Duty Free Shop FAQs

What is DUTY FREE?

Cigarettes, alcoholic beverages and other goods sold in Japan are subject to customs duties （DUTY）, alcohol taxes, domestic consumption tax, and so on. Retail prices also include various costs incurred during distribution. Therefore, shop prices are sometimes several times higher than initial costs. Goods sold in duty free shops at airports, however, are exempt from the aforementioned duties and taxes, and thus have more affordable prices.

Do I need to go through any special procedures?

Only persons going abroad proceed through immigration at airports, therefore no special purchasing procedures are necessary. As the shopping is limited to departing passengers, please complete departure formalities early so that you can leisurely enjoy duty free shopping.

When may I open my duty-free goods?

Some people open their goods as soon as they purchase them at duty free shops. But we advise you to wait until you board the plane as duty-free goods are sold on the premise that they are to be used abroad.