Smart Refund Tax-Free Counter

Kappabashi Dougu StreetTax-Free Shopping Guide

Purchases from Smart Refund member stores in Kappabashi Dougu Street can be processed together at the Tax-Free Counter. From November 2026, the tax is refunded after customs confirmation when you leave Japan.

Tax-Free Counter Smart Refund Tax-Free Counter sticker

Tax-free requirements

Non-residents of Japan

Eligible statuses of residence are “Temporary Visitor,” “Diplomat,” and “Official.” Persons granted landing permission under Articles 14–18 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act are also eligible.

Original passport required

The purchaser must present their original passport or a tax-free QR code issued through Visit Japan Web. Photos or copies of a passport are not accepted.

Items purchased at Smart Refund member stores

Only items purchased at stores displaying the Tax-Free Counter sticker are eligible. Items purchased elsewhere cannot be processed at this counter.

Minimum purchase: ¥5,500 (tax included)

Same-day purchases at member stores must total at least ¥5,500 (tax included). Receipts from multiple member stores may be combined if they are from the same day. There is no maximum purchase limit.

*¥5,500 is the minimum at a 10% tax rate. The minimum varies by tax rate.
*Japanese nationals temporarily visiting Japan must present, in addition to their passport, an original certificate of residence or a copy of the family register attachment issued within the past 6 months, or an original My Number Card showing the date of moving abroad (proof of living abroad for 2 years or more is required).

From tax-free procedure to refund

  1. Complete the tax-free procedure

    After shopping, visit the Tax-Free Counter during its opening hours on the day of purchase with:
    ・Your original passport (or Visit Japan Web tax-free QR code)
    ・The purchased items
    ・Your member store receipts (attached to the leaflet given at the store)
    No refund is paid at the counter.

  2. Register your refund method

    Scan the QR code on the receipt issued after the tax-free procedure. On the dedicated website, select a refund method (credit card, bank transfer, QR code payment, etc.) and enter the required information.

  3. Customs confirmation at departure

    When leaving Japan, go to the customs confirmation area at the airport or port before checking in or checking your baggage, and scan your passport at a dedicated kiosk. Complete customs confirmation within 90 days of purchase.

  4. Receive your refund

    Once customs confirmation is complete, refund processing to your registered method will begin. Processing time varies by refund method.

Important

  • No refund will be issued if you leave Japan without customs confirmation.
  • Keep the purchased items with you until customs confirmation is complete. Do not check them in with the airline. Customs may ask to inspect the items.
  • Items consumed in Japan are not eligible for a refund.
  • Complete your refund method registration and receive your refund within 180 days of purchase.
  • Returns and exchanges are not accepted after the tax-free procedure.

At 7 airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha), you can also complete customs confirmation with Visit Japan Web by connecting to the dedicated Wi-Fi in the designated area. This cannot be done before you arrive at the airport.

Tax-Free Counter

Hours
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (closed during the New Year holidays)
Address
3-17-5 Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0036
Access
North end of Kappabashi Dougu Street, near the Kappabashi North crossing
10 min walk from Iriya Sta. (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) / 10 min walk from Tawaramachi Sta. (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) / 7 min walk from Asakusa Sta. (Tsukuba Express)
Services
  • Tax-free procedure
  • Domestic / international shipping
  • Luggage storage
  • Currency exchange

Questions about your refund

For questions about your refund, please contact our partner refund service through the website opened from the QR code on your receipt. Multilingual chatbot and telephone support are available.