In response to the nation's steadily growing influx of foreign tourists, Kumamoto Airport on Monday became the first in the nation to open a dedicated one-stop counter for tax refunds on items purchased on the premises.
On Monday afternoon, the airport celebrated the departure of its first flight to Hong Kong, a twice weekly Hong Kong Airlines service expected to bring more tourists to Kyushu. In October, regular service commenced between Kumamoto and Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
"By simplifying the procedures, we hope foreigners can get tax refunds more smoothly," one airport official said.
Until now, visitors had been required to apply for tax refunds at each store, a method inconvenient for both customers and stores alike.
At Kumamoto Airport, tourists and business travelers will be able to claim tax refunds collectively for items bought at seven stores on the second floor of the domestic terminal. To get them, they must go to the new tax counter on the first floor. Details about the procedure are explained in leaflets dispensed by designated stores in the airport.
The airport is taking advantage of a government program launched in April to promote tax-free shopping by allowing malls and others to install such counters to reimburse foreign shoppers.
The same service has already been introduced at larger malls and arcades in various parts of Japan.
The program was introduced after Japan expanded the range of products eligible for tax refunds in October 2014 to cover more items, including food and cosmetics, to invigorate the economy by luring tourists to more parts of Japan.
