Tokyo & Osaka Exclusive: Japan’s “FamilyMart & Lawson” Now Offer Tax-Free Services

Reported by Cai Wenjun / Compiled report

Following 7-Eleven, major Japanese convenience store chains FamilyMart and Lawson have also announced the launch of tax-free services at select locations in Tokyo and Kansai.

With the expansion of tax-free eligibility in Japan and the continued decline in the yen’s exchange rate, more and more international tourists are visiting Japan.Japan’s 7-Eleven began offering tax-free services as early as early December last year at its Asakusa Kaminarimon location in Tokyo and Nishikiyama Station South Store in Kyoto,capitalizing on the tourism boom.

▲Only three designated Lawson outlets in Tokyo currently provide tax-free services. (Illustration / Photo by reporter Cai Wenjun)

Starting in February this year, anotherleading Japanese convenience store chain, Lawson, also followed suit, beginning tax-free services for international tourists at three outlets in Tokyo: ^??徘暗辍⒕┣糯瓷?莸辍?裕希么笃榈昙/span> (addresses below). Shoppers need only purchase food, cosmetics, or other goods totaling ¥10,000 or more and present their passport at checkout to enjoy the tax exemption.

Information on Lawson’s Tokyo outlets eligible for tax exemption is as follows:

1. ^??徘暗昙/span>
Address: 1-12-10, Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: Exit 4 of Higashi-Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line

2. Natural Lawson Nihonbashi Outlet
Address: 2-5-18, Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Access: Kyobashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, near Exit 4

3. TOC Osaki Store
Address: 1-6-1, Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Access: Osaki Station on the Yamanote Line, near the East Exit

▲FamilyMart tax-free designated outlets will display a tax-free notice sticker. (Image / from FamilyMart Japan official website)

Japan’s FamilyMart(FamilyMart) also began offering tax-free services from the end of March, and currentlyhas three tax-free outlets open: the 2nd Floor Shop, 1st Terminal Building, Kansai Airport; the 4th Floor Shop, 1st Terminal Building, Kansai Airport; and the Sunshine City Prince Hotel Shop in Tokyo..