How to Use a Post Office in Japan: Mail, Parcels and Useful Japanese

Japan’s post office can help with much more than buying a stamp. You can send a letter or parcel, ask for a trackable option, and sort out a missed delivery. The difficult part is often knowing what to say at the counter and which Japanese word to look for.

This guide is a practical starting point for residents. Prices, opening hours and international services can change, so use the linked Japan Post pages to check the details for your item and destination.

What is “post office” in Japanese?

郵便局 (yūbinkyoku) means post office. The counter for mail is often labeled 郵便 (yūbin). A large post office may also have other counters or an ATM; check the sign for the service you need.

How do I send a letter or postcard in Japan?

1. Write the recipient’s address and postal code clearly. Add your return address, especially if the item may need to come back to you.
2. If you know the correct postage and the item is eligible, attach stamps and use a postbox. If you are unsure about size, weight or postage, take it to the postal counter.
3. Say これを送りたいです。 (Kore o okuritai desu.) — “I would like to send this.” The clerk can check the service and price.

Domestic letters and postcards have different size and weight rules. Check Japan Post’s domestic mail services and postage calculator before assuming an old stamp or remembered rate is enough.

How do I send a parcel?

For an ordinary domestic package, ask about ゆうパック. Bring the packed item, the recipient’s name, address and phone number, and your sender details. The clerk can advise on the label, available delivery options and price. The price depends on the parcel and destination; Japan Post’s Yū-Pack page has current details.

Useful phrases at the counter:

• この荷物を送りたいです。 (Kono nimotsu o okuritai desu.) — I would like to send this parcel.
• 追跡できますか。 (Tsuiseki dekimasu ka?) — Can I track it?
• 料金はいくらですか。 (Ryōkin wa ikura desu ka?) — How much is the postage?
• いつ届きますか。 (Itsu todokimasu ka?) — When will it arrive?

What if I need proof that I mailed something?

Do not assume a normal letter has tracking. Ask the clerk which service fits the document and what evidence of posting or delivery you need. 書留 and 簡易書留 are registered-mail options with different terms; 特定記録 records acceptance and provides tracking but differs from registered mail. Options and fees depend on the item. Read Japan Post’s domestic option list and keep the receipt or tracking number.

At the counter you can say 追跡できる方法で送りたいです。 (Tsuiseki dekiru hōhō de okuritai desu.) — “I would like to send it with tracking.” For an important legal or administrative document, follow the receiving organization’s specified mailing method.

I missed a delivery. What do I do with the slip?

A 不在連絡票 means the carrier could not hand over an item. Find the 追跡番号 or お問い合わせ番号 on the notice. Japan Post’s English redelivery form lets you request delivery to the address on the notice. Its web form says that requests for another address or counter collection should go through the call center. You can also check an eligible item’s progress on the tracking page.

If you lose the notice, contact the post office responsible for delivery; Japan Post’s FAQ says staff need to identify the held item. Check the notice for any holding deadline rather than leaving it for later.

Can I send something overseas from a Japanese post office?

Yes, but the accepted service, destination and contents vary. Before packing, check service availability by country and restrictions for the contents. For international parcels and other items containing goods, Japan Post directs senders to create a label with its International Mail My Page Service so required electronic customs information can be transmitted. Do not assume a handwritten label will be accepted for goods.

You can ask 海外に送りたいです。 (Kaigai ni okuritai desu.) — “I would like to send this overseas.” Tell the clerk the destination and what is inside, and check the latest requirements before visiting.

How do I find an open post office?

Use Japan Post’s office, ATM and postbox search for the location, postal-counter hours and postbox collection times. Some larger offices have a ゆうゆう窓口 with hours outside a standard weekday counter, but availability and hours differ by office. Check the specific office before traveling.

Quick version: 郵便局 is the post office; 郵便窓口 is the mail counter; 切手 is a stamp; ゆうパック is a domestic parcel service; 不在連絡票 tells you to arrange receipt or 再配達. When unsure, bring the item to the counter and say “これを送りたいです。”

Setting up life in Japan also means dealing with city-hall paperwork. Our guide to getting a jūminhyō explains another common first task.