Where to buy Japanese skincare and cosmetics in Tokyo
Tokyo has big beauty stores, brand flagships and lifestyle shops where visitors can try and buy Japanese skincare and makeup.
結論 Our pick
Start at @cosme TOKYO in Harajuku for trending bestsellers, then try Shibuya or Ginza Loft for tax-free variety.
Tax-free from ¥5,000 per store
From 1 November 2026 you pay the full price, including 10% tax, and get the tax back after customs confirms at departure that the goods are leaving Japan (within 90 days). Loft listed a 1.55% tax-free handling fee as of May 2026, so check in store.
Source: cosme.netBefore you buy
- Best for range@cosme TOKYO has three floors of brands, best-cosmetics and ranking displays, and testers, right by JR Harajuku Station.
- Best for brand experienceSHISEIDO THE STORE in Ginza offers cosmetics, counselling and bookable beauty lessons, though the lessons are in Japanese only.
- Watch outCosmetics you open or use in Japan are not eligible for tax-free. Keep tax-free purchases unused until you leave Japan.
Where to buy in Tokyo
Checked 9 October 2026. Store links open the official site.
- 原宿Harajuku@cosme TOKYONewFlagship beauty store one minute from JR Harajuku Station, with rankings, testers and many Japanese and global brands.Tax-freeDirections
- 銀座GinzaSHISEIDO THE STOREOfficialShiseido's Ginza flagship, with cosmetics and counselling on the lower floors and a salon and lessons upstairs.Ask about tax-freeDirections
- 渋谷ShibuyaShibuya LoftNewBig lifestyle store with a cosmetics section and a tax-free counter open 11:00 to 20:30.Tax-freeDirections
- 銀座GinzaGinza LoftNewCentral Ginza branch of Loft with tax-free procedures on 3F, convenient for a Ginza shopping day.Tax-freeDirections
- 新宿ShinjukuAinz & Tulpe Shinjuku HigashiguchiNewBeauty-focused drugstore on three floors near Shinjuku's east side, open until 22:00.Ask about tax-freeDirections
Questions visitors ask
Can I use my cosmetics in Japan and still get tax-free?
No. Tax-free consumables such as cosmetics must leave Japan with you. Anything you open or use during your trip is not eligible, and from 1 November 2026 the refund comes after customs confirms export.
What does PA++++ on Japanese sunscreen mean?
PA rates UVA protection. PA++++ is the top grade, meaning a UVA protection factor of 16 or above. SPF 50+ is the highest SPF label used on Japanese packaging.
Can I try products before buying?
Yes, at many stores. @cosme TOKYO says testers and beauty devices are available to try on each floor, along with ranking displays of popular items.
Valid from 1 November 2026
Tax-free now works as a refund
You pay the 10% consumption tax in the store, then get it back after you leave Japan.
- Pay the full priceShow your passport at a tax-free store and keep the receipt.
- Customs check at departureAt the airport or seaport, within 90 days of purchase.
- Refund arrivesBy card, cash or bank transfer, depending on the store.
Minimum ¥5,000 before tax per store. Ask at checkout how that store pays refunds.