Japan Post offers a wide range of postal and shipping services, which can be confusing if you’re new to Japan.
In this article, we’ll explain the main types of mail, shipping costs, how to send packages, and other useful tips to help you use Japan Post with confidence.
*Prices and conditions shown in this article are based on October 2026. Please note that this information is subject to change without notice. For the latest and accurate information, please check the official website.
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right service.
If you want to…
- Send a letter →Standard Mail
- Send a small parcel →Letter Pack / Click Post / Yu-Packet
- Send a large parcel →Yu-Pack
Overview of Japan Post Services
Postal Service in Japan
Japanese postal service maintains a high standard in terms of accuracy, safety, and convenience of delivery. Whether it’s domestic or international mail, except for special circumstances like natural disasters, parcels and letters are reliably delivered to specified locations on designated dates and times. Troubles such as damaged parcels upon delivery, which are common in other countries, are rare in Japan.
Location and Business Hours
With over 20,000 post offices nationwide, finding a post office in most areas of Japan is easy. Generally, post offices open around 9 am on weekdays and close around 5 to 7 pm.
Some post offices operate on weekends, and you might find counters called “Yu-Yu Madoguchi” that provide postal services during weekends, nights, or even 24/7. Business hours may vary by branch, so it’s recommended to check in advance on the official website.
Other Services Besides Postal Services
Japanese post offices provide various services beyond sending and receiving mail. Most post offices have banking and insurance services where you can conduct savings, currency exchange, payments for public utilities and taxes, as well as purchase insurance and investment products.
Shipping Types and Prices
Domestic Mail
Letters, parcels, and documents are handled by different services depending on their size, weight, and whether you need tracking.
| Type | Max Size | Max Weight | Delivery | Tracking | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postcards | Postcard size | – | 2-3 days (excl. weekends) | × | ¥85 |
| Letters (standard) | W12cm L23.5cm D1cm | 50g | 2-3 days (excl. weekends) | +¥160 | ¥110 |
| Letters (non-standard) | H+W+D= 90cm | 1kg | 2-3 days (excl. weekends) | +¥160 | ¥140-750 |
| Click post | W25cm L34cm D3cm | 1kg | 1-2 days | 〇 | ¥185 |
| Smart letter | W17cm L25cm D2cm | 1kg | 2-3 days (excl. weekends) | × | ¥210 |
| Letter Pack Light | W24.8cm L34cm D3cm | 4kg | 1-2 days | 〇 | ¥430 |
| Letter Pack Plus | W24.8cm L34cm | 4kg | 1 day | 〇 | ¥600 |
| Yu-Packet | H+W+D= 60cm (Ｔ3cm) | 1kg | 1-2 days | 〇 | ¥250-360 |
| Yu-Pack | H+W+D= 170cm | 25kg | 1-2 days | 〇 | ¥820-5,090 |
※Rates are based on March 2026.
Postcards
Called “hagaki” in Japanese. As long as it’s the designated postcard size, you can send it with a flat rate nationwide, not necessarily those sold at the post office.
Letters
Called “tegami” or “futsuu yuubin” in Japanese. For documents and regular letters. Choose standard or non-standard depending on the size and weight. Best for contracts, forms, greeting cards, and other paper documents.
Click Post
A service that enables you to register online, print the shipping label, affix it to your envelope, and send it from a postbox. It provides tracking services and fast delivery. Ideal for sending books, clothing, and small online marketplace sales.
Smart Letter
You can write the recipient’s address and name on a special package purchased at the post office or convenience store, and drop it directly into the mailbox. Best for small items or documents when tracking isn’t necessary.
Letter Pack
Like Smart Letter, this is a prepaid envelope you can purchase at convenience stores and post offices, but it includes tracking services.
- Letter Pack Light: has a thickness limit of 3 cm and is deposited into the mailbox
- Letter Pack Plus: no thickness limit if it fits in the package and is delivered in person.
Yu-Packet
A tracked shipping service for small parcels. You use your own envelope or box instead of a prepaid package. It’s divided into three pricing tiers based on weight.
Yu-Pack
Japan Post’s standard parcel service for larger or heavier packages. Delivery date, time, insurance, refrigerated shipping, and other options are available. Best for large parcels, gifts, and fragile items.
International Mail
Japan Post offers several international shipping services, each designed for different budgets, delivery speeds, and parcel sizes. The best option depends on what you’re sending and how quickly it needs to arrive.
| Type | Max Size | Max Weight | Delivery | Tracking | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMS | H+W+D= 300cm ※Exceptions apply | 30kg ※Exceptions apply | 2-4 days | 〇 | 2kg: ¥3,400-¥8,100 10kg: ¥10,600-¥29,700 |
| Parcel Post (Airmail) | H+W+D= 300cm ※Exceptions apply | 30kg ※Exceptions apply | 3-6 days | 〇 | 2kg: ¥2,750-¥7,250 10kg: ¥8,350-¥28,850 |
| Parcel Post (Surface Mail) | H+W+D= 300cm ※Exceptions apply | 30kg ※Exceptions apply | 1-3 months | 〇 | 2kg: ¥2,200-¥3,400 10kg: ¥5,400-¥9,000 |
| Small Packet | H+W+D= 90cm | 2kg | 5-12 days | × | 2kg: ¥2,250-¥5,490 |
| Postcards | Postcard size | – | 5-12 days | × | ¥100 |
※Rates are based on March 2026.
EMS
The fastest and most reliable international mail service with tracking and insurance. Ideal for sending urgent parcels or valuable items. It can also handle refrigerated items as a cool delivery service.
Airmail (kookuu bin)
The next fastest delivery method after EMS. Takes an additional 2-3 days compared to EMS. Rates vary based on weight and destination country. Best for regular international parcels.
Surface Mail (funa bin)
The slowest but most economical option for international mail. Delivery may take several months. Suitable for sending large parcels not in a hurry.
Small Packet (kogata-housoubutsu)
A low-cost international shipping service for small items weighing up to 2 kg. It is usually sent by airmail and is cheaper than EMS or regular airmail, but tracking is not included. Best for small gifts and other lightweight items.
Postcards
Postcards have a flat rate of ¥100 worldwide.
Optional Services
You can add convenient options to regular mailings, usually incurring additional charges for these services.
- Express (sokutatsu): A service for faster delivery than regular mail. Suitable for urgent or time-sensitive mail.
- Cash on delivery (daibiki): A payment method where the recipient pays the shipping fee. You must obtain the recipient’s consent to pay the shipping fees and charges in advance.
- Tracking (tsuiseki): A service to track the delivery status and expected delivery date online. Depending on the mailing method, tracking may be included in the base rate, or this option may not be available.
- Insurance (hoken) : A service that provides compensation up to a certain amount in case of loss or damage to the mail.
- Registered mail (kakitome): Adds tracking to the mail and obtains the recipient’s signature upon delivery.
- Chilled delivery (Chiledo Yu-pack): A service used for sending items requiring refrigeration or freezing.
How to Send and Receive Mail
In Japan, besides post offices, you can send and receive mail from various locations. Below are the common steps taken at each location. Note that procedures may vary depending on the type and size of the mail.
| Where | Send | Receive |
|---|---|---|
| Post office | ✅ | ✅ |
| Home pickup | ✅ | ✅ |
| Convenience store | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mailbox | ✅ | ❌ |
At the post office
Sending
- Pack your item and write the recipient’s address.
- Take it to a post office.
- Choose a shipping method and pay.
- Keep the receipt or tracking number.
Receiving
- Bring the collection notice and your ID.
- Visit the designated post office.
- Collect your parcel.
Home pickup
Not only can you receive parcels at home, but you can also send mail from home. For international shipments, you can also request home pickup, but you need to prepare customs declaration forms in advance.
Sending
- Pack your parcel.
- Request a pickup online or by phone.
- Hand the parcel to the postal worker and keep the receipt.
Receiving
Postcards and small parcels are usually dropped into the mailbox, while larger parcels and important documents are delivered in person. If you know in advance when the parcel will arrive, you can specify the delivery date and time online or by phone. In the case of absence, a notice of absence will be left, and you can arrange for re-delivery later.
At convenience stores
Most convenience stores in Japan are affiliated with post offices and provide services for sending and receiving mail.
Sending
- Pack your item.
- Fill out a shipping label provided at convenience stores.
- Pay the postage and hand over the parcel.
Receiving
- Register for Japan Post’s e-notification service.
- Choose your preferred convenience store after receiving the notification.
- Show the pickup barcode or ticket and collect your parcel.
Using mailboxes
Mailboxes can be found in many places such as post offices, convenience stores, stations, and along streets. You can utilise these mailboxes to send thin items such as documents, books, postcards, etc.
Sending
- Put the item in an envelope and attach a stamp.
- Drop it into a mailbox.
Writing Addresses in Japan
Japanese addresses are usually written in the following order:
〒[Postal Code]
[Prefecture Name] [City/Town/Village Name] [Block/Street Name] [Building ] [Room Number]
For example, the address for Dango apartment #18, 1-2-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo would be written as:
(Japanese format)
〒111-2233
Tokyo
Shibuya-ku
Shibuya 1-2-3
Dango Apartment 18
(English format)
Dango Apartment #18
1-2-3 Shibuya
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 111-2233
Japan
The recipient’s name is usually written larger than the address and placed near the centre of the envelope or postcard.
Japan Post is one of the most reliable postal services in the world. Once you understand the different shipping options, it’s easy to choose the right service for letters, parcels, or international mail.
We hope this guide helps make sending and receiving mail in Japan a little easier.
