“Receipt” in Japan: Receipt vs Ryoshusho (領収書)

Last updated: 2026-03-05

In English, we usually say “receipt” for proof of payment.
In Japan, people often distinguish between two documents:

レシート (resheeto): a register receipt (cash register slip)
領収書 / 領収証 (ryōshūsho / ryōshūshō): a formal receipt

For travel insurance claims, this difference matters — because insurers may ask for proof of payment and a document showing what was paid for (itemization).

Quick comparison (most common pattern)

Document	Japanese	Typical contents	When you’ll see it
Register receipt	レシート	Often itemized (items/services), printed on thermal paper	Shops, restaurants, pharmacies, taxis (sometimes)
Formal receipt	領収書 / 領収証	Often total amount + date + issuer + sometimes “Received” wording; may include name/addressee	Issued on request, often stamped

Important: Some places can issue both, but others will issue one or the other depending on their rules.

(From an accounting perspective in Japan, the key differences often include things like whether an addressee name exists and whether it is stamped.)

What you should collect for insurance (the practical rule)

If you paid for medical care in Japan

Try to leave with both:

Receipt (領収証 / 領収書) = proof you paid
Itemized statement (明細書 / 診療明細書) = breakdown of services/medicines

In Japan, medical providers are generally required to issue a receipt (領収証), and many providers/pharmacies also issue an itemized statement (明細書) (often for free), which is what you want for claims.

If you paid for non-medical expenses (taxi, supplies, etc.)

A レシート is often enough as proof of payment, but if your insurer or employer asks for a formal receipt, request a 領収書.

Why a shop may hesitate to issue a formal receipt (領収書)

In Japan, some receipts can be subject to stamp duty (印紙税) depending on the amount and document type. The National Tax Agency explains that receipts can be non-taxable below a threshold and taxable above it (commonly referenced at ¥50,000).

What this means for visitors:

Don’t argue. If they refuse a formal receipt, keep the register receipt and make sure you also have an itemized document whenever possible.
For medical claims, the itemized statement (明細書) usually matters more than whether the paper is “レシート” vs “領収書”.

How to ask (simple and realistic)

At a clinic/hospital cashier

“Could I get a receipt and an itemized statement, please?”
“Could you include the diagnosis and the date of visit on the document (if possible)?”

Japanese keywords (you can show on screen):

領収証（りょうしゅうしょう） = receipt (medical)
明細書（めいさいしょ） / 診療明細書（しんりょうめいさいしょ） = itemized statement

At a pharmacy

“Could I get an itemized receipt as well, please?”
Japanese: 明細（めいさい）ありますか？

At a shop/restaurant

“Could I have a ryōshūsho (領収書), please?”
If they ask for a name (宛名), you can say:
“Please write my name / my company name.”
Or: “No name is fine, if possible.”

Best practice: document capture (3 minutes that saves hours)

Right after you pay:

Take clear photos (full page, no blur)
Keep one folder for the trip (cloud + offline)
File naming rule (example):
2026-03-05_ABCClinic_receipt_JPY12800.jpg
2026-03-05_ABCClinic_itemized_JPY12800_p1.jpg

FAQ

Is a レシート enough for an insurance claim?

Often yes for proof of payment, but insurers may also require itemized details (especially for medical claims). For clinics/hospitals, get the itemized statement (明細書) whenever possible.

What if the clinic gave me only one paper?

Ask politely for 明細書 (itemized statement). Many medical institutions/pharmacies issue it together with the receipt.

What’s the difference between 領収書 and 領収証?

In daily life, both mean “receipt,” but medical providers often use 領収証 wording. What matters for claims is: date, provider name, amount, and itemization (明細書).

They asked for a name (宛名). What should I do?

For a formal receipt, the store may ask who it should be “made out to.” If you’re claiming personally, use your name. If your employer is reimbursing, use your organization’s requested format.

Do I need to worry about revenue stamps (収入印紙)?

Usually not as a visitor. This is mainly a store-side compliance detail. If the store mentions it, accept what they can provide and focus on getting clear proof of payment and itemization.

Can I get a reissued receipt later?

Sometimes yes, often no (varies by provider). Assume you won’t be able to — take photos immediately.

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Disclaimer

This page provides general information and is not medical, legal, tax, or insurance advice. Always follow your insurer’s policy terms and claim instructions.