Consumption Tax on Gold in Japan
Gold bars and coins carry 10% consumption tax on the full price. Jewellery carries 10% consumption tax on the full price. Today 10 grams of 24K gold cost ¥196,300 at the world price and about ¥215,930 with tax and duty.
Rules checked 26 October 2026 · Prices Oct 30, 2026, 21:55 UTC · Not tax advice
Gold in Japan today, with tax
JPY · Oct 30, 2026, 21:55 UTC| Weight | World price, 24K gold | Bar or coin, with tax and duty | K18 jewellery metal, with tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gram | ¥19,630 | ¥21,593 | ¥16,195 |
| 1 monme | ¥73,613 | ¥80,974 | ¥60,730 |
| 10 grams | ¥196,300 | ¥215,930 | ¥161,948 |
| 100 grams | ¥1,963,004 | ¥2,159,304 | ¥1,619,478 |
| 500 grams | ¥9,815,018 | ¥10,796,520 | ¥8,097,390 |
The rules in Japan
| What you buy | Tax | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bars and bullion coins | 10% | Gold bars and coins carry 10% consumption tax on the full price. No investment-gold exemption. Dealers' buyback prices also include 10% tax. |
| Jewellery | 10% | Jewellery carries 10% consumption tax on the full price. Charged on: full value. |
| Import duty | 0% | No customs duty on gold bullion; imports pay 10% consumption tax at the border. |
| Tourist refund | Yes | Foreign visitors can buy tax-free at registered shops (general goods such as jewellery, from ¥5,000 per shop per day). From 1 Nov 2026 Japan switches to a refund system: tourists pay the tax and get it back after customs checks the goods at departure. |
Compared with nearby countries
| Country | Bars and coins | Jewellery | Import duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 10% | 10% | none |
| China | 0% | 18.9% | none |
| Hong Kong | 0% | 0% | none |
| South Korea | 10% | 10% | none |
| Singapore | 0% | 9% | none |
| Malaysia | 0% | 0% | none |
| Thailand | 0% | 0% on the gold | none |
| Vietnam | 0% | 0% on the gold | none |
| Indonesia | 0% | 1.65% | none |
| Philippines | 12% | 12% | none |
Consumption Tax on Gold in Japan: FAQ
Is there consumption tax on gold in Japan?
Gold bars and coins carry 10% consumption tax on the full price. Jewellery carries 10% consumption tax on the full price.
Do you pay consumption tax on gold bars and coins in Japan?
Gold bars and coins carry 10% consumption tax on the full price. No investment-gold exemption. Dealers' buyback prices also include 10% tax.
Is there import duty on gold in Japan?
No customs duty on gold bullion; imports pay 10% consumption tax at the border.
Can tourists claim back the consumption tax on gold in Japan?
Yes. Foreign visitors can buy tax-free at registered shops (general goods such as jewellery, from ¥5,000 per shop per day). From 1 Nov 2026 Japan switches to a refund system: tourists pay the tax and get it back after customs checks the goods at departure.
Why is the gold price in Japan different from the world price?
Ex-tax wholesale gold was within 50 cents/oz of the benchmark on 9 Oct 2026. Tanaka retail prices add tax and a margin, plus bar fabrication fees on small bars.
Sources (2)
- Japan Customs: gold smuggling measures (accessed 2026-10)
- Engineering News (Reuters): Japan -50c to +50c (2026-10-09)
Related
General information on the tax a private buyer pays, checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check with the seller, the tax authority or an adviser. Not tax advice.