Yes, Japan remains a haven for tax-free shopping for international tourists in 2026, but there is a specific process you must follow. When you buy "General Goods" (clothing, electronics, bags) or "Consumables" (food, cosmetics, medicine) totaling over 5,000 Yen (approx. $35) at a single licensed store, you are exempt from the 10% Consumption Tax. To get the discount, you MUST have your physical passport with you; a photo of it is not accepted. In 2026, most stores (like Don Quijote or Uniqlo) deduct the tax right at the cash register, so you only pay the "Pre-tax" price. For consumables, the store will seal them in a special bag that you are not supposed to open until you leave the country. A high-value 2026 "pro-tip" is that Japan is transitioning to a "refund-at-the-airport" model for some luxury items to prevent "resale fraud," so always keep your receipts. Also, remember that "Tax-Free" applies only to goods; you still have to pay the standard tax on services like hotels, restaurants, and train tickets.