Mail and Shipping from Japan

I heard that post offices are open 24 hours. Is this true?

Yes. Recently, major central post offices are open 24/7 so you can send packages anytime. The small, local post offices are generally open from 9:30 AM-5 PM (3 PM on Saturdays and closed on Sundays).

What international services does the Japanese postal service provide?

EMS - Express/ Postal tracking

EMS is probably the most efficient way to send documents and packages through the Japanese postal service. EMS provides a computerized tracking and tracing system and EMS mail can be sent to most countries around the world. You need to fill out a customs form when sending items by EMS. Other methods are available but this is GaijinPot's recommendation.

SOKUTATSU express

Write EXPRESS in red ink in the top left corner of your item and it will be sent immediately after reaching the post office.

KAKITOME - Registered Mail

Registered mail handling is recorded from posting the letter at the post office to delivery of the letter. If this mail is lost on the way to the destination you can claim a certain amount of indemnity.

Other international mail delivery types

• Surface Mail (funabin -sea mail)
• SAL ("Surface Airlifted") - Delivery within 2-3 weeks. This is cheaper than airmail and faster than surface mail.
• Airmail (kokubin) Delivery within 3-8 days

What are the international rates for sending packages overseas through the Japanese Postal service?

Go to the official web site. It's a slow, heavy, cumbersome site but it has current rates.

How do I send cash through the mail?

genkin kakidome - this is registered mail. There is a special envelope for sending cash. You had better do it at the post office!

Where can I get more English Information on the Japanese postal system?

Postal Services Information (English): 0570-046-111. Also, the post office publishes a new edition of its English-language Post Office Guide each March. It is available for a charge of JPY 200 (plus an addition JPY 180 shipping fee if you have it mailed)

What are the domestic postage rates?

• Postcards: (hagaki)
  1. Regular sizes JPY 50
  2. Reply-paid postcards (ofuku hagaki) JPY 100
• Letters: (tegami)
  1. Standard letters -no thicker than 1cm & between 9x14 cm and 12x23.5 cm in size. * under 25 grams - JPY 80 * under 50 grams - JPY 90
  2. Non-standard letters - JPY 120 for 50 grams or less, and JPY 1,350 for a maximum of 4kg.
• Mini Letter: (yubin shokan) - Only thin materials to be included (eg. piece of paper, photo) JPY 60 (maximum 25 grams).
• Express Mail: (sokutatsu) - from JPY 270.
• Priority delivery Registered Mail: (kakitome) - from JPY 420 (may be insured). Special registered-mail cash envelopes (genkin kakitome futo) are available for sending money.
• Lettax: (denshin-yubin) Handwritten letters and pictures may be sent by facsimile. JPY 580 (first page). Money and flower delivery options are also available.
• Parcels: From JPY 510. Postage varies according to weight of package and destination.
• Printed Matter: (shoseki kozutsumi) The cheapest way to send magazines, books and pamphlets within Japan.

How do I send a my stuff back home

There are several places that look after foreigners. Check out links at the bottom of this article.

Mail and Shipping from Japan: Other Sources

Forums

Questions/comments? Go to the Mail/Shipping Forum

Links

• Japanime.com. Ships all orders via Express Mail Service.
• DHL. Click on "Express centres" for a list of DHL locations in Japan.
• Federal Express Japan. FedEx is the World's largest Express transportation company.
• Pakmail. Pakmail currently has stores in Osaka and Nagoya.
• ValueMove. Picks up from your door and delivers to the city of your choice.
• NSS. Discount international and domestic household moving service.