Sapporo

๐Ÿ“ฎ

Postal and Delivery Services

Guidelines on using the postal service, package deliveries, and courier options in Sapporo.

Sections

1. Overview of Postal Services in Sapporo

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is well-served by Japan Post (ๆ—ฅๆœฌ้ƒตไพฟ, Nippon Yลซbin), the national postal service, as well as private courier companies like Yamato Transport (ใƒคใƒžใƒˆ้‹่ผธ, Kuroneko Yamato), Sagawa Express (ไฝๅทๆ€ฅไพฟ), and others. Japan Post is the most commonly used service for both domestic and international mail, offering reliable and efficient options for letters, parcels, and express deliveries.

2. Sending Parcels and Letters

Domestic Shipping

  • Standard Mail (ๆ™ฎ้€š้ƒตไพฟ, Futsลซ Yลซbin):

    • Ideal for letters, postcards, and small parcels.
    • Delivery time: 1โ€“3 days within Japan.
    • Cost: Based on weight and size. For example:
      • Postcards: ยฅ63
      • Standard letters (up to 25g): ยฅ84
      • Small parcels (up to 1kg): Starts at ยฅ370.

  • Yu-Pack (ใ‚†ใ†ใƒ‘ใƒƒใ‚ฏ):

    • Japan Postโ€™s parcel delivery service for larger items.
    • Delivery time: 1โ€“2 days within Hokkaido, 2โ€“3 days to other regions.
    • Cost: Based on size and distance. For example:
      • A 60-size parcel (up to 2kg, within Hokkaido): Starts at ยฅ810.
      • To Tokyo: Starts at ยฅ1,100.

  • Express Mail Service (้€Ÿ้”, Sokutatsu):

    • For faster delivery of letters and small parcels.
    • Delivery time: Same day or next day within Japan.
    • Cost: Standard postage + ยฅ260.

International Shipping

  • EMS (Express Mail Service):

    • Fastest international option for parcels and documents.
    • Delivery time: 2โ€“4 days to most countries.
    • Cost: Based on weight and destination. For example:
      • 500g to the USA: ยฅ2,400.
      • 500g to Europe: ยฅ2,200.

  • Airmail:

    • Standard international mail for letters and parcels.
    • Delivery time: 3โ€“10 days.
    • Cost: Cheaper than EMS but slower. For example:
      • 500g to the USA: ยฅ1,400.
      • 500g to Europe: ยฅ1,200.

  • Surface Mail:

    • Economical option for heavy parcels.
    • Delivery time: 1โ€“3 months.
    • Cost: Significantly cheaper than airmail. For example:
      • 2kg to the USA: ยฅ2,000.

  • Small Packet Service:

    • For lightweight international parcels (up to 2kg).
    • Delivery time: 1โ€“2 weeks.
    • Cost: Cheaper than EMS. For example:
      • 1kg to the USA: ยฅ1,800.

3. Receiving Parcels

  • Home Delivery:

    • Parcels are delivered directly to your address. If you are not home, a delivery notice (fuzai haitatsu tsลซchi) will be left in your mailbox.
    • You can reschedule delivery online, via phone, or at the post office.

  • Post Office Pickup:

    • If you prefer, you can have parcels sent to a nearby post office for pickup. Use the "General Delivery" (Kyokudome) service and provide the post office address.

  • Convenience Store Pickup:

    • Some private courier services, like Yamato Transport, allow you to pick up parcels at convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, Lawson).

4. Accessing Local Post Office Services

  • Locations:

    • Sapporo has numerous post offices, including the main branch:
      • Sapporo Central Post Office (ๆœญๅนŒไธญๅคฎ้ƒตไพฟๅฑ€):
        • Address: 1 Chome-1 Kita 6 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0806.
        • Located near Sapporo Station.
    • Use the Japan Post website or Google Maps to find the nearest post office.

  • Operating Hours:

    • Standard post offices: Mondayโ€“Friday, 9:00 AMโ€“5:00 PM.
    • Larger branches (e.g., Sapporo Central Post Office): Open until 7:00 PM on weekdays and may have limited hours on weekends.
    • ATM services for postal banking (Yลซcho Ginkล) are often available earlier and later than counter services.

  • Services Offered:

    • Mailing letters and parcels.
    • Purchasing stamps and packaging materials.
    • Money transfers and postal savings (Yลซcho).
    • International shipping and customs forms.

5. Costs and Payment

  • Payment Methods:

    • Cash is widely accepted.
    • Credit cards are accepted at larger post offices and for EMS services.
    • Prepaid postage options, such as stamps and prepaid envelopes, are available.

  • Packaging Materials:

    • Available for purchase at post offices and convenience stores.
    • You can also use your own packaging, but ensure it meets size and weight requirements.

6. Customs for International Shipping

  • Customs Declaration:

    • For international parcels, you must complete a customs declaration form (available at the post office).
    • Include details about the contents, value, and purpose (e.g., gift, merchandise).

  • Prohibited Items:

    • Check Japan Postโ€™s website for a list of prohibited and restricted items (e.g., flammable materials, perishables).

  • Taxes and Duties:

    • Recipients may need to pay import taxes or duties depending on the destination country.

7. Private Courier Services

In addition to Japan Post, private courier companies offer competitive services:

  • Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato):

    • Known for its Takkyubin service, which includes same-day and next-day delivery.
    • Offers convenient options like luggage delivery to airports or hotels.
    • Costs: Similar to Yu-Pack, based on size and distance.

  • Sagawa Express:

    • Specializes in large and heavy parcels.
    • Offers competitive rates for domestic shipping.

  • Convenience Store Drop-Off:

    • Many convenience stores in Sapporo (e.g., 7-Eleven, Lawson) accept parcels for Yamato and Sagawa.

8. Cultural Considerations

  • Politeness:

    • Staff at post offices and delivery services are highly professional and polite. Itโ€™s customary to bow and thank them when receiving assistance.

  • Address Format:

    • Write the recipientโ€™s address in the correct Japanese format:
      • Postal code (7 digits) on the first line.
      • Prefecture, city, ward, and street address on the second line.
      • Recipientโ€™s name on the last line.

  • Language:

    • Most post office staff in Sapporo speak limited English. Bring a written note with your request in Japanese or use a translation app if needed.

  • Seasonal Delays:

    • During peak seasons (e.g., New Yearโ€™s, Golden Week), expect delays in delivery times.

9. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Temporary Mailing Address:

    • If you donโ€™t have a permanent address, use the General Delivery (Kyokudome) service to receive mail at a post office.

  • Forwarding Services:

    • If you move within Japan, use the free mail forwarding service (Tensล) to redirect mail to your new address for up to one year.

  • Luggage Delivery:

    • Use Takkyubin services to send luggage directly to your hotel or airport, especially during winter when traveling with heavy bags can be challenging.

By understanding these services and procedures, you can confidently navigate postal and delivery systems in Sapporo, whether youโ€™re sending a postcard, shipping a package, or receiving mail.