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Japan Post & Delivery Services Guide for Foreigners

Japan has an excellent postal and delivery system, but it can be confusing for newcomers. This guide explains everything you need to know.

Japan Post (日本郵便)

Japan Post (郵便局) handles regular mail, parcels, and banking services. Post offices are everywhere — look for the red 〒 symbol.

Services Available

• Regular mail (手紙・はがき)
• Parcel delivery (ゆうパック)
• International mail (国際郵便)
• Registered mail (書留)
• Postal savings and banking (ゆうちょ銀行)

Receiving Packages: The Redelivery Notice (不在配達通知書)

If you're not home when a delivery arrives, the courier leaves a redelivery notice (不在票) — a yellow or white slip in your mailbox.

Reading the Redelivery Notice

The notice contains:
- Courier company name
- Date and time of attempted delivery
- Package number (お問い合わせ番号 / 荷物番号)
- Checkbox options to arrange redelivery

Requesting Redelivery

Japan Post (ゆうパック):
- Online: track your package at japanpost.jp and request redelivery
- Phone: 0120-23-28-86 (free, Japanese)
- Available: next day onward, time slots to choose from

Yamato Transport (ヤマト運輸/クロネコヤマト):
- App: Download Kuroneko Member app — manage deliveries in English
- Online: kuronekoyamato.co.jp
- Phone: 0120-01-9625

Sagawa Express (佐川急便):
- Online: sagawa-exp.co.jp
- Phone: 0120-18-9595

Parcel Lockers (宅配ボックス)

Many modern apartment buildings have parcel lockers (宅配ボックス) that accept deliveries when you're not home. Check if your building has one and register your apartment number.

Sending Mail and Packages

Domestic Mail

• Postcards (はがき): ¥85
• Standard letter (定形郵便): ¥84–¥94 depending on weight
• Parcel (ゆうパック): From ¥870 depending on size and destination

International Mail

Service	Speed	Tracking
EMS (国際スピード郵便)	2-5 days	Yes
International Parcel (国際小包)	1-3 weeks	Yes (some)
Airmail (航空便)	1-2 weeks	No
SAL Mail	2-4 weeks	No

EMS is the fastest option for important documents. Forms are available at any post office.

Change of Address (転居届)

When moving within Japan, submit a change of address at the post office:
- Forward mail to your new address for up to 1 year (free service)
- Fill out the forwarding form (転居届) at the post office counter
- Bring your ID (residence card or passport)

Tip: Many e-commerce sites in Japan (Amazon.co.jp, Rakuten) let you specify a delivery time window and choose alternative delivery locations like convenience stores or parcel lockers.