Hokkaido Duty-Free Shopping Guide (Global Mirror)

New Chitose Airport international duty-free shops and Sapporo Duty-Free Plaza are the most recommended choices. The former has a complete range of brands, while the latter often offers 30% off promotions.

Most duty-free products are about 8% to 15% cheaper than city prices. Tobacco and alcohol show the biggest difference, often more than 20% cheaper.

From New Chitose Airport International Terminal, the duty-free shops are about a 3-minute walk away. You can also take the JR Chitose Line directly, with a travel time of about 20 minutes.

There is a tax-free counter at Daimaru Department Store about a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station, and there are also tax-free drugstores near Susukino where tax refund procedures can be completed on site.

You must show your passport to shop tax-free. Goods must be taken out of Japan within 30 days after purchase. Liquids over 100 ml must be checked in, and tobacco and alcohol have quantity limits.

Weekday mornings right when stores open at 10:00 are the least crowded. Shopping on Wednesday or Thursday morning can reduce average queue time by more than 60% compared with weekends.