How to Use the Post Office in Japan [2026 Guide for Foreigners]
- Japan Post can be used not only to send letters and packages, but also for savings accounts, insurance, and receiving official documents.
- Explains how to send letters, postcards, and packages (Yu-Pack, Letter Pack).
- Also covers receiving packages (dealing with missed-delivery slips) and international mail to your home country.
Japan Post (郵便局, yuubinkyoku) handles much more than letters — it also covers parcel delivery, savings accounts, and serves as a recognized venue for identity verification. This guide covers the everyday uses most relevant to foreign residents.
① What you can do at the post office
- Mail & parcels: Send letters, postcards, Yu-Pack, Letter Pack, and international mail (EMS, etc.)
- Japan Post Bank (Yucho): Open a bank account, use the ATM, transfer money (some branches accept a Residence Card)
- Identity verification: Your Residence Card (在留カード) is accepted as ID at the post office
② Sending letters and postcards
| Type | Approx. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular letter (封書) | ¥84+ (weight/size) | No tracking, 2–3 days |
| Express mail (速達) | +¥260+ | Next day delivery |
| Registered mail (書留) | +¥430+ | Tracking + delivery confirmation |
| Postcard (はがき) | ¥63 | Write postcode and address clearly |
③ Sending parcels (Yu-Pack & Letter Pack)
| Service | Approx. cost | Tracking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yu-Pack (ゆうパック) | ¥810+ (size/distance) | Yes | Large parcels, time slot selection |
| Letter Pack Plus | ¥600 (flat) | Yes | In-person delivery, A4, up to 4 kg |
| Letter Pack Light | ¥430 (flat) | Yes | Mailbox delivery, max 3 cm thick, A4, 4 kg |
Send from a post office counter or at Lawson / Ministop convenience stores.
④ Receiving parcels (missed-delivery slips)
If you're out when a parcel arrives, a missed-delivery slip (不在票) will be left in your mailbox.
- Request redelivery: Scan the QR code on the slip, or log into Japan Post's website to choose a date and time. Phone: 0800-0800-111.
- Pick up at the post office: Bring the slip and your ID (Residence Card) to the listed branch.
- Storage period: Usually 7 days from the first delivery attempt (3 days for Yu-Pack). Items are returned to the sender after expiry.
⑤ International mail (sending packages home)
| Service | Transit time | Tracking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMS | 3–5 days | Yes | Fastest, full tracking, partial insurance |
| International e-packet | 5–10 days | Yes | Up to 2 kg small items |
| Airmail (small packet) | 10–14 days | Partial | Cheaper than EMS |
| Surface mail | 1–3 months | Partial | Best for heavy/moving shipments |
FAQ
How do I request redelivery after a missed delivery?Scan the QR code on the missed-delivery slip, go to Japan Post's website (English available), or call 0800-0800-111 to choose a new delivery time.
Can I open a Japan Post Bank account?Yes, with a Residence Card and passport. Some branches may decline if your residence period is very short. A seal (hanko) is usually not required — a signature is fine.
Can I send lithium batteries internationally?There are strict restrictions on lithium batteries in international mail. Check with the post office counter before sending — conditions vary by battery capacity and whether they're installed in a device.
Is my Residence Card accepted as ID at the post office?Yes. A valid Residence Card (在留カード) is accepted as a government-issued ID at Japan Post.
How do I set up mail forwarding after moving?Submit a change-of-address form at any post office, online via the Japan Post website (yuubin-id), or at a Lawson/Ministop convenience store. Forwarding lasts one year.
Sources
* Rules may change. Please check official sites for the latest information.
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