[Until Dec 31] How to Do "Furusato Nozei" on Amazon: English Guide & Best Gifts (Rice, Meat, Daily Goods)
CEO / Native Japanese Expert
Updated on: June 11, 2026
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Last updated: June 11, 2026
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Send to Friends (Summary)
- •Gave up because "Rakuten is too complicated"? With Amazon, you can do Furusato Nozei in 3 minutes using your existing account. This English guide explains how to get rice and meat for effectively ¥2,000.
Great for LINE / WhatsApp sharing
※ Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
"I know Furusato Nozei is a great deal, but the websites are all in Japanese and look complicated..." "The Rakuten page has too much text, I don't know where to click..."
Are you losing out on tens of thousands of yen every year because of this? Actually, did you know that you can do Furusato Nozei on Amazon?
With Amazon, no new account registration is required. You can complete it just by paying with your credit card, exactly like your usual shopping. In this article, I will introduce the easiest way to do "Amazon Furusato Nozei" and recommend return gifts for foreign residents.
⚠️ The deadline is December 31st, 23
.1. Why Should Foreigners Choose "Amazon"?
In communities like Reddit (r/JapanLife), many foreigners say they are "Team Amazon over Rakuten."
| Feature | Amazon Furusato | Rakuten Furusato |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Existing Account OK | New Registration Required |
| UI (Usability) | Simple | Cluttered |
| English Support | Works perfectly with browser translation | Many images with text (untranslatable) |
| Points | 1% - 2.5% | Up to 15% or more |
Conclusion: Which Type Are You?
- Type A: The Maximizer
- "I can read Japanese," "I don't mind complex settings," "I want every single point."
- 👉 Challenge yourself with Rakuten Furusato Nozei.
- Type B: The Minimalist
- "I hate hassle," "I want to do it in English," "I want to finish it quickly."
- 👉 Amazon Furusato Nozei is the correct answer.
Voice from Reddit: "Rakuten is a nightmare of flashing banners. I use Amazon purely because I can actually find the checkout button."
2. 3 Steps to Do Furusato Nozei on Amazon
Step 1: Know Your "Donation Limit"
Depending on your annual income, there is a limit (cap) on how much you can donate. If you exceed this, you lose money.
- Annual Income ¥4 million (Single): Approx. ¥42,000
- Annual Income ¥6 million (Single): Approx. ¥77,000
- Simulator: Check the exact number with Amazon's Deduction Simulator.
Step 2: Choose a Gift and Add to Cart
It is exactly the same as normal shopping. However, if you want to use the "One-Stop Exception System," please check the box for "Request One-Stop Exception Application Form" on the order screen.
Step 3: Payment & Return Documents
Pay with a credit card. Later, you will receive an envelope from the municipality. Send it back with a copy of your My Number Card, and you are done. Tax Return is not required.
3. Recommended Return Gifts Popular with Foreigners (Best for Expats)
For those who don't know what to choose, we have selected items popular in the Expat community.
🍚 Rice - Save on Living Costs
Having heavy rice delivered to your door is the best.
- Akita Komachi from Akita Prefecture 20kg: Best cost performance. Secure rice for several months.
- Niigata Uonuma Koshihikari 5kg: If you want to try the most delicious rice in Japan, this is it.
🥩 Meat - Enjoy Wagyu
"Wagyu," which is too expensive to buy at supermarkets, is effectively ¥2,000 with Furusato Nozei.
- Kagoshima Black Wagyu Sliced 600g: Perfect for Sukiyaki.
- Miyazaki Pork & Chicken Set 4kg: Please clear space in your freezer!
🧻 Daily Essentials - Save Shopping Hassle
- Toilet Paper 64 Rolls: Bulk buy for a year. Free yourself from the embarrassment of carrying it home from the drugstore.
- Mt. Fuji Natural Water 2L x 12 Bottles: Excellent as an emergency kit.
4. Secret Trick: "Double Points" with Rakuten Card
For the greedy ones who use Amazon but also want points. If you use Rakuten Card for payment, you can earn 1% Rakuten Points even on Amazon.
- Amazon Points: 1% (More for Prime members)
- Rakuten Points: 1% (Card payment portion)
- Total: 2% Return
With this, it is profitable enough without using Rakuten's complicated site.
👉 Don't have a Rakuten Card yet? Create one with no annual fee
⚠️ Important: To Avoid the December "Panic"
On December 31st, traffic spikes, creating risks of server crashes or credit card payments not processing in time. Also, the One-Stop Exception application form might arrive late, missing the return deadline of January 10th.
- Safe Zone: Order complete by December 20th
- Danger: After December 25th
- Too Late: After December 31st, 23
If you order right now, you can still make it.
📝 Summary
- If you are bad with Rakuten's site, choose Amazon Furusato Nozei without hesitation.
- Getting heavy items like rice and toilet paper is the smart Expat way.
- [Urgent] After December 31st, this year's tax deduction quota will disappear. Check it now!
Go to Amazon Furusato Nozei
Get Japanese specialties for effectively ¥2,000. Deadline approaching!
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Disclaimer
※ The information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing. Laws and regulations may change, so please always check official sources for the latest information. We assume no liability for any damages resulting from the content of this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I do furusato nozei via Amazon in Japan?
A: Yes. Amazon Japan has an Amazon Furusato Nozei feature (Amazon ふるさと納税) allowing donations to municipalities and receiving local product gifts, similar to Rakuten and Furusato Choice. Prime members can earn Amazon Points on donations.
Q: What are the advantages of using Amazon for furusato nozei?
A: Advantages of Amazon Furusato Nozei: familiar interface for Amazon users, Prime points on donations, convenient delivery tracking via the standard Amazon logistics system. Disadvantage: point returns and campaign promotions are typically lower than Rakuten during Rakuten SPU campaigns.
Q: Is Amazon Furusato Nozei available all year or only during certain periods?
A: Amazon Furusato Nozei is available year-round. The service runs continuously with thousands of municipalities and products listed. Campaign promotions (bonus points, special gift sets) appear around Amazon Prime Day (July) and the end-of-year period (November–December).
Q: Do foreigners need a My Number to use Amazon Furusato Nozei?
A: A My Number is required for the ワンストップ特例 (One-Stop Exception) forms. If you file a regular 確定申告 instead, My Number is still entered on the tax return. You don't need My Number to make the donation itself — only for the tax deduction paperwork afterward.
Q: Can I use a foreign credit card on Amazon Japan for furusato nozei?
A: Yes. Amazon Japan accepts international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) for all purchases including furusato nozei. Your card issuer's foreign transaction fees may apply. Using an Amazon Japan-issued credit card avoids foreign fees and earns additional Amazon Points.