Shopping at Montbell (mont-bell) in Japan | PIE VAT Tax-Free App and Fees, Store Hours in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka, Store-Exclusive Local T-Shirts, Bear Bells, Japanese Sizes
A guide to shopping at stores of Montbell (mont-bell), the Japanese outdoor gear brand. Based on official information from Montbell and PIE VAT and on photos of a store taken by the operator of this site, it explains how to use PIE VAT, the app for tax-free procedures, and its fees; the tax-free changes from November 1, 2026; opening hours and tax-free procedures at stores in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Yamanashi, Sapporo and Fukuoka; local T-shirts whose designs differ by region and store; the prices of bear bells; and the difference between Japanese and Western sizes.
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Overview
Montbell (mont-bell) is a Japanese outdoor gear brand founded in Osaka in 1975. It makes clothing, footwear, backpacks and equipment for hiking and camping, and has stores all over Japan. This article is a guide to shopping at Montbell stores in Japan, based on official information from Montbell and PIE VAT (checked on October 18, 2026).
- At many Montbell stores, the tax-free procedure is done with a smartphone app called PIE VAT. The consumption tax is not refunded in cash at the store's register; instead, the refund amount minus a fee is shown in the app, and you receive it by transferring it to a bank account or credit card. This explanation is based on information checked on October 18, 2026. As of November 4, 2026, Montbell's list of tax-free stores still does not describe a procedure adapted to the system that began on November 1, 2026. For this reason, it is not known whether purchases made on or after November 1 also still use this procedure.
- At stores such as the Umekita Store and the Namba City Store in Osaka, the tax-free procedure is done not at the store but at the building's tax-free counter (the tax-free counter of the building that houses the store).
- The Fukuoka Tenjin Store is not on Montbell's "list of tax-free stores" (checked on October 18, 2026).
- The "local T-shirts" have designs that differ by region and store, and each design is sold only at specific stores. They are not sold in the online store.
The photo, taken by the site operator on October 15, 2026, shows the entrance of a Montbell store inside a shopping center. In front of the entrance were mannequins dressed in hiking clothes and backpacks, and a red bicycle. Beside the entrance stood a bear figure wearing a red vest.
Conditions
Stores where you can shop tax-free
The "list of tax-free stores" on Montbell's official website shows, by region, the stores in Japan where you can shop tax-free. For each store, the tax-free procedure is given as one of the following two methods.
- At stores marked "App," you do the procedure with the PIE VAT app. Montbell asks you to install the app and create an account before going to the store.
- At stores marked "Building's tax-free counter," you do the procedure at the tax-free counter of the building that houses the store (a shopping center or department store). Check the procedure and fees at that building's tax-free counter.
For stores not on the list, ask the store staff whether you can shop tax-free. The table "Stores popular with travelers" in this article shows the procedure for each store.
Who can shop tax-free, and the minimum amount
According to PIE VAT's information checked on October 18, 2026, you can shop tax-free at stores marked "App" when all of the following conditions are met. For stores marked "Building's tax-free counter," check the conditions at that building's tax-free counter.
- You do not live in Japan, and fewer than 6 months have passed since you entered Japan.
- The total of the items you bought at one store on the same day is ¥5,000 (tax excluded) or more.
- You complete the tax-free procedure on the same day as your purchase.
How the app procedure works
This is the procedure at stores marked "App," according to PIE VAT's information checked on October 18, 2026. The information does not say whether the same procedure applies to purchases made on or after November 1, 2026.
- Before going to the store, install the PIE VAT app on your smartphone, create an account, and register your details. The app is free.
- At the store's register, show your passport and pay the price including consumption tax.
- On the same day as your purchase, follow the instructions in the app to enter the details of that day's purchases. These include the receipt and the store's QR code (or 6-digit number).
- Once the procedure is approved, the refund amount minus the fee is shown in the app.
- Transfer the refund to a bank account or credit card, using the method you chose in the app.
The fee is at least 1.5% of the total amount of the items bought tax-free (the amount excluding consumption tax), and it varies by store (according to PIE VAT). According to PIE VAT, whether you can receive the refund to a credit card depends on the bank that issued the card and its country.
Changes from November 1, 2026
Japan's tax-free system changed on November 1, 2026 (according to the Japan Tourism Agency). For purchases made on or after November 1, the consumption tax is refunded after Japan Customs checks your items at the airport or seaport when you leave Japan. To receive the refund, you must leave Japan within 90 days of the purchase date and have your items checked by customs at that time.
As of November 4, 2026, neither Montbell's "list of tax-free stores" page nor PIE VAT's guide for travelers describes a procedure adapted to this change. For purchases made on or after November 1, check the procedure and how to receive the refund at the store when you buy. The procedure when leaving Japan is explained in Tax-Free Shopping in Japan | The Refund Method from November 2026 and What to Do When You Leave Japan.
Highlights
Sections of the store we photographed
In the store we photographed, signs hanging from the ceiling showed the names of the sections in English and Japanese (Men's & Unisex, Women's, Cap & Hat, Camping, Footwear, Bag & Backpack, etc.). The look of the sections and the items on display differ from store to store.
Down jackets
In the store we photographed, many lightweight down jackets were lined up by color. The orange jacket in the front of the photo is the men's Superior Down Round Neck Jacket. The price on the tag was ¥15,000 (tax included), the same as in Montbell's online store.
Rainwear
This is the section for waterproof jackets made so you can hike in the mountains even in the rain. The store we photographed had a sign in Japanese comparing the men's rainwear models. In Montbell's online store, for example, the men's Storm Cruiser Jacket is ¥22,000 (tax included).
Footwear
In the "Footwear" section of the store we photographed, hiking boots, hiking shoes and rubber boots covered an entire wall.
On the floor near the footwear section was a slope-shaped platform covered with stones. It had a sign reading "ここで、あそばないでね" ("Please don't play here") and "This area is not for playing." Behind the platform was a bench for putting on shoes.
Backpacks and bags
The store we photographed had everything from small backpacks for day hikes to large backpacks for mountaineering. On the shelf at the back of the photo was a sign reading "女性用バックパック" ("Backpacks for women") and "Backpack for Women."
The bag section had white tote bags with a bear face design and small shoulder bags.
Bear bells
The store we photographed had a sign in Japanese reading "クマを避ける" ("Avoid bears") and a section of bells (trekking bells) to wear while hiking in the mountains. Montbell's online store describes these bells as gear for letting wild animals such as bears and wild boars know that people are around. Here are some example prices from the online store (checked on October 18, 2026).
| Bell name | Price |
|---|---|
| Trekking Bell Round | ¥990 (tax included) |
| Trekking Bell Square Silent | ¥1,700 (tax included) |
| Trekking Bell Silent | ¥2,200 (tax included) |
| Trekking Bell Round Silent | ¥2,800 (tax included) |
According to the online store's description, bells with "Silent" in their name can be set so that they do not ring.
Store-exclusive local T-shirts
At its stores around Japan, Montbell sells T-shirts with illustrations designed for each region or store (Montbell's announcement of September 30, 2026). Each design is sold only at specific stores. Some designs are sold at just one store, and others at several stores in the same region. Some stores also sell bottles and mugs in addition to T-shirts. Examples of designs are below.
| Store | Design |
|---|---|
| Shinjuku Minamiguchi Store | The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Monta Bear |
| Shibuya Store | Monta Bear and Hachiko standing at the Scramble Crossing |
| Kyoto Store, Kyoto Ekimae Store | Symbols of Kyoto, such as the Gozan Okuribi bonfires and torii gates, with outdoor gear |
| Todaiji Monzen Store and other stores in Nara Prefecture | Monta Bear and deer strolling through the streets and nature of the ancient capital of Nara |
| Fujiyoshida Store | Mt. Fuji glowing red in the morning sun |
| Fukuoka Tenjin Store and other stores in Fukuoka Prefecture | Fukuoka's magnificent nature and outdoor activities |
Monta Bear is the bear that appears in illustrations on Montbell T-shirts and other items. According to Montbell, the following rules apply.
- The local T-shirts are not sold in the online store.
- A store that is not listed in the announcement as selling a design cannot order in that T-shirt for you.
- You can buy up to 10 items per person per product number.
- Because they may be out of stock, you are advised to contact the store before you go.
Where to buy
Stores popular with travelers
Opening hours are based on the store list on Montbell's official website (checked on October 18, 2026). Tax-free procedures are based on Montbell's "list of tax-free stores" (checked on October 18, 2026).
| Store | Location | Opening hours | Tax-free procedure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Kyobashi Store | Kyobashi, Tokyo. 1F and 2F of Tokyo Square Garden | 11:00–21:00 | App (PIE VAT) |
| Shinjuku Minamiguchi Store | Near the South Exit of Shinjuku Station, Tokyo (address: Yoyogi, Shibuya Ward). 1F of NMF Shinjuku Minamiguchi Building | 10:00–21:00 | App (PIE VAT) |
| Shibuya Store | Shibuya (Udagawacho), Tokyo. mont-bell Shibuya Building | 10:30–21:00 | App (PIE VAT) |
| Okachimachi Store | Ueno (Taito Ward), Tokyo. Comterrace Okachimachi | 10:00–21:00 | App (PIE VAT) |
| Kyoto Ekimae Store | Minami Ward, Kyoto City. 3F of AEON MALL KYOTO (Sakura-kan) | 10:00–21:00 | App (PIE VAT) |
| Kyoto Store | Shinkyogoku-dori (Nakagyo Ward), Kyoto. 1F of Yoshimoto Building | 11:00–20:00 | App (PIE VAT) |
| Umekita Store | Umeda, Osaka. 5F of GRAND FRONT OSAKA Shops & Restaurants South Building | 11:00–21:00 | Building's tax-free counter |
| Daimaru Shinsaibashi Store | Shinsaibashi, Osaka. 6F of Daimaru Shinsaibashi South Building | 11:00–20:00 | App (PIE VAT) |
| Namba City Store | Namba, Osaka. B1F of Namba CITY South Building | 11:00–21:00 | Building's tax-free counter |
| Todaiji Monzen Store | Kasuganocho, Nara City. Inside Yumekaze Hiroba | 9:00–18:00 | App (PIE VAT) |
| Fujiyoshida Store | Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture | 9:00–19:00 | App (PIE VAT) |
| Sapporo Akarenga Terrace Store | Chuo Ward, Sapporo City. B1F and 1F of Akarenga Terrace | 10:00–21:00 | App (PIE VAT) |
| Fukuoka Tenjin Store | Tenjin, Fukuoka City. 1F of NTT-KF Building | 10:30–21:00 | Not on the list of tax-free stores |
The floor numbers in the table match the signs in the buildings (the ground floor is 1F, and the first basement floor is B1F).
- For stores not on the "list of tax-free stores," such as the Fukuoka Tenjin Store, ask the store staff whether you can shop tax-free.
- Closing days differ by store. Most of the stores in the table are open every day of the year. The Tokyo Kyobashi Store, Daimaru Shinsaibashi Store and Namba City Store close on the closing days of the buildings they are in. The Umekita Store's closing days are listed as "irregular." The Sapporo Akarenga Terrace Store is closed only on January 1.
- There are also other Montbell stores offering tax-free procedures, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. You can find them in the "list of tax-free stores" on Montbell's official website.
Checkout and store
Japanese sizes and Western sizes
According to Montbell's FAQ, Montbell clothing comes in "Japanese sizes" and "Western sizes." Japanese sizes are made to fit Asian bodies, and Western sizes to fit North American and European bodies. Western sizes are usually larger in the sleeves, length, chest and so on. How large the difference is varies by item.
In the online store, each item has an icon showing whether it is a "Japanese size" or a "Western size." Montbell's information does not say which sizes are on display at stores in Japan. Try items on at the store to check.
Price differences with online shopping outside Japan
According to Montbell's FAQ, item prices differ by currency. The currency you pay in depends on the country where the warehouse shipping the items is located, and shipping costs to the warehouse, customs duties and market conditions differ by country. When items are shipped outside Japan, the price shown in the online store may include costs such as international shipping fees, import duties and consumption tax. For this reason, prices at stores in Japan and prices in online stores outside Japan are not the same.
Buying in the online store and receiving items at a hotel in Japan
Montbell's FAQ says the following about having items bought in the online store sent to a hotel.
- Check with your hotel in advance whether it can receive the items.
- The delivery date cannot be specified, so delivery during your stay cannot be guaranteed.
- Montbell is not responsible if the package is lost at the hotel after delivery.
- If the items cannot be received after they have been shipped, the amount minus the round-trip shipping costs is refunded.
Returns
- Items bought in the online store cannot be returned or exchanged at Montbell stores (Montbell's FAQ).
- According to PIE VAT, returns are not accepted after the tax-free procedure has been completed.
Good to know
Things to note
- The information in this article is based on Montbell's official website (store list, list of tax-free stores, FAQ, company profile, online store, and the announcement about local design T-shirts) and PIE VAT's guide for travelers, checked on October 18, 2026. Opening hours, tax-free procedures and prices may change.
- Tax-free procedures and fees may change in line with the change to the tax-free system on November 1, 2026.
- The photos in this article were taken by the site operator on October 15, 2026, at a Montbell store inside a shopping center. The look of the sections, the items on display and prices vary by store and season. The faces of people in the photos are blurred.
- For examples of tax-free procedures at other stores in Japan, see How to Shop at UNIQLO in Japan | Tax-Free Rules and Returns, Hemming Fees and Turnaround Times, Sizes, Payment, Choosing HEATTECH, UNIQLO Shinjuku Takashimaya for UNIQLO and How to Shop at LOFT in Japan | Tax-Free Conditions and Procedure, Hours of Stores in Shibuya, Ginza, Umeda and More, Cosmetics and Stationery Sections, Payment Methods for LOFT.
- How to get from Tokyo to the Fujiyoshida Store near Mt. Fuji is explained in Tokyo/Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko & Mt. Fuji: How to Get There | Fuji Excursion Limited Express, Changing Trains, Highway Bus Fares, Travel Times and Booking.