One of the most common questions from overseas visitors choosing a ring in Japan is "can I buy it tax-free?" Japan's consumption-tax exemption changed significantly on 1 November 2026. Under the new refund system, you pay the tax-inclusive price at the store, then the tax amount is refunded after customs confirms the goods when you leave Japan. Here is the new flow, plus points that matter specifically for engagement and wedding rings.

The flow from November 2026

  1. Buy at a licensed tax-free store. Show your passport and pay the tax-inclusive price. The store registers the purchase.
  2. Customs check on departure. Take the ring with you when you leave Japan and have it confirmed at customs, within 90 days of purchase.
  3. Refund. After confirmation, the consumption-tax amount is refunded. The method (for example, a refund to your card) depends on the service provider the store uses.

Because the price is no longer reduced at the register, you need to have the tax-inclusive amount available at the time of purchase.

Who and which stores qualify

  • Eligible buyers: non-residents on a short stay (such as tourists). People with an address in Japan, or staying six months or longer, are generally not eligible.
  • Eligible stores: only stores licensed for tax-free sales. Not every bridal jewelry store offers it, so ask whether the store is tax-free before you visit.
  • Minimum amount: purchases at the same store on the same day must total at least 5,000 yen before tax, which a ring normally exceeds.
  • High-value items: items over 1,000,000 yen before tax require the serial number to be registered.

You can see the rings in person at a store near you.Find a store near you

Points for engagement and wedding rings

  • Made-to-order timing. Japanese bridal rings are mostly made to order in your size and with your engraving, taking several weeks to a month or more. If the ring cannot be collected before you depart, it may not qualify for the exemption. Tell the store your travel dates and confirm the delivery time first. See the delivery time guide.
  • International shipping is different. Having the ring shipped to your home after purchase is handled differently from carrying it out yourself. Ask the store about availability, cost and customs duties.
  • Import tax at home. Even if the ring is tax-free in Japan, you may need to declare it and pay duty or VAT when you return home.
  • Keep the ring with your documents. Customs needs to see the ring itself on departure, so carry it in your hand luggage, not checked baggage.

Payment

Credit cards are accepted at most stores, but accepted card brands, instalment options and support for overseas-issued cards vary by store and brand. See "tax-free and payment" in our guide for visitors buying rings in Japan.

Rules may change. Always confirm the latest conditions with the National Tax Agency / Japan Tourism Agency guidance and with the store where you buy.

Find a store

Browse stores by prefecture in the store list. Stores carrying Japanese brands in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore are listed in Japanese bridal brands available overseas.