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What is the on-site payment hometown tax available in Tokyo? Donate in the city you visit and use it on the spot—a new way to support local communities.

2026.05.14

Tokyo Hometown Tax Feature

What is on-site payment hometown tax in Tokyo?

Donate in the area you visit and use it at local stores——this new, experiential way to support communities is spreading across Tokyo

Being able to make a hometown tax donation on the spot while traveling in Tokyo——this new system is gradually spreading across the city. Called “on-site payment hometown tax,” it lets you donate to the municipality you visit, immediately receive your return gift as a digital gift or coupon, and use it at local restaurants, accommodations, and more. In this article, ぐるっと東京 explains its mechanisms and features in an easy-to-understand way.

What you'll learn in this article

What is on-site payment hometown tax?
How it differs from traditional hometown tax
When can you use it?
Areas in Tokyo where it's available
Benefits for users
Benefits for local shops
Things to check before using
Frequently asked questions

SECTION 01 What is on-site payment hometown tax?

On-site payment hometown tax is a system where you donate to the municipality at your travel or outing destination via your smartphone, immediately receive your return gift as a digital gift or coupon, and use it at participating businesses in the area (restaurants, accommodations, activity facilities, etc.).

With conventional hometown tax, return gifts typically arrive later at your home; with this system, you can “donate in the place you visit and use it there,” enabling an experiential way to support local communities.

STEP

Donate with your
smartphone

Access the donation site of the municipality you’re visiting and make your donation by credit card

›

STEP

Receive your
e-gift

Receive your thank-you gift as an e-gift or e-coupon on your smartphone

›

STEP

Use at
participating stores

Present a QR code, etc., to use it at local restaurants, lodgings, and more

SECTION 02 Differences from the traditional Furusato Nozei

When you think of Furusato Nozei, many people picture the “thank-you gift” model where local specialties and foods from around the country are delivered to your home. The on-site payment model is quite different in that you can use it on the spot.

Traditional

Thank-you gift model (items delivered)

Receive local specialties and food products from across Japan
Thank-you gifts are shipped to your home later (from a few weeks to a few months)
Donate from anywhere, even from home
An experience focused on enjoying goods

On-site payment

E-gift you can use on the spot

Instantly receive as an e-gift or e-coupon
Usable immediately at participating stores in the area you visit
Complete the process in about 5 minutes on your smartphone
Experience-oriented: enjoy local shops and activities

SECTION 03 In what situations can you use it?

The e-gifts and e-coupons for the on-site payment Furusato Nozei can be used at participating stores designated by each municipality. Eligible industries and stores vary by municipality, but they are envisioned for use in situations like the following.

Dining

Local restaurants, cafes, izakaya, etc.

Accommodation

Hotels, ryokans, guesthouses, etc.

Experiences & Sightseeing

Tourist facilities and experience programs, etc.

Shopping

Local shops and souvenir stores, etc.

Hot Springs & Spas

Hot spring facilities and relaxation, etc.

Nature & Activities

Outdoor experiences and farm experiences, etc.

Note: Available stores and facilities vary by municipality and service. Before actual use, please check the participating merchant information provided by each municipality or official service.

SECTION 04 Related Areas in Tokyo

Initiatives related to pay-on-site furusato tax donations, as well as electronic coupon and experience-based furusato tax programs, are gradually expanding within Tokyo. As of 2026, such initiatives have been confirmed in the following areas.

Within the 23 Wards

Chiyoda Ward Shinagawa Ward Ota Ward Shibuya Ward

Tama Area

Tachikawa City Musashino City Ome City Akiruno City Higashiyamato City Hinode Town

※ The above is an example based on related information confirmed as of 2026. The available content, eligible stores, usage conditions, and eligible return gifts vary by municipality and service. When actually using, please check the latest information from each municipality and official services. In addition, the implementation areas may be further expanded or changed in the future.

SECTION 05 Benefits for users

For travelers and people going out, the on-site payment type hometown tax donation offers unique benefits not found in the conventional model.

Receive on the spot and use on the spot

When you complete the donation procedure on your smartphone, you can immediately receive an e-gift/e-coupon. There is no need to wait for the return gift to arrive; you can use it at local shops the same day.

More ways to enjoy Tokyo sightseeing and nearby outings

While out and about in Tokyo, you can enjoy local shops while also supporting the community. It can also be a chance to visit shops or experience facilities you normally wouldn’t.

Everything completed with just your smartphone

From applying for the donation to receiving the e-gift and using it at stores, everything is done on your smartphone. No paper documents or mailing procedures are required.

Easier to feel your support for the community

Because you donate directly to the area you visit and use it at shops there, it is easier to feel that you are supporting the community.

Note: The effect of tax deductions varies depending on individual income, family composition, etc. Please check with each municipality’s guidance or a tax office for details.

SECTION 06 Benefits for local shops

The on-site payment type hometown tax donation can also provide new opportunities for attracting customers and revitalizing the local area for restaurants, accommodations, and experience facilities in the region.

Promoting new visits and usage from outside the region

Travelers and tourists with electronic gift vouchers are encouraged to use shops they would not normally visit. This can lead to encounters with new customers.

Contributes to the circulation of spending within the region

When donated money is used within the area as electronic gifts, it is expected to promote the circulation of the local economy.

Improved awareness in tandem with municipal PR

By participating in the on-site payment-type hometown tax initiatives implemented by municipalities, you can expect increased awareness in line with their PR activities.

SECTION 07 Things to check before use

Before using the on-site payment-type hometown tax, we recommend checking the following points with each municipality and official service. Usage conditions vary by service.

Eligible stores/facilities: The partner merchants where electronic gifts can be used differ by municipality and service. Check the merchant list in advance.
Expiration date: Electronic gifts and electronic coupons may have expiration dates. Confirm whether you can use them within the validity period.
Eligibility to donate: As a rule, those who have a resident record in that municipality are not eligible for the hometown tax (donations to the municipality where you live are excluded).
Payment methods: In most cases, a credit card is required. Check which card brands are supported.
Return gift ratio: The percentage of electronic gifts you can receive in relation to the donation amount (return rate) varies by service.
One-stop exception・tax return: Procedures are required to receive tax deductions. For details, please check with each municipality or tax office.

Please be sure to check the latest information on the official website.The program details, terms of use, and participating merchant information are subject to change. When using the service, please check the latest information from each municipality or the official service.

SECTION 08 Frequently Asked Questions

Q Can tourists use the on-site payment Furusato Nozei?

A Yes, in principle, people living anywhere in Japan can use it. However, those who have resident registration in that municipality (residents of that municipality) are not eligible for Furusato Nozei. Travelers and tourists visiting the wards, cities, towns, and villages within Tokyo are generally eligible. For details, please refer to each municipality’s guidance.

Q Do I need a smartphone to use it?

A Many on-site payment Furusato Nozei programs assume procedures using a smartphone. In most cases, a smartphone is required for donation applications and for receiving and presenting electronic gifts. Please check each service’s user guide for details.

Q From what amount can the electronic gift be used?

A This varies by service; some allow use in units starting from 1 yen. For the minimum usable amount and usage unit, please refer to the official information of each service.

Q Is the tax deduction guaranteed?

A The tax deduction under Furusato Nozei varies depending on individual income, family composition, and other deductions. Procedures such as the One-Stop Special system or filing a tax return are also required. Please use each municipality’s simulator to estimate the deduction amount, and consult the tax office or a tax professional for details.

Summary

The on-site payment style Furusato Nozei is a new way to support local communities while enjoying the city of Tokyo. Make a donation on your smartphone at your destination and use it as an electronic gift to enjoy local shops——this experiential form of community support is gradually spreading across Tokyo. Gurutto Tokyo will continue to share information that highlights Tokyo’s appeal and connects to community support.

Author of this article

ぐるっと東京

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