shopping at over 50,000 locations, ranging from giant electronics retailers to local souvenir shops. For foreign travelers, knowing where to find these stores and what they offer is key to efficient shopping. This guide provides a comprehensive, categorized list of major tax-free retailers across Japan to help you plan your purchases.
What This Article Explains
This article is a practical reference list, not a typical travel guide. It organizes Japan’s major tax-free stores by category, such as electronics, department stores, and drugstores. For each category, you will find a table listing prominent chains, the types of products they sell, and their typical locations. This allows you to quickly identify which stores meet your needs, whether you are looking for a high-end camera, the latest Japanese cosmetics, or unique souvenirs.
How to Use This Guide
To make the most of this list, first identify the type of products you wish to buy. Then, consult the corresponding table to find store chains that specialize in those goods. While major chains are listed with their common locations, it is always best to check an individual branch’s tax-free status, as not all locations may participate. The official Japan Tax-free Shop search site is an excellent resource for finding specific stores near you.
Major Electronics Retailers
These large-scale stores are one-stop shops for electronics but have expanded to include a vast range of other goods, from cosmetics to snacks.
| Store / Chain | Primary Products | Key Locations |
| Bic Camera | Electronics, cameras, home appliances, games, cosmetics, alcohol | Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara), Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya |
| Yodobashi Camera | Electronics, cameras, computers, games, home appliances | Tokyo (Shinjuku, Akihabara), Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka |
| Yamada Denki | Electronics, home appliances, computers | Nationwide, including Narita Airport |
| Sofmap | New and used electronics, computers, gaming equipment | Akihabara, Shinjuku |
Department Stores
Japanese department stores offer a premium shopping experience with a wide selection of fashion, cosmetics, and luxury goods. Most have a central tax-free counter where you can process all your purchases from that day at once.
| Store / Chain | Primary Products | Key Locations |
| Isetan Mitsukoshi | High-end fashion, luxury goods, cosmetics, food | Tokyo (Shinjuku, Ginza), Kyoto, Osaka |
| Takashimaya | Fashion, accessories, luxury goods, home furnishings | Tokyo (Shinjuku, Nihonbashi), Osaka, Kyoto |
| Daimaru | Fashion, cosmetics, accessories, food | Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka |
| Tokyu Department Store | Fashion, accessories, cosmetics, food | Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku) |
Discount & General Merchandise Stores
These stores are famous for their vast and eclectic product selections, often at competitive prices. They are an excellent option for buying a wide variety of items in one place.
| Store / Chain | Primary Products | Key Locations |
| Don Quijote (Donki) | Everything: snacks, cosmetics, electronics, medicine, souvenirs | Nationwide (160+ stores), many open 24/7 |
| Aeon Mall | Fashion, home goods, electronics, food (mall format) | Nationwide |
| Tokyu Hands | DIY supplies, stationery, unique gifts, home goods | Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya), Osaka, Kyoto |
| Muji | Minimalist home goods, clothing, stationery | Nationwide |
Drugstores & Cosmetics
Japanese drugstores are a primary destination for cosmetics, skincare, and pharmaceuticals. They are highly competitive and offer a massive range of products.
| Store / Chain | Primary Products | Key Locations |
| Matsumoto Kiyoshi | Cosmetics, skincare, medicine, health supplements | Nationwide in major urban areas |
| Sundrug | Cosmetics, medicine, health supplements | Nationwide |
| Tsuruha Drug | Cosmetics, medicine, toiletries | Nationwide, strong presence in Hokkaido |
| Daikoku Drug | Cosmetics, medicine, health supplements | Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka |
Fashion & Apparel
From global fast-fashion giants to beloved domestic brands, these stores offer tax-free services on clothing and accessories.
| Store / Chain | Primary Products | Key Locations |
| Uniqlo | Casual clothing, basics, accessories | Nationwide (all stores are tax-free) |
| H&M | Fast fashion, accessories, clothing | Major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) |
| Shimamura | Budget-friendly fashion and apparel | Nationwide |
Airport Duty-Free
For last-minute shopping, airports offer a concentrated selection of tax-free goods, focusing on souvenirs, cosmetics, alcohol, and tobacco.
| Airport | Key Locations |
| Narita (NRT) | Terminals 1, 2, and 3 |
| Haneda (HND) | Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (International) |
| Kansai (KIX) | Terminal 1 and 2 |
Practical Takeaways
•This list is not exhaustive. There are tens of thousands of smaller, independent tax-free shops across Japan.
•Always carry your passport. You cannot get a tax refund without presenting the original passport of the person making the purchase.
•Check for the “Japan Tax-free Shop” logo. This symbol is displayed by participating stores.
•Remember the rules. A minimum purchase of ¥5,000 (before tax) at the same store on the same day is required.
Summary
Finding a tax-free store in Japan is easy, especially in major cities and tourist areas. The key is to know which type of store stocks the products you are looking for. Electronics giants like Bic Camera and Yodobashi offer a surprisingly diverse range of goods, while department stores provide a premium experience. For cosmetics and everyday items, drugstores and discount chains like Don Quijote are invaluable resources. By using this guide to plan your shopping, you can navigate Japan’s retail landscape more effectively.
Sources / References
•Japan Tax-free Shop Official Search
•Research based on publicly available information from major retail chains including Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, Don Quijote, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Isetan Mitsukoshi, and Uniqlo.
Notes & Exceptions
•Store availability and tax-free policies can change. Always confirm with the individual store before making a purchase.
•This list focuses on major chains. Many smaller, independent shops also offer tax-free services.
Certainty Level
High
