PhotoMichi JapanJapan Camera Buying Guide

Ask these questions

  • Is this a manufacturer warranty, retailer warranty, used-item warranty or international warranty?
  • Which countries can provide service under it?
  • Who pays international shipping if service is only available in Japan?
  • Does buying tax-free remove or change any warranty?
  • What is the return window, and must the item return to the original store?

Keep evidence

Retain the receipt, warranty document, product serial number and any written answer from the store. Photographing these documents before travel can help if the originals are lost.

When the cheaper option is not cheaper

If you would need to ship a camera back to Japan or pay locally for a repair, a small purchase saving can disappear. Give warranty limitations a real monetary value before comparing prices.

Source check: Kitamura tax-free guidance · Map Camera English store guide. Policies, prices and availability can change; verify the source before acting.