Kyoto

๐Ÿ“ฎ

Postal Services

Information about postal services, mailing letters, and package delivery options available in Kyoto.

Sections

1. Types of Postal Services Available in Kyoto

Japan Post offers a wide range of services for sending and receiving mail and packages, both domestically and internationally. Here are the main services:

Domestic Services:

  • Standard Mail (ๆ™ฎ้€š้ƒตไพฟ, Futsลซ Yลซbin): For letters, postcards, and small parcels.
  • Yu-Pack (ใ‚†ใ†ใƒ‘ใƒƒใ‚ฏ): A parcel delivery service for larger items.
  • Letter Pack (ใƒฌใ‚ฟใƒผใƒ‘ใƒƒใ‚ฏ): Prepaid envelopes for small packages (up to 4 kg).
    • Letter Pack Light: Slim envelopes for documents or small items.
    • Letter Pack Plus: Slightly larger envelopes with tracking.
  • Express Mail (้€Ÿ้”, Sokutatsu): Faster delivery for urgent items.
  • Registered Mail (ๆ›ธ็•™, Kakitome): Secure delivery with tracking and insurance.
  • Postcards (ใฏใŒใ, Hagaki): A popular and affordable way to send greetings or messages.

International Services:

  • EMS (Express Mail Service): Fast and reliable international shipping with tracking.
  • Airmail: Standard international mail for letters and parcels.
  • SAL (Surface Air Lifted): A cost-effective option for non-urgent international mail.
  • Surface Mail: The cheapest option for international shipping, but it takes the longest (by sea).
  • International Parcel Post: For larger packages, with options for tracking and insurance.

2. Costs for Common Services

The cost of postal services in Japan depends on the size, weight, and destination of the item. Below are approximate costs for common services:

Domestic Mail:

  • Postcards: ยฅ63 (standard size) or ยฅ84 (oversized).
  • Standard Letters: Starts at ยฅ84 for up to 25 g, ยฅ94 for up to 50 g.
  • Yu-Pack Parcels: Starts at around ยฅ810 for small packages (depending on size and distance).

International Mail:

  • Postcards: ยฅ70 to any country.
  • Airmail Letters: Starts at ยฅ110 for up to 25 g.
  • EMS: Starts at ยฅ1,400 for small packages (varies by destination).
  • SAL: Cheaper than airmail, but prices vary by weight and destination.
  • Surface Mail: The most affordable option, starting at around ยฅ1,000 for small parcels.

For exact pricing, you can use the Japan Post International Mail Calculator on their website.

3. Procedures for Sending and Receiving Mail or Packages

Sending Mail or Packages:

  1. Prepare Your Item:

    • Use appropriate packaging (available for purchase at post offices).
    • Write the recipient's address clearly in the correct format (see cultural tips below).
    • For international mail, include the destination country in English.

  2. Visit a Post Office:

    • Bring your item to the nearest post office.
    • Fill out any necessary forms (e.g., customs declaration for international packages).
    • Pay the postage fee.

  3. Drop-Off Options:

    • Use the red post boxes located throughout Kyoto for standard mail and postcards.
    • For larger items, visit a post office or use a Yu-Pack drop-off point (some convenience stores also accept Yu-Pack).

Receiving Mail or Packages:

  • Home Delivery: Most mail and packages are delivered directly to your residence. If you are not home, the delivery person will leave a notice (ไธๅœจ็ฅจ, Fuzai-hyล).
  • Re-Delivery: Use the QR code or phone number on the notice to schedule a re-delivery at a convenient time.
  • Post Office Pickup: You can also collect your item from the post office by presenting the notice and your ID.

4. Typical Operating Hours

  • Main Post Offices: Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some services, like Yu-Pack, may be available until 7:00 PM or later). Many main branches are also open on weekends for limited hours.
  • Smaller Post Offices: Typically open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • ATM Services: Post office ATMs are often available from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM (hours vary by location).
  • 24/7 Services: Red post boxes are accessible at all times for dropping off standard mail.

5. Key Postal Locations in Kyoto

Here are some major post offices in Kyoto for your convenience:

  1. Kyoto Central Post Office (ไบฌ้ƒฝไธญๅคฎ้ƒตไพฟๅฑ€):

    • Location: Near Kyoto Station, 843-12 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku.
    • Services: Full range of domestic and international services.
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM; weekends, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

  2. Gion Post Office (็ฅ‡ๅœ’้ƒตไพฟๅฑ€):

    • Location: 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku.
    • Services: Convenient for tourists in the Gion area.
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

  3. Arashiyama Post Office (ๅตๅฑฑ้ƒตไพฟๅฑ€):

    • Location: 20-1 Sagatenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku.
    • Services: Ideal for visitors exploring the Arashiyama district.
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

  4. Fushimi Post Office (ไผ่ฆ‹้ƒตไพฟๅฑ€):

    • Location: 4-1 Fukakusa Ichinotsubo-cho, Fushimi-ku.
    • Services: Convenient for those visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine.
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

6. Cultural and Practical Tips

  • Address Format: In Japan, addresses are written in reverse order compared to Western countries. Start with the postal code, followed by the prefecture, city, ward, and finally the recipient's name.

    • Example: ใ€’600-8216 ไบฌ้ƒฝๅบœไบฌ้ƒฝๅธ‚ไธ‹ไบฌๅŒบๆฑๅกฉๅฐ่ทฏ็”บ843-12 (Kyoto Central Post Office).

  • Politeness: Staff at post offices are generally very polite and helpful. If you donโ€™t speak Japanese, bring a written note with your request in Japanese or use a translation app.

  • Seasonal Postcards: During New Year (ใŠๆญฃๆœˆ, Oshลgatsu), sending nengajo (ๅนด่ณ€็Šถ), or New Yearโ€™s postcards, is a popular tradition. These can be purchased at post offices and convenience stores.

  • Convenience Stores: Many convenience stores in Kyoto (e.g., 7-Eleven, Lawson) offer basic postal services, such as selling stamps and accepting Yu-Pack parcels.

  • Tracking: Use the Japan Post website or app to track your mail or packages. Tracking numbers are provided for registered mail, Yu-Pack, EMS, and other premium services.

  • Cash Payments: Most post offices accept cash, but larger branches may also accept credit cards for certain services.

By following this guide, you should have no trouble navigating Kyotoโ€™s postal system. Whether youโ€™re sending a postcard to a loved one or shipping a package internationally, Japan Post ensures a smooth and reliable experience. Enjoy your time in Kyoto!