Japan Postal and Delivery Services Explained
Japan offers reliable, fast, and well-priced mail and parcel deliveryโfrom Japan Post letters and Yu-Pack parcels to Yamato and Sagawa door-to-door services. Learn addresses, sizes, prices, redelivery, convenience-store drop-offs, and which service to pick for documents, gifts, and luggage.
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Why this guide matters
Whether you are a tourist mailing souvenirs home or an expat handling bills, bank cards, and online shopping returns, Japanโs postal and courier network is one of the smoothest in the world. This guide explains how to choose between Japan Post, Yamato Transport (TA-Q-BIN), and Sagawa Express, how to write a correct address, what your size/weight options are, how redelivery works, and where you can ship fromโincluding convenience stores. We also show you the fastest ways to send urgent documents overseas with EMS and how to prepare labels online.
How the Japanese postal system works
Japan Post runs a nationwide network of post offices and iconic red post boxes. Youโll see boxes with two slots (one for letters/postcards, one for bulkier items), and you can buy stamps or send postcards at post offices, many convenience stores, and station kiosks. For international mail, Japan Post offers EMS, air and surface options, plus an online label tool called International Mail My Page (English).
After-hours help: many larger branches have a special counter called the Yu-Yu Window for after-hours acceptance and pickup; hours vary by location. Check your nearest office before you go.
Related reads: How to register your address in Japan, Opening a bank account in Japan.
Writing a Japanese address correctly
Japan uses a seven-digit postal code and writes addresses from largest area to smallest (prefecture โ city/ward โ district/chลme โ block and building number โ building/room). For international items, Japan Post says to write using the English alphabet and Arabic numerals and follow its layout examples to avoid delays. Include โJAPANโ on the last line for inbound mail.
Tip: The ใ symbol is commonly used before the postal code (e.g., ใ100-8994). For senders outside Japan, itโs fine to omit the symbol if your postal system doesnโt use it. (General format guidance for seven-digit codes is also widely documented.)
Sample domestic address formats
| Purpose | Example in English layout |
|---|---|
| Standard | ใ100-8994 Tokyo-to, Chiyoda-ku, 1-1-1 Example Heights #705 Mr. Taro Yamada |
| With company | ใ060-0000 Hokkaido, Sapporo-shi, Chuo-ku, Kita 1-jo Nishi 1-1 ACME Co., Ltd. Attn: Ms. S. Suzuki |
(For international labels from Japan, build your label in International Mail My Page and printโno handwriting needed.)
More on moving: Change-of-address and mail forwarding in Japan.
Domestic mailing and shipping options at a glance
Letters and postcards
- Standard/nonstandard letters: limits and prices are published by Japan Post (standard 50g, nonstandard up to 34 ร 25 ร 3 cm and 1 kg). Add optional services like registered or express if needed.
Letter Pack prepaid envelopes
- Letter Pack Light and Letter Pack Plus are flat-rate A4-size envelopes (up to 4 kg), trackable, and sold at post offices and many convenience stores. Light goes to the mailbox; Plus is hand-delivered with signature. Current nationwide prices are ยฅ430 (Light) and ยฅ600 (Plus). You can drop Letter Packs in any postbox or at a counter.
Yu-Packet (small packets)
- For small items delivered to the mailbox (often used for e-commerce), Yu-Packet has an up to 3 cm thickness and 1 kg weight profile (size sum limits apply). Details appear under the domestic fee list.
Yu-Pack parcels
- Japan Postโs standard parcel service. Size = A + B + C โค 170 cm, weight โค 25 kg (or choose Weighted Yu-Pack up to 30 kg). Thereโs tracking and a compensation system; optional services include cash on delivery and security. You can ship from post offices and convenience stores handling Yu-Pack.
Refrigerated Yu-Pack
- For perishables, Refrigerated Yu-Pack keeps items chilled through delivery. Check which counters accept it; some convenience stores donโt handle the chilled option.
Quick chooser: domestic services
| What youโre sending | Best fit | Size/weight highlights | Where to ship | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Documents that must arrive fast, with tracking | Letter Pack Plus | A4, โค4 kg, hand-delivered | Postbox or counter | Yes |
| Thin small items to mailbox | Yu-Packet | โค3 cm thick, โค1 kg | Counter (programs vary) | Yes |
| Gifts or boxes | Yu-Pack | Sum โค170 cm, โค25 kg | Post office + convenience stores handling Yu-Pack | Yes |
| Perishables | Refrigerated Yu-Pack | As above (chilled) | Specific counters only | Yes |
Sources: Japan Post service pages.
Sending overseas with Japan Post
If youโre mailing abroad, Japan Post offers EMS (Express Mail Service) plus air and surface options. Size/weight limits vary by destination; check the official list and rate calculator before you pack.
Labels and customs made easy: use International Mail My Page Service to create labels and customs forms online (EADโElectronic Advance Dataโnow standard). The tool supports PC and smartphone, prints customs (CN22/CN23) automatically, and reduces counter time.
Know what you canโt send: Japan Post maintains a universal list of non-mailable items and specific guidance on lithium batteries. Always confirm current restrictions for your destination.
Related reads: International moving from Japan basics,
Convenience store shipping and pickup
Japan Post: you can hand over Yu-Pack at convenience stores that handle Yu-Pack (varies by chain and location); Letter Pack can be dropped in any postbox or at a counter. Check your local storeโs counter signage
Yamato Transport (TA-Q-BIN): you can send parcels from 7-Eleven and FamilyMart stores nationwide (some limits apply; cool/frozen and international are excluded at many stores). PUDO lockers and hotel desks are also widely used for pickup and drop-off.
Sagawa Express: acceptance points are more company-focused, but services are listed in English; check branch availability if you need counter drop-off.
Yamato and Sagawa vs. Japan Post: who to choose?
Yamato Transport (TA-Q-BIN)
Yamato is famous for door-to-door convenience, time windows, and luggage forwarding between airports and hotels. You can calculate rates/times online, choose cool/frozen shipping, and ship or pick up at convenience stores. Cash on delivery (collect) is also supported.
Travelers love: airport TA-Q-BIN and hotel deliveryโgreat for hands-free trips. (Tourism guides consistently point to Yamatoโs edge for travelers.)
Sagawa Express
Sagawaโs Hikyaku Express is popular with businesses and offers Delivery Time Selection and e-Collect (COD) options. English support exists, but some redelivery and self-service tools skew Japanese-first.
Japan Post
Japan Post remains the go-to for letters, Letter Pack, and Yu-Pack from post offices or participating convenience stores, plus EMS for international speed and reliability. Delivery date specification is available on Yu-Pack and some mail classes.
Redelivery and missed deliveries
Japan Post redelivery
If you miss a delivery, use the online redelivery form printed on your notice. You can request delivery to your address, choose a date/time window if available in your area, or collect at your post office (Yu-Yu Window hours vary). Note: certain early-morning slots may not be selectable online.
Yamato redelivery
Yamato accepts redelivery requests via automated phone and web (some pages Japanese-only). On delivery, you can also pay COD to the driver if your parcel was sent cash on delivery.
Sagawa redelivery
Sagawa provides an online platform and Smart Club tools; however, English self-service can be more limited than Japan Post or Yamato. Calling the driver on the slip may be fastest.
Cash on delivery and other add-ons
- Japan Post: Yu-Pack supports Cash on Delivery (daibiki) and other optional services. Check the domestic options list and Yu-Pack page.
- Sagawa: e-Collect lets recipients pay by cash or card at the door.
- Yamato: TA-Q-BIN supports COD using a special waybill; Ship&coโs documentation shows how stores enable this for e-commerce.
If you sell online in Japan, these services are widely used and integrate with label tools.
Practical table: domestic service comparison
| Feature | Japan Post Yu-Pack | Yamato TA-Q-BIN | Sagawa Hikyaku |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical size/weight | Sum โค170 cm, โค25 kg (Weighted up to 30 kg) | Sizes up to 160 cm, options for golf/ski/airport | Standard parcels, business-oriented |
| Refrigerated/frozen | Yes (Refrigerated Yu-Pack) | Yes (Cool TA-Q-BIN) | Yes (Cool Express classes) |
| Convenience stores | Yes at locations handling Yu-Pack | Yes at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart (restrictions) | Limited retail counters |
| COD available | Yes | Yes | Yes (e-Collect) |
| Time windows | Date-specified; windows vary | Widely offered (incl. morning/evening) | Delivery Time Selection |
| Good for | Letters, prepaid envelopes, nationwide parcels | Luggage forwarding, time-specific home delivery | B2B, COD, scheduled delivery |
Sources: official service pages.
Convenience store and after-hours options
- Letter Pack: buy at post offices and many convenience stores; drop into any postbox.
- Yu-Pack: accepted at convenience stores handling Yu-Pack (varies by chain; verify in store).
- Yamato: 7-Eleven and FamilyMart counters accept parcels (no cool/frozen or international at some stores). PUDO lockers add self-service pickup.
- Yu-Yu Window: extended hours counters for Japan Post at selected branches.
How to prepare and track your shipment
- Measure and choose your service. Confirm size/weight (e.g., Yu-Pack โค170 cm sum and โค25 kg; Weighted โค30 kg; Letter Pack โค4 kg; Yu-Packet โค3 cm).
- Create labels. For international, use International Mail My Page; customs forms CN22/CN23 are generated automatically.
- Check for restricted items (especially lithium batteries and aerosols).
- Drop off or schedule pickup. Choose a post office, convenience store counter, locker, or arrange a pickup (Yamato offers multiple options; Sagawa and Japan Post vary by service and area).
- Track online. Japan Post, Yamato, and Sagawa provide tracking portals; keep your tracking or inquiry number from the label.
Moving house? Set up forwarding
Submit a Relocation/Forwarding request (่ปขๅฑ ๅฑ / tenkyo todoke) with Japan Post and your mail will be forwarded free for one year from the submission date. You can apply at the counter or online (availability varies).
Related reads: Moving in Japan checklist, Setting up utilities after you move.
Price signals and delivery speeds
Prices and delivery days depend on class and destination. Use official calculators for international mail, and rate/time tools for Yamato. For Yu-Pack, fees vary by size and region; date-specified delivery is available within published windows. For urgent Yamato shipments, specialized time services exist on certain routes.
International shipping tips that save headaches
- Always declare contents accurately (quantity, value, HS-like description) when generating labels; EAD means customs sees the data before your box lands.
- Check size/weight limits for EMS to your country before buying a box.
- Lithium batteries: rules change; many destinations allow built-in batteries under limits, but restrictions applyโdouble-check the latest PDF guidance.
Travel & money: Travel SIM and eSIM for Japan
Frequently asked questions
Can I send from a convenience store near my hotel?
Usually yes. Yu-Pack is accepted at convenience stores handling Yu-Pack; Letter Pack can go into any postbox. Yamato accepts parcels at 7-Eleven and FamilyMart (cool/frozen/international often excluded). Ask the staff or look for the carrier logo.
Do post offices open on weekends?
Regular counters may be closed or have limited hours, but many cities offer Yu-Yu Window counters outside regular hours. Check your local branch listing.
How big a box can I send domestically?
For Japan Postโs Yu-Pack, the sum of length + width + height is โค 170 cm and weight โค 25 kg (or Weighted Yu-Pack to 30 kg). Yamatoโs standard TA-Q-BIN handles up to 160 cm classes.
How does cash on delivery work?
The courier collects payment at the door and passes it to the sender. All three majors support COD: Japan Post (Yu-Pack option), Yamato (TA-Q-BIN Collect), Sagawa (e-Collect).
What about refrigerated food?
Use Refrigerated Yu-Pack or Cool TA-Q-BIN for chilled or frozen items. Confirm which outlets accept chilled drop-offs.
Step-by-step: sending an urgent document overseas (EMS)
- Measure and weigh your envelope to pick the right EMS price tier.
- Open International Mail My Page, create your label, print, and sign.
- Check prohibitions (e.g., lithium batteries in devices, aerosols) and your destinationโs specifics.
- Drop at a post office (EMS acceptance is counter-only), get your receipt, and track with the Japan Post Track & Trace service.
Step-by-step: luggage forwarding inside Japan (hotel โ airport)
- Choose Yamato TA-Q-BIN (widely used for luggage).
- Fill the waybill (hotel front desk can help); pick a delivery date/time so your bags arrive when you do.
- Drop at your hotel desk or a 7-Eleven/FamilyMart store (restrictions apply), or request pickup.
- Travel hands-free and pick up at your next hotel or airport counter.
Pro tips for smooth deliveries
- Use trackable options for anything valuable (Letter Pack, Yu-Pack, EMS, TA-Q-BIN).
- Photograph labels and receipts before you leave the counter.
- Mind thickness: 3 cm is a common mailbox threshold (Yu-Packet, Letter Pack Light).
- Redelivery windows fill fast in peak seasonsโsubmit your request promptly.
- Forward your mail as soon as you know your move date; forwarding lasts one year from submission.
Read More: Moving in Japan: change your address and mail forwarding, Understanding Japanese utility bills and payment methods, Japan SIM and eSIM buyerโs guide, Using the Shinkansen vs. domestic flights in Japan, Cost of living in Japan 2025 overview
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
