Japan Postal Service: Sending Packages and Postcards Home

Sending Packages

Japan Post offices (yuubinkyoku) are found in every neighborhood, identified by the red T-shaped logo. EMS (Express Mail Service) delivers packages internationally in 2 to 4 days, with tracking and insurance, at rates starting around 2,000 yen for a 500-gram package to most countries. SAL (Surface Air Lifted) takes 2 to 3 weeks at lower cost. Seamail takes 1 to 3 months at the lowest cost. Customs declarations for international packages are completed at the post office counter with English forms available.

Postcards to anywhere in the world cost 70 yen in standard size. Stamps featuring local landmarks, seasonal designs, and anime characters are available at post offices and sometimes at tourist shops. Commemorative postmarks using special stamps for specific regions or events can be requested at the post office. The postal system in Japan is remarkably efficient with next-day domestic delivery standard for most of the country.

Useful Services

Yu-Pack domestic delivery service handles large packages between any two Japanese addresses at competitive rates, useful for shipping souvenirs from a trip to your last hotel before departure. Post offices sell packing materials including boxes and padding. The post office at Narita and Haneda airports provides last-minute shipping services for items that exceed airline baggage limits. Post offices typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, with central post offices in major cities maintaining extended and weekend hours.

Sending Mail and Packages

Japan Post operates post offices (yuubinkyoku) in every neighborhood, identifiable by the red T-shaped symbol. International postcards cost 70 yen worldwide, and delivery takes 5 to 10 days by air. Small packet SAL service provides an affordable way to ship souvenirs home, with packages up to 2 kilograms costing 700 to 1,200 yen depending on destination and taking 2 to 3 weeks. EMS (Express Mail Service) delivers in 2 to 4 days at higher rates. Convenience stores sell stamps and accept postcards and standard letters. Post offices in tourist areas stock pictorial stamps and regional postmarks that make sent postcards into collectors’ items. Japan Post ATMs in post offices accept foreign cards for cash withdrawal, making post offices dual-purpose stops. The main post offices at Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto stations operate extended hours including weekends. Shipping restrictions apply to lithium batteries, liquids, and perishables.

Sending Larger Packages

For souvenirs and gifts exceeding normal luggage capacity, Japan Post’s surface mail (funabin) takes two to three months but costs a fraction of air mail for heavy items. A 10-kilogram package to North America costs roughly 4,000 yen by surface versus 10,000 yen by air. SAL (Surface Air Lifted) splits the difference at 5,000 to 6,000 yen with two to three week delivery. EMS Express Mail Service delivers in two to four business days at premium rates. Packing materials including bubble wrap, boxes, and tape are sold at post offices and convenience stores. Japan Post restricts certain items including lithium batteries over specific capacities, perishable foods, and liquids over certain volumes. For valuable items, registered mail (kakitome) adds tracking and insurance for 420 yen.

Regional Postmarks and Collectibles

Post offices in tourist areas stamp mail with pictorial postmarks (fuukei-in) featuring local landmarks, creating collectible cancellation marks for postcard enthusiasts. The Tokyo Central Post Office near Tokyo Station, Kyoto Central Post Office, and post offices at major tourist sites offer these special stamps on request. Japan Post also sells a line of limited-edition stamps featuring ukiyo-e, anime characters, and seasonal designs that make lightweight, mail-friendly souvenirs. The puchi letters postal stationery sets with pre-printed cute designs are popular gifts at 200 to 500 yen.

This content is for informational purposes only and reflects independent research. Details may change — verify current information before making travel plans.