Global Blue opens in-city tax-refund points at 11 Yodobashi stores ahead of Japan's new tax-free system
With Japan's new refund-style tax-free system starting in November 2026, Global Blue has announced refund counters and kiosks at 11 Yodobashi Camera stores. Tourists will be able to claim refunds away from the shop where they bought. This is a company announcement, so shops should confirm system details through official guidance.
Key points
- From November 2026, tourists pay the tax-inclusive price in store and receive a refund after customs approval on departure
- Refund counters or kiosks go into 11 stores (Shinjuku West, Umeda, Akiba, Kyoto, Ueno, Hakata, Sapporo, Sendai, Nagoya, Ikebukuro, Yokohama); tax-free goods bought at any Global Blue member shop can be processed there
- Global Blue's global data shows about 50% of refund users choose cash; even if refunded in the city, travellers must still complete customs approval at the airport or port when leaving
Background
Under the new system, tourists no longer buy at a tax-free price at the till. They pay with tax first and are refunded after the departure check, so 'where to get the refund' becomes part of the shopping experience, and airport queues become a concern.
Global Blue says the network aims to let travellers settle refunds in the city and ease airport congestion. For now it covers 11 Yodobashi Camera stores and goods from Global Blue member shops.
What it means for shops
Retailers that sell tax-free goods will likely be asked by tourists where refunds can be collected. Which refund points travellers can use may differ depending on the tax-free system provider your shop uses.
What shops should do
- Read the official guidance on the new tax-free system from the National Tax Agency and tourism authorities and confirm what your shop must do
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Summaries are written by Seiichi Studio based on the original releases. Always check the source for the exact details.