Yodobashi Camera Group announced on October 28th that it will begin operations in line with Japan's new tax-free system for foreign visitors, starting November 1st. At 11 major Yodobashi Camera stores, they will also offer an "in-city refund service" allowing customers to receive cash refunds at the store before their departure from Japan.
From November 1st, Japan's tax-free system will shift from the current method of deducting consumption tax at the time of purchase to a "refund system." Under this new system, customers first pay the tax-inclusive price, and then receive the consumption tax equivalent back after customs confirms the goods are taken out of the country upon departure. In conjunction with this, all Yodobashi Camera stores, all Ishii Sports and Art Sports stores, and some stores within the "LINKS" commercial facilities operated by Yodobashi Tatemono will accommodate tax-free procedures in line with the new system.
With the in-city refund service at the 11 major stores, if customers choose cash as their refund method at the tax-free counter, they can receive it immediately on the spot. This means they won't have to wait for the usual refund after departure, and the money can be used for dining, sightseeing, or additional shopping during their stay.
The eligible stores are Shinjuku Nishiguchi Honten, Multimedia Ikebukuro, Akiba, Ueno, Yokohama, Umeda, Kyoto, Meitetsu Nagoya, Hakata, Sapporo, and Sendai, totaling 11 stores. However, upon departure, a prescribed confirmation process is required at customs at the airport or port, involving presenting the purchased items and passport.
