Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Overview of Postal Services in Japan

Japan Post (日本郵便, Nippon Yūbin) is the national postal service provider in Japan. It offers a wide range of services, including domestic and international mail, parcel delivery, banking, and insurance. Hiroshima, being a major city, has numerous post offices and access points, making it convenient for residents and visitors to use these services.

2. Types of Services Provided

Japan Post offers the following services:

A. Domestic Mail Services

Postcards (はがき, Hagaki): Standard postcards can be sent anywhere in Japan for ¥63.
Letters (手紙, Tegami): Standard letters up to 25g cost ¥84, and up to 50g cost ¥94.
Small Parcels (ゆうパケット, Yu-Packet): For small items, starting at ¥250 depending on size and weight.
Express Mail (速達, Sokutatsu): Faster delivery for an additional fee (¥260 on top of standard postage).
Registered Mail (書留, Kakitome): Secure delivery with tracking and compensation for lost items.

B. International Mail Services

Airmail: Fastest option for international delivery. Costs depend on weight and destination.
Surface Mail: Economical but slower (can take weeks or months).
EMS (Express Mail Service): Premium international service with tracking and insurance.
International Small Packet: For lightweight items (up to 2kg) at a lower cost than EMS.
SAL (Economy Air): A mid-range option between airmail and surface mail.

C. Parcel Delivery Services

Yu-Pack (ゆうパック): Domestic parcel delivery with tracking and insurance.
Cool Yu-Pack (クールゆうパック): For temperature-sensitive items (e.g., food or medicine).

D. Additional Services

Banking Services: Many post offices double as Japan Post Bank branches, offering ATMs and financial services.
Insurance Services: Life and health insurance options are available.
Payment Services: Utility bills and taxes can be paid at post offices.

3. Costs for Mailing Letters and Packages

Here’s a quick breakdown of common postage costs:

Domestic Mail

Postcard: ¥63
Standard Letter (up to 25g): ¥84
Standard Letter (up to 50g): ¥94
Yu-Pack (parcel): Starts at ¥810 (varies by size, weight, and distance)

International Mail

Postcard: ¥70
Airmail Letter (up to 25g): ¥110–¥160 (depending on destination)
EMS: Starts at ¥1,400 (varies by weight and destination)
International Small Packet: Starts at ¥700 (varies by weight and destination)

For precise costs, use the Japan Post International Mail Calculator available on their website.

4. Procedures for Mailing Letters and Packages

A. Mailing Letters

Purchase stamps at a post office or convenience store.
Write the recipient’s address in the correct format:
- Domestic: Japanese format (postal code, prefecture, city, address, recipient’s name).
- International: Follow the destination country’s format, but write the address in English or the local language.
Drop the letter into a red postbox (marked 郵便) or hand it to a post office clerk.

B. Mailing Packages

Visit a post office or use a Yu-Pack drop-off point (some convenience stores accept Yu-Pack).
Fill out the appropriate form:
- Domestic: Yu-Pack label.
- International: Customs declaration form (available at the post office).
Pay the postage fee based on weight, size, and destination.
Retain the receipt for tracking purposes.

5. Locations of Major Post Offices in Hiroshima

Hiroshima has many post offices, but here are some key locations:

A. Hiroshima Central Post Office (広島中央郵便局)

Address: 5-16 Futabanosato 1-chome, Higashi-ku, Hiroshima
Hours:
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sundays/Holidays: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (limited services)
Services: Full range of postal, banking, and insurance services.

B. Hiroshima Station Post Office (広島駅前郵便局)

Address: 2-37 Matsubara-cho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima
Hours:
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on weekends and holidays.
Services: Standard postal services.

C. Hondori Post Office (本通郵便局)

Address: 6-27 Hondori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Hours:
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on weekends and holidays.
Services: Standard postal services.

For a full list of post offices, use the Japan Post Office Locator tool online.

6. Hours of Operation

Most post offices are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Larger post offices (e.g., Hiroshima Central Post Office) may offer extended hours and weekend services.
Postboxes are accessible 24/7 for dropping off mail.

7. Tips for Mailing Items Internationally

Customs Forms: For international packages, you must complete a customs declaration form. Be specific about the contents and their value.
Prohibited Items: Check Japan Post’s list of prohibited items (e.g., flammable materials, perishables) before mailing.
Packaging: Use sturdy packaging for international shipments. Japan Post provides free boxes for Yu-Pack and EMS.
Tracking: Use EMS or registered mail for valuable items to ensure tracking and insurance.
Language: Post office staff may not speak fluent English, so bring a written note with your request in Japanese or use a translation app.

8. Cultural Considerations

Politeness: Japanese post office staff are known for their politeness and professionalism. Bowing and saying “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) is appreciated.
Queueing: Always wait in line patiently. Post offices can be busy, especially during lunch hours or near holidays.
Seasonal Postcards: Sending seasonal greetings (e.g., New Year’s postcards, 年賀状, Nengajou) is a popular custom in Japan. These can be purchased and mailed at post offices.
Address Format: Japanese addresses are written in reverse order compared to Western formats (postal code first, followed by prefecture, city, and street).

9. Additional Resources

Japan Post Website: https://www.post.japanpost.jp/ (English version available)
International Mail Calculator: https://www.post.japanpost.jp/cgi-charge/index.php?lang=_en
Post Office Locator: https://map.japanpost.jp/p/search/

By following this guide, you should have no trouble navigating Hiroshima’s postal services. Whether you’re sending a postcard to a friend or shipping a package internationally, Japan Post ensures a smooth and reliable experience.