How to send post from Japan

Whether you’re sending a postcard to your family back home, mailing a care package, or just trying to figure out where the nearest mailbox is, Japan’s postal system can feel a little confusing at first. The good news? Once you know the basics, it’s actually one of the most reliable and efficient postal systems in the world. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where to Send Mail From

You have more options than you might think:

• Post offices (郵便局) — Found in almost every neighborhood, marked with a red “〒” symbol. Staff can weigh your item, tell you exactly how much postage you need, and sell you boxes, envelopes, and packaging materials on the spot. Most are open on weekdays until around 5 or 7 PM, with some larger branches open later or on weekends.
• Red post boxes (ポスト) — You’ll see these on street corners all over the city. Perfect for pre-stamped letters and postcards. Just double check the slot — some boxes have two, one for regular mail and one for larger/special mail.
• Convenience stores (konbini) — Many konbini, especially Lawson, sell stamps and packaging, and some accept certain parcel drop-offs (like Yu-Pack). Handy if you’re mailing something outside post office hours.

Types of Mail You Can Send

Letters and postcards Standard letters and postcards are the simplest option for anything lightweight, perfect for a quick hello or an omiyage (souvenir) postcard from your travels.

Parcels For anything bigger, Japan Post offers a few services:

• Yu-Pack — for domestic parcels
• Yu-Packet / Letter Pack — smaller, flat-rate options good for documents or lightweight items
• EMS (Express Mail Service) — the fastest option for international parcels, with tracking included

International vs. domestic Domestic mail is generally simpler and cheaper. International mail requires a customs form for anything beyond documents, plus a bit more attention to packaging and labeling.

How to Address and Package Your Mail

• For domestic mail, Japanese addresses are written in a specific order: postal code, prefecture, city/ward, street address, and then the recipient’s name. Post office staff can help you if you’re unsure how to format it.
• For international mail, write the destination country in capital letters and English, and mark airmail items clearly as “AIRMAIL” or “PAR AVION.”
• You can pick up envelopes, boxes, and bubble wrap at post offices, konbini, or 100 yen shops.

Rates and Delivery Times (approximate)

Prices are current as of 2026, always double-check at the post office or on the Japan Post website, since rates can change.

Domestic:

• Standard letter (up to 50g): ¥110
• Postcard: ¥85

International (rates vary by destination zone — this example is for nearby countries like China, South Korea, and Taiwan):

• Postcard: flat rate of ¥100 (airmail) worldwide
• Standard letter (up to 25g): from ¥120 by airmail

Delivery times vary widely depending on destination and method, airmail is fastest but pricier, while surface mail is cheaper but can take weeks or even months.

Domestic parcels (Yu-Pack): Yu-Pack pricing depends on box size (measured as length + width + height) and how far it’s traveling. As an example, sending from Tokyo:

Dropping your parcel off at the counter (instead of having it picked up) can save you a bit more through a small discount.

International parcels (EMS / International Parcel Post): EMS (the fastest option, with tracking included) is priced by weight and by destination zone. Here’s a snapshot for a few common weights:

If you’re not in a rush, regular International Parcel Post (by airmail or surface mail) is significantly cheaper than EMS but slower, airmail typically takes 1-2 weeks, while surface mail can take 1-3 months. As a rough comparison, a 1kg parcel by airmail runs around ¥3,850-4,200 to Europe/the US (vs. ¥4,400-5,300 for EMS), and surface mail on the same parcel can drop to under ¥2,000, though it’s much slower.

Exact rates depend on your specific destination country, so it’s worth double-checking with the Japan Post rate calculator or asking at the counter before you ship.

Handy Tips

• Use the Japan Post website’s rate calculator to check exact costs and delivery estimates before heading to the post office.
• International parcels can be tracked using the tracking number provided at the counter.
• Be mindful of customs restrictions, certain items (food, liquids, batteries) may be restricted or require extra documentation depending on the destination country.
• If in doubt, just bring your item to the counter, the staff will weigh it, tell you which service fits best, and handle the details for you. No need to memorize the whole system!

Final Thoughts

Sending mail in Japan might seem intimidating at first, especially if you’re still getting used to reading addresses or navigating a new city, but it quickly becomes second nature. The post office staff are used to helping people who aren’t fluent in Japanese, so don’t hesitate to just show up and ask. Before you know it, sending a card home or a package to a friend will be as easy as your morning conbini run.

If you’re getting ready for your own move and wondering how you’ll stay connected with home once you’re here, now is the time to take the first step. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and take the first step toward your new life in Japan!