Japan’s delivery infrastructure is among the best in the world — precise, reliable, and remarkably convenient. But the system has quirks that trip up newcomers.
Major Delivery Companies
| Company | Logo Color | Common For |
|---|---|---|
| ヤマト運輸 (Yamato / Kuroneko) | Black cat | Amazon, general parcels |
| 佐川急便 (Sagawa) | Red | Rakuten, general parcels |
| 日本郵便 (Japan Post) | Red/White | Letters, government, some Amazon |
| Amazon Delivery | Blue | Amazon orders |
Each company has its own tracking system and redelivery process.
What Happens If You Miss a Delivery
This is the most important thing to know. Japan is a signature-required delivery culture. Drivers will not leave packages unattended without permission.
When you miss a delivery:
- A 不在票 (fuzai-hyo) — missed delivery slip — is left in your mailbox
- The package goes back to the local delivery center
- You must request redelivery within the holding period (usually 7–14 days)
Don’t ignore the slip — packages are returned to sender if not picked up.
How to Request Redelivery
By Phone (Easiest)
- Call the number on the slip
- Automated system available 24/7 (Japanese menu — press numbers)
- Specify your preferred date and time window
Online
Yamato (ヤマト):
- kuronekoyamato.co.jp
- Enter the tracking number from the slip
- Choose redelivery date and time
Sagawa (佐川):
- sagawa-exp.co.jp
- Same process
Japan Post:
- post.japanpost.jp
- Can also pick up at any post office
By QR Code
Many newer slips have a QR code — scan to go directly to the redelivery form.
Delivery Time Windows
You can choose:
- 午前中 (Gozen-chu) — Morning (before noon)
- 14:00–16:00
- 16:00–18:00
- 18:00–20:00
- 19:00–21:00
Setting Up a Safe Place (置き配)
Many carriers now allow 置き配 (Okikuhai) — leaving packages at a designated spot:
- Doorstep
- Mailbox (if large enough)
- Building parcel locker
Amazon Delivery: You can set your preferred delivery location in your Amazon Japan account settings. This is the easiest way to avoid missed deliveries.
Parcel Lockers (宅配ボックス)
Many apartment buildings have automated parcel lockers at the entrance. The delivery person places your package inside and leaves a code or notification.
- Code is written on the fuzai-hyo or sent to your phone
- Open the locker using the code
- Available 24/7 — no need to coordinate with drivers
If your building doesn’t have one, portable parcel locker bags (takuhai box) can be purchased for apartment doors.
Amazon Japan Delivery Tips
- Amazon Lockers (Amazon Hub) — pick up at stations, convenience stores, or lockers; available for most orders
- Convenience store pickup — select “コンビニ・宅配便ロッカー受け取り” at checkout
- Set delivery instructions in Japanese in your account to avoid missed deliveries
Sending Packages
Domestic (Within Japan)
ヤマト宅急便 or 佐川急便:
- Drop off at convenience stores (Lawson → Yamato, 7-Eleven → Yamato, FamilyMart → Yamato)
- Or call for pickup from home
- Cost: ¥500–1,500 depending on size/weight/distance
Japan Post Yu-Pack (ゆうパック):
- Available at all post offices
- Flat-rate boxes available (レターパック): ¥370–520 for letters/documents
International Shipping from Japan
EMS (国際スピード郵便): Japan Post’s international express service — reliable, trackable, cost-effective.
Cost examples:
- 0.5kg to USA: ~¥2,700 EMS
- 2kg to Europe: ~¥5,000 EMS
- Documents: ¥1,400–2,500 depending on zone
DHL/FedEx/UPS Japan: Available at major cities; faster but significantly more expensive.
Returning Items
Most Japanese online shopping services (Amazon, Rakuten, Zozotown) provide return labels. Process:
- Print the return label (or show QR code at convenience store)
- Drop at the appropriate convenience store or call for pickup
💡 Track All Your Packages in One Place
Deliveries Package Tracker app — add Japan carriers (Yamato, Sagawa, Japan Post) and track everything in one place. Available on iOS and Android.