How to claim your Universal Studios Japan duty free tax refund

You may not realise that most of those cool USJ Souvenirs are actually duty free for Japan visitors – follow our easy guide on how to get your tax back while you are still there!

Universal Studios Japan Minions Headband

Before we get started learning about USJ Duty Free, I thought I would let you know that you can –

Get up to 10% off Japan attractions on Klook!

Klook are official Universal Studios Japan ticket sellers. In addition to being able to purchase USJ Studio Passes and Express Passes online from Klook, you can also get up to 10% off many Japan attractions (not USJ tickets) on Klook by using my exclusive discount code at checkout:

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using my direct Klook link here.

Klook Partner. Klook conditions: $50 min spend, $50 max discount, 5 times use. New customers can get 10% off and existing customers get 3% off. Find the exclusions list here. This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

Now, back to learning about that tax refund at Universal Studios Japan…

What isn’t covered by duty free?

Your park tickets and food consumed in the park including Popcorn Buckets are not duty free purchases at Universal Studios Japan. But many souvenirs are! This includes expensive items such as Harry Potter wands, robes and Super Nintendo Power-Up wrist bands – even if you’ve opened and used them. You just need them with you when you claim.

Can I use the Visit Japan Web tax-free shopping service?

No, you can’t use the Visit Japan Web tax-free shopping service at Universal Studios Japan.

How do I get my tax refund at Universal Studios Japan?

You need to take all your receipts to a shop near the front entrance to get your refund when you’ve finished shopping.

The Hello Kitty Store merchandise inside Universal Studios Japan

What do I need to get my tax back?

You must be a tourist – you need to be a foreign tourist visiting Japan for less than 6 months
Minimum total amount spent – You’ll need to have met an overall total minimum spend of 5,000 JPY (for all items combined).
Your Receipts and items – It’s important to remember to keep your USJ souvenir receipts as you go. You’ll need to produce them and the items when you go to get your tax refund.
Your Passport – You’ll also need your passport.

Fun fact! Did you know that tourists must carry their passports with them at all times in Japan? It’s the law!

Where do I go to get my merchandise tax refund?

You need to go to the Studio Gifts West Store inside Universal Studios Japan to the Tax Refund Counter to claim your tax refund. Note that you shouldn’t leave visiting the store until the last minute, as not only does it get crowded, it does also close promptly at park closing time.

Studios Gifts is located directly on your right upon entering Universal Studios Japan main entrance. The map below shows the stores location when entering USJ.

Studio Gifts West Store Duty Free Refunds

Happy Duty-Free shopping at Universal Studios Japan!

Join our USJ Facebook planning group

My Universal Studios Japan Facebook Group is the place to go if you’re planning your own exciting Universal Studios Japan trip! Our friendly Facebook group has over 50,000 group members learning and sharing their own tips for a fun USJ trip.

Join our public USJ Holiday Planning Facebook group here.

Get up to 10% off Japan attractions on Klook