Payment VAT refund in volks store?

No, Volks doesn't offer the VAT refund. Actually, very few stores do, I think just some of the shops in Akihabara that target foreign tourists and department stores. Usually the VAT refund for department stores is on one of the top floors. Many years ago I used it.

As far as I know there is no place to be refunded in the airports. Only very specific stores offer a refund and the others you are just stuck paying the VAT/tax.

Honestly, for me, it's not like getting the refund of VAT when I leave Europe. Europe charges a VAT of like 20% while the VAT/tax in Japan last time I was there was a lowly 5% which is lower than the tax I am charged here in the US.

 

The Volks store in Akihabara does offer the VAT refund in-store on all purchases over yen10k.
Trust me, I just been there start of this month.

So if you're planning on buying figurines and other hobby materials this is a good place to start as they got a fair selection in there.

Note, i've heard rumours that they are planning to refurbish the building where the Volks Akihabara store is located so it might be worth checking up on this for alternatives.

If you go to Osaka the big Volks store there offers tax refunds too.

Also, we noticed several stores offering the tax refund when there, not just department stores.
Always worth asking.

Have a great trip!

 

In addition to the Akihabara showroom, I can also confirm that the Harajuku Volks store and Shinjuku ALTA also does the VAT refund.

It was the first question out of my mouth there when I was considering buy my Daria doll at the Harajuku location back in January.

It's very simple - you just have to show them your passport when you pay and they will fill out and staple a little form into your passport. They deduct the 5% on the spot so you don't have to line up at the airport or wait 3 weeks for it to be credited back to you credit card like the European VAT refunds!

The only thing to note is that the Volks showrooms also sell things on consignment (I got some really nice outfits and shoes) that aren't official Volks items so these don't apply to your total towards the VAT refund - I encountered this in Akihabara and Shinjuku.

 

After just getting back from Japan, I can confirm that you do have to buy over 10'000 yen worth of things to get the refund. Not all the stores will give you the refund, however. Harajuku did (and they had a little sign on the counter) but Tenshi no Sato (in Kyoto) will not give you a refund for the FCS (shipped within Japan only) or any other purchases.

 

I wish I had known that. I buy many clothes for myself in Japan and I always use the chance to get taxes back. But it never crossed my mind that this is possible at Volks stores.