Japan Post (日本郵便) is everywhere — over 24,000 post offices nationwide. It handles mail, packages, international shipping, and banking. Here’s what you need to know as a foreigner.
Finding Your Post Office
Find the nearest post office at: post.japanpost.jp/map
Post offices are usually open Monday–Friday 9am–5pm. Larger post offices stay open Saturday mornings. The postal ATMs are open longer than office hours.
Sending Domestic Mail
Letters and Postcards
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard letter (up to 25g) | ¥84 |
| Standard letter (up to 50g) | ¥94 |
| Postcard | ¥63 |
Buy stamps (kitte, 切手) at the post office or at convenience stores. Drop in red postboxes (郵便ポスト) on the street.
Delivery time: Next-day or two-day delivery within Japan.
Packages (ゆうパック)
Japan Post’s Yu-Pack service delivers packages nationwide. Pricing is by size and distance:
- 60 size (dimensions ≤60cm) from Tokyo: ~¥1,130–¥1,610
- 80 size (≤80cm): ~¥1,350–¥1,840
- 100 size (≤100cm): ~¥1,570–¥2,060
Fill in the Chakubarai (着払い) slip for recipient-pays delivery. You can also reuse boxes for flat-rate shipping.
Sending International Mail
Standard Options
| Service | Speed | Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| EMS (Express Mail Service) | 3–7 days | Yes |
| International Parcel (SAL) | 2–4 weeks | Limited |
| Air Mail | 1–2 weeks | No |
| Surface Mail | 1–3 months | No |
EMS is the most reliable option for important items. It’s tracked end-to-end and includes insurance.
International Letter / Small Packet
For documents, photos, and small items:
- Airmail letter to US/Europe: from ¥130 (up to 25g)
- Small packet (Small Packet) by airmail: from ¥820 (up to 500g)
Tips for International Shipping
- Fill in customs declaration forms (税関申告書) for packages — available at the counter
- EMS forms are available in English
- Prohibited items: lithium batteries (restrictions apply), food (country-specific rules), aerosols
- Keep the tracking number — you can check delivery at post.japanpost.jp/int/
Receiving Mail and Packages
Home Delivery
If you’re not home, a Fujitsu Kōkoku (不在通知) notice is left in your mailbox. Use the QR code or phone number on the notice to reschedule delivery.
Redelivery can be scheduled:
- Online: track.post.japanpost.jp
- By phone: number on the notice slip
- JP POST app (Japanese but usable with Google Translate)
Convenience Store Pickup
Many online retailers allow delivery to a convenience store (コンビニ受け取り). Choose this option at checkout to avoid missed deliveries.
Useful Post Office Services Beyond Mail
Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行)
Japan Post Bank (Yucho Ginko) is one of the easiest banks to open as a new foreigner in Japan.
See our bank account guide for details.
ATM
Post office ATMs accept most international cards including Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. Open 24/7 at many locations.
Bill Payment
Pay utility bills, taxes, and other invoices at the post office counter. Bring the billing slip and pay in cash.
Money Orders (国際送金)
Japan Post offers international money transfer to some countries. Not the cheapest option — see our money transfer guide for better alternatives.
Key Japanese Words for the Post Office
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 郵便局 | yūbinkyoku | Post office |
| 切手 | kitte | Stamp |
| 小包 | kozutsumi | Package |
| 航空便 | kōkūbin | Airmail |
| 速達 | sokutatsu | Express delivery |
| 不在票 | fuzai hyō | Missed delivery notice |
| 書留 | kakitome | Registered mail |
| 時間指定 | jikan shitei | Time-specified delivery |
Bottom Line
Japan Post is reliable and affordable for domestic shipping. Use EMS for important international packages — it’s tracked and fast. Keep the missed delivery notice from your mailbox and reschedule online. Post office ATMs reliably accept foreign cards. Japan Post Bank is one of the easier banks for new arrivals to open.