Passport / Visa

Passport

Please ensure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity from the date of return from Tokyo, Japan.

Visa Requirement

It is recommended to apply for Visa as early as possible, as processing times typically take 7 days but may extend up to 45 days or longer. The application fee is approximately 3000 JPY ~ 6000 JPY.

VAT Refund

The standard consumption tax (VAT) rate in Japan is 10%.
A reduced rate of 8% applies to take-out food and non-alcoholic beverages (excludes dine-in meals and alcoholic drinks).

Tax-Free Shopping (VAT Refund) Eligibility

You may be eligible for a tax refund (consumption tax exemption) at the time of purchase in stores displaying the “Japan Tax-Free Shop” logo, if the following conditions are met:

• General Goods (e.g. clothing, electronics, souvenirs):
  • Total purchase must be ¥5,000 or more (tax-excluded) at a single store on the same day.
  • Items must be for personal use only and taken out of Japan.
• Consumable Items (e.g. food, cosmetics, beverages, medicine):
  • Total purchase must be between ¥5,000 and ¥500,000 (tax-excluded) at a single store on the same day.
  • Items must be sealed and not consumed before leaving Japan.

Important Notes

• General goods and consumables cannot be combined to meet the minimum tax-free threshold — they are calculated separately.
• In malls or department stores with a centralized tax-free counter, purchases from multiple shops within the same complex may be aggregated to meet the ¥5,000 minimum.
• The tax-free benefit is given at the time of purchase, not at the airport. You must show your passport and complete the required forms at the shop.

🚫 No VAT Refund at Airport

Japan does not operate a refund system at the airport like in Europe. You must claim the tax exemption at the time of purchase in participating stores.

SIM Card Information

SIM Card Providers by Location:

Haneda Airport

• JAL ABC, Inc, Terminal 3
• AnyFone Japan Counter, Terminal 3

For more information, you may visit this link: Website

Narita International Airport

• JAL ABC,Inc., Terminal 1
• XCom Global Counter, Terminal 2
• GPA SIM Card Vending Machine, Terminal 1-3
• SoftBank Global Rental Counter, Terminal 1 & 2
• Telecom Square, Terminal 2

For more information, you may visit this link: Website

Embassy Information