Japanese Postal System: How to Send Mail and Packages
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japan's postal system is reliable and affordable. Here's how to send letters, packages, and postcards.
Japan's postal system is reliable and affordable. Here's how to send letters, packages, and postcards.
Post Office Services
Mail Types
| Type | Cost | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Postcard (葉書 — hagaki) | ¥63 | 1–2 days |
| Letter (25g) | ¥84 | 1–2 days |
| Letter (50g) | ¥94 | 1–2 days |
| Letter (100g) | ¥110 | 1–2 days |
| Letter (150g) | ¥125 | 1–2 days |
| Express (速達 — sōkatsu) | +¥180 | 1–2 days |
| Registered (書留 — kakitome) | +¥430 | 2–3 days |
| EMS (International) | ¥900–3,000+ | 2–5 days |
Package Services
| Service | Cost | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Click Post | ¥185 | 2–4 days |
| Yu-Pack | ¥510–2,000+ | 1–2 days |
| Yamato (Takkyubin) | ¥1,500–3,000 | Next day |
| Sagawa Express | ¥1,500–3,000 | Next day |
How to Send
At the Post Office
- Fill out the form — address, contents, weight
- Weigh the package — staff will help
- Pay — cash or IC card
- Receive tracking number — for registered packages
At Home
- Pick up a form — from any post office
- Fill it out — at home
- Drop at post office — or request pickup
Address Format
Japanese Address Format
`` 〒XXX-XXXX prefecture city district Building name, Room number ``
Example
`` 〒150-0001 Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 6-25-14 Laforet Harajuku, 3F ``
Useful Phrases
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| I want to send this | これを送りたいです (Kore wo okuritai desu) |
| How much is this? | これはいくらですか？ (Kore wa ikura desu ka?) |
| When will it arrive? | いつ届きますか？ (Itsudodokimasu ka?) |
| I need tracking | 追跡番号をお願いします (Tsuiseki bangō wo onegaishimasu) |
Tips
- Post offices — open Mon–Fri 9 AM – 5 PM, Sat 9 AM – 12 PM
- Post boxes — red, found everywhere
- EMS — best for international packages
- Yu-Pack boxes — available at post offices (free)
- Wrap carefully — Japan Post may refuse poorly wrapped items
- Customs forms — required for international packages
- Tracking — always get it for important packages
- Holiday closures — post offices closed on Sundays and holidays
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