Mail & Packages in Japan: Redelivery, Convenience Store Pickup & Sending Abroad

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Missed a Delivery? Here’s What to Do

If you weren’t home, the driver leaves a slip called 不在連絡票 (fuzai renraku hyō). Don’t ignore it — you have about 7 days.

Japan has three major delivery carriers:

Carrier	Japanese Name	Logo	Strengths
Japan Post	日本郵便	Red 〒 symbol	Cheapest, handles all mail + Yu-Pack parcels
Yamato Transport	ヤマト運輸（クロネコヤマト）	Black cat 🐱	Most reliable, best app, convenience store drop-off
Sagawa Express	佐川急便	Blue logo	Handles many Amazon Japan deliveries

When you miss a delivery, the driver leaves a 不在連絡票 (missed delivery slip) in your mailbox. This small paper has everything you need to reschedule.

How to reschedule redelivery

Method 1 — QR code (fastest, 2 minutes): Scan the QR code on the slip with your phone → opens the carrier’s redelivery page → choose date and time slot → done.

Method 2 — Website/app:

• Japan Post: trackings.post.japanpost.jp or the Japan Post app
• Yamato: kuronekoyamato.co.jp or the Kuroneko app
• Sagawa: sagawa-exp.co.jp web redelivery form

Method 3 — Phone: Call the number on the slip. Automated system in Japanese. Enter tracking number + desired time.

Available time slots (typical)

Time Slot	Hours
Morning	8:00–12:00
Afternoon 1	12:00–14:00
Afternoon 2	14:00–16:00
Evening 1	16:00–18:00
Evening 2	18:00–20:00
Night	19:00–21:00

Pick the evening/night slot if you work during the day. The 19:00–21:00 slot is the most popular — and it contributes to Japan’s 10.2% redelivery rate (October 2024, MLIT survey). If you can take a morning delivery on a day off, the drivers appreciate it.

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Never Home? Use Convenience Store & Locker Pickup

This is the best system in the world for people who work all day.

Convenience store pickup (コンビニ受取)

How it works:

1. When ordering online (Amazon Japan, Rakuten, Mercari, etc.), select 「コンビニ受取」 at checkout
2. Choose a nearby store: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson
3. When the package arrives, you get a notification email with a barcode or pickup code
4. Go to the store → scan barcode at the Loppi (Lawson) or Famiport (FamilyMart) terminal, or show it at the register (7-Eleven) → get your package

Pickup hours: 24/7 (convenience stores never close) Holding period: 3–7 days depending on carrier Size limit: Up to ~100cm total dimensions and ~10kg

Locker pickup (宅配ロッカー / PUDO)

Amazon Locker: Available at many train stations and commercial buildings in Tokyo. Select “Amazon Locker” at checkout. Get a code by email → enter code at the locker → door opens → grab your package.

PUDO (Pick Up & Drop Off): Shared lockers from Packcity Japan, found at train stations, apartment buildings, and shopping centers. Works with Yamato, Sagawa, and Japan Post.

Yamato Kuroneko Members (クロネコメンバーズ)

Register for free at kuronekoyamato.co.jp. This is the single most useful delivery service for residents:

• Delivery notification: Get LINE or email alerts before delivery
• Redirect packages: Change delivery to a convenience store, PUDO locker, or different address — even after the package is already in transit
• Set preferred time: Default delivery window for all future packages
• Absence notification: Mark dates you’ll be away

Set it up on Day 1 of living in Japan. It eliminates almost all missed deliveries.

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Sending Packages Within Japan

From a convenience store (最も簡単)

Yamato Transport accepts drop-offs at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and some other chains.

Step-by-step:

1. Pack your item in a box or bag
2. Go to the convenience store
3. Tell the clerk: 「宅急便をお願いします」 (Takkyūbin wo onegai shimasu — “I’d like to send a Takkyubin package”)
4. Fill out the shipping label (送り状 / okurijō): sender name + address, recipient name + address
5. Pay at the register

Tip: You can print a digital shipping label via the Kuroneko app to skip the handwritten form.

From the post office (Japan Post Yu-Pack)

Bring your packed box to any post office. Yu-Pack (ゆうパック) is Japan Post’s parcel service.

You: 「ゆうパックで送りたいのですが」 (Yu-Pack de okuritai no desu ga — “I’d like to send this via Yu-Pack”)

Domestic shipping costs (2025)

Service	60 size (small)	80 size (medium)	100 size (large)
Yamato Takkyubin	¥940–	¥1,230–	¥1,530–
Yu-Pack (Japan Post)	¥870–	¥1,100–	¥1,330–

Prices vary by distance. “Size” = length + width + height in cm. 60 size = total ≤60cm.

Delivery speed: Next day for most domestic shipments. Same-day available in some areas for an additional fee.

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Sending Packages Internationally

Japan Post handles international shipping. Go to any post office with your packed box — they’ll walk you through the customs form.

International shipping options (Japan Post)

Service	Speed	Cost (2kg to USA)	Best for
EMS (Express Mail Service)	3–5 days	~¥4,000	Urgent, valuable items
Airmail parcel	7–14 days	~¥2,800	Mid-range speed/cost
SAL (Surface Air Lifted)	2–3 weeks	~¥2,200	Budget with reasonable speed
Surface mail (船便)	1–3 months	~¥1,600	Heavy, non-urgent items

Note: SAL service availability varies by destination country. Check Japan Post’s website for current routes.

How to send internationally

Step 1: Pack your item. No prohibited items (lithium batteries restricted, no alcohol to some countries, no food to Australia/NZ without declaration).

Step 2: Go to the post office. Bring your package unsealed (customs may need to inspect).

Step 3: Fill out the customs declaration form (税関告知書 / zeikan kokuchisho). The staff will provide it. Write contents, value, and weight in English.

You: 「海外に荷物を送りたいのですが」 (Kaigai ni nimotsu wo okuritai no desu ga — “I’d like to send a package overseas”)

Step 4: Choose your shipping method (EMS, airmail, SAL, surface). Pay.

Step 5: Get your tracking number. Track via Japan Post’s website.

Weight and size limits

Service	Max weight	Max size (L+W+H)
EMS	30kg	300cm
Airmail	30kg	300cm
SAL	30kg	300cm
Surface	30kg	300cm

Customs tip: Declare accurate values. Undervaluing items can cause customs problems at the destination. Over ¥200,000 value may require export declaration.

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Mail Forwarding When You Move

When you change addresses, submit a 転居届 (tenkyo todoke / mail forwarding request):

How to set up forwarding

Option 1 — At the post office (recommended): Go to any post office with your residence card (在留カード) + something showing your old address (old utility bill, previous lease, etc.). Fill out the forwarding form.

You: 「転居届を出したいのですが」 (Tenkyo todoke wo dashitai no desu ga — “I’d like to submit a mail forwarding request”)

Option 2 — Online via e-Tenkyo: Visit welcometown.post.japanpost.jp/etn/ → verify identity → submit. Takes effect in 3–7 business days.

Key details

• Duration: 1 year of forwarding (free)
• When to submit: ~1 week before your move
• What’s forwarded: Regular mail, registered mail, parcels addressed to your old address
• What’s NOT forwarded: Mail addressed to a different name at your old address
• Renewal: You can extend for another year by submitting a new form before the current one expires

Important: Mail forwarding only covers Japan Post mail. Packages from Yamato and Sagawa are NOT forwarded — you need to update your address directly with those carriers and with each online retailer (Amazon, Rakuten, etc.).

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Japanese Address Format

Understanding how Japanese addresses work prevents failed deliveries.

Format (for domestic mail)

〒163-8001
東京都新宿区西新宿2-8-1
東京マンション 305号室
山田 太郎

Breakdown:

Line	Content	Example
Postal code	〒 + 7 digits (XXX-XXXX)	〒163-8001
Prefecture + City + Ward	都道府県 + 市区町村	東京都新宿区
District + Block + Building number	町名 + 番地	西新宿2-8-1
Building name + Room number	マンション名 + 号室	東京マンション 305号室
Recipient name	氏名	山田 太郎

For international mail TO Japan (from abroad)

Write the Japanese address in Japanese if possible. Add “JAPAN” at the bottom in English:

Taro Yamada
Tokyo Mansion #305
2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 163-8001
JAPAN

Your name on the mailbox matters

Critical rule: If your name is not on your mailbox (ポスト), Japan Post will return mail to sender. This is a common problem for foreigners in shared houses or when using a different name than what’s on your residence card.

Put your registered name (as on your residence card) on your mailbox. If you use a different name for online shopping, add that too.

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The 2024 Problem: Be Kind to Delivery Drivers

Japan’s delivery industry handled about 5 billion parcels in 2024. About 10.2% required redelivery (MLIT, October 2024) — that’s over 500 million wasted trips.

Since April 2024, new labor laws cap truck driver overtime at 960 hours/year. Fewer drivers, more packages. The government’s target is to reduce the redelivery rate to 6% by 2026.

What you can do:

• Use convenience store or locker pickup when possible
• Set a specific delivery time at checkout
• Register for Kuroneko Members or Japan Post delivery notification
• If you’ll be away, use the absence notification feature on carrier apps
• Don’t request redelivery and then miss it again — that’s two wasted trips

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Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Solution
Package returned to sender	Not rescheduled within ~7 days	Contact the sender to reship. Next time, schedule redelivery immediately or use store pickup.
Mail not arriving at new address	Didn't submit forwarding request, or name mismatch	Submit 転居届 at post office. Ensure name on mailbox matches registered name.
Can't read the delivery slip	It's in Japanese	Look for the QR code — scan it, the website usually has English. Or enter the tracking number at the carrier's website.
Convenience store pickup not available	Package too large, or seller doesn't support it	Use PUDO locker or set a specific delivery time window. Register for Kuroneko Members to redirect.
International package stuck in customs	Missing customs form, restricted items, or undervalued contents	Check tracking. Customs may send a notice requesting additional info. Contact Japan Post customer service: 0120-232886.

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FAQ

Q: Can I receive packages at a convenience store without ordering from Amazon?

A: Yes — if you’re using Yamato Transport. Register for Kuroneko Members and redirect any Yamato package to a nearby 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or PUDO locker. For Japan Post packages, you can request redelivery to a post office (局留め / kyoku-dome).

Q: How do I send luggage to the airport before my flight?

A: Use Yamato’s Airport Takkyubin service. Drop off your suitcase at a hotel, convenience store, or Yamato office 2 days before your flight. It’ll be waiting at the airport counter (Narita or Haneda). Cost: ¥2,500–¥3,500 per bag depending on size.

Q: What items can’t be sent internationally?

A: Prohibited items vary by country. Common restrictions: lithium batteries (limited), alcohol, fresh food, plants, soil, currency, weapons. Japan Post has a country-specific list. Check before packing.

Q: How long does international EMS take?

A: Typically 3–5 business days to USA, Europe, and most of Asia. Faster to nearby countries (2–3 days to South Korea, Taiwan). Delays possible during holidays or customs inspections.

Q: Can I get a PO Box in Japan?

A: Yes. Japan Post offers 私書箱 (shishobako) — a PO Box at your local post office. It’s free but requires regular use. Apply at your post office. Alternatively, virtual mailbox services exist for businesses.

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Related Guides

• How to Register at Your Ward Office — address registration affects mail delivery
• How to Pay Bills in Japan — many bills arrive by mail
• How to Find a Rental Apartment — make sure your name is on the mailbox
• How to Open a Bank Account — bank cards and statements come by mail

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Summary

1. Missed delivery = check mailbox for the slip. Scan the QR code to reschedule. You have ~7 days before the package goes back.
2. Never home? Set up convenience store or locker pickup. Register for Yamato Kuroneko Members on Day 1 — it’s free and lets you redirect packages even after dispatch.
3. Moving? Submit a 転居届 at any post office. Free forwarding for 1 year. Do it a week before you move. And put your name on your new mailbox.

Next step: If you just moved to Japan, register for Kuroneko Members and submit your 転居届 at the post office. Takes 10 minutes total.

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