Hyojito has introduced ‘TaxFreeShops.jp,’ a comprehensive information website of tax-free shops in Japan allowing users to easily search or browse tax-free shops (containing the address, items sold, and map of the shops) online. Travelling to Japan could be rewarding as a recent survey by ‘Consumption Trend Survey for Foreigners Visiting Japan’ published by the Japan Tourism Agency shows that some 90 per cent of foreign visitors to Japan are strongly interested in visiting tax-free shops, in spite of the current situation where actual tax-free shop usage remains low due to lack of information. It has been witnessed that many visitors encounter difficulties after arrival in Japan like where to find tax-free shops, where free Wi-Fi is available and easy methods for exchanging currency.
For those seeking for a higher level of satisfaction, the website also provides special paid content that includes useful information such as shop photos, official website addresses, telephone numbers, and accepted credit cards, as well as exclusive shop-specific discount coupons. The website features high usability, as it was developed based on interviews with foreign visitors and focusing on the following two points: Shop search flow built through the eyes of users; Linked to related contents with a high demand from foreign visitors not familiar with Japan; Search for tax-free shops nearby your current location; Search for tax-free shops according to the item you hope to buy, such as department stores, pharmacies, and electronics stores; Narrow down your search by choosing the address of your choice; Find tax-free shops based on topics as tourist spots and frequently used train stations; Information on free Wi-Fi spots; Information on ATMs accepting cash cards issued in the countries of foreign visitors; Information on tourist information centers certified by the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO).