Money

If you’re planning a shopping spree in Japan later this year or beyond, there’s an important update you’ll want to know about. Japan’s tax-free shopping system for tourists is getting a significant overhaul, and it’s going to change how you budget for those electronics in Akihabara, cosmetics in Harajuku, or traditional crafts in Kyoto. Don’t worry — you’ll still be able to get that 10% consumption tax back. But the how and when are changing in ways that matter for your wallet and your travel planning. Let’s break it all down. ...

“Is Japan a cash-only country?” It used to be mostly true — but by 2026, paying as a tourist has become far easier. Here’s how money works on the ground, so you’re never caught out at a ticket gate or a small restaurant. The Short Answer Japan is now a hybrid: cards and IC tap payments work in most cities, but cash is still essential in some places. Carry a little of both. ...