Japan tax refund

[Isochronous]

I'm in Osaka and have done a bit of shopping (e.g. 2 pairs of shoes today) and have enjoyed the immediate cash refund inside the major department stores (Daimaru, Hankyu, Takashimaya), but I notice each time they staple a slip to your passport with the Japan entry stamp stating you've received a tax refund and that the items must be shown to customs to prove they are being exported.

Does anyone know when these inspections take place? I am flying out of NRT. I don't want to have to take it as carry on, since I prefer checking everything in (especially with my OWE/J allowance) and the carry on bags I have available are small. It also states that you can show evidence of them already being shipped would suffice - I was planning to mail some excess luggage home anyway, so would a copy of the registered mail slip and maybe a photo of the box I was posting be accepted?

Would be grateful for anyone's experience in this area!

 

[Isochronous]

Interestingly you just go to the Customs door and press the buzzer - before clearing security/immigration. A guy comes out and just takes the stapled dockets from my passport. Doesn't even inspect the goods. I could then check everything in and didn't have to carry massive amounts on board the plane. Great easy system.

 

[TomVexille]

Interestingly you just go to the Customs door and press the buzzer - before clearing security/immigration. A guy comes out and just takes the stapled dockets from my passport. Doesn't even inspect the goods. I could then check everything in and didn't have to carry massive amounts on board the plane. Great easy system.

That's some good information.