At a glance
- For Japan’s tax-free process and which rules apply, check the National Tax Agency’s guidance for your visit date. For the refund process scheduled to start in November 2026, follow the guidance in effect on your purchase date.
- For medicines, check the active ingredients, strength, and directions, not just the product name. First check Korea Customs Service and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety guidance for cold medicines, sleep aids, diet pills, and other products that may contain controlled substances.
- This guide does not determine whether an item can be brought into Korea. If the ingredients or approval status are unclear, wait to buy it and, if needed, check the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s procedure for carrying controlled substances for personal medical use.
Day by day
Suggested itinerary
See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.
Decide which ingredients and quantities you need, then check Japan’s National Tax Agency guidance on tax-free shopping for your visit date and Korea’s rules for bringing items into the country.
Check your passport, the store’s tax-free sign, ingredients, directions, expiration date, and receipt. Buy only the quantity you need.
Check the export, packaging, and customs inspection procedures in effect at the time of purchase, along with airline baggage restrictions.
Places and meals
3-17-3 Shinjuku. This is one option whose location and available services you can check through the official store search. Check medicine ingredients and import requirements separately from the store location.
Google MapsHow to fit it in
The simplest approach is to stop at one store near your hotel when you need medicine or cosmetics and check ingredients and import requirements there.
Reality check
Finish your shopping at a store near your hotel in the last two days of your trip so you don’t have to carry heavy bags for long.
With your list and ingredient requirements prepared in advance, 30–60 minutes at one store should be enough. Don’t spend your last day comparing prices across stores and leave yourself rushed to pack.
Calculate the quantity you actually need and your baggage weight instead of focusing on the discount. For trips in November 2026 or later, also account for paying the tax-included amount until the refund is issued after departure checks.
Don’t buy a medicine if you can’t read its active ingredients, strength, or directions, or if you can’t confirm whether it can be brought into Korea. Don’t replace a medicine you already have a prescription for on your own.
If plans change
If the store explains tax-free requirements differently, follow its official on-site guidance. If you can’t confirm the requirements, skip the tax-free purchase.
If you’re tired or can’t verify the ingredients, put off buying medicine and stick to everyday essentials.
Small tip
Tax-free shopping does not mean a product is safe or approved for import. Avoid prescription medicines, controlled substances, and bulk purchases unless you’ve checked with a professional and the relevant authorities.
Final check before departure
- Check your chosen store’s hours and whether it can provide consultations or carry the medicines you need. Don’t assume you can buy every medicine just because the store is open.
- Save the ingredients and strengths of your current medicines alongside those of the products you’re considering.
- Check official guidance on the quantity you can bring into Korea, airline baggage rules, and the tax-free process on your purchase date.
- Write down the quantity you need and the price at home; decide not to buy extra just to meet a requirement.
Verification date: 2026-07-30. Japan’s tax-free system is scheduled to switch to a refund process on 2026-11-01. Check store hours and transit routes on your visit date, and separately confirm that being allowed to buy a medicine in Japan does not determine whether it can be brought into Korea.
Information checked: 2026-07-30