Sendai

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Postal Services

Details about postal mail and courier services for sending and receiving packages and letters in Sendai.

Sections

1. Overview of Japan Post Services

Japan Post (日本郵便, Nippon Yūbin) is the primary postal service provider in Japan. It offers a wide range of services, including domestic and international mail, parcel delivery, banking, and insurance. In Sendai, you’ll find numerous post offices and drop-off points, making it convenient to send and receive items.

2. Mail and Parcel Services

Domestic Services

  • Postcards (はがき, Hagaki):
    • Standard size: ¥63 (as of 2023).
    • Delivery time: 1–2 days within Japan.
  • Letters (封書, Fūsho):
    • Standard letter (up to 25g): ¥84.
    • Larger letters (up to 50g): ¥94.
    • Delivery time: 1–2 days.
  • Yu-Pack (ゆうパック):
    • Parcel delivery service for larger items.
    • Pricing depends on size, weight, and distance (e.g., a small parcel within Sendai starts at around ¥810).
    • Includes tracking and optional insurance.
  • Letter Pack (レターパック):
    • Prepaid envelopes for flat-rate delivery.
    • Letter Pack Light: ¥370 (up to 4kg, fits in mailboxes).
    • Letter Pack Plus: ¥520 (up to 4kg, requires a signature upon delivery).

International Services

  • Airmail:
    • Fastest option for international letters and parcels.
    • Costs depend on weight and destination (e.g., a 50g letter to the U.S. costs around ¥110).
  • EMS (Express Mail Service):
    • Premium international service with tracking and insurance.
    • Delivery time: 2–4 days to most countries.
    • Costs start at ¥1,400 for small parcels.
  • SAL (Surface Air Lifted):
    • Economical option for parcels and letters.
    • Delivery time: 2–3 weeks.
  • Surface Mail:
    • Cheapest option for heavy parcels.
    • Delivery time: 1–3 months.
  • International Small Packet:
    • For lightweight items (up to 2kg).
    • Cheaper than EMS but slower.

3. Procedures for Sending Items

Domestic Mail

  1. Prepare Your Item:
    • Use appropriate envelopes or boxes. You can purchase these at post offices or convenience stores.
  2. Addressing:
    • Write the recipient’s address in Japanese (if possible) or English. Include the postal code (7 digits).
    • For domestic mail, the format is: 
      〒123-4567
宮城県仙台市青葉区一番町1-2-3
山田太郎様
  3. Visit a Post Office or Drop-Off Point:
    • Hand your item to the counter staff or drop it in a red postbox (for letters and postcards).
  4. Payment:
    • Pay the postage fee at the counter or affix the correct stamps.

International Mail

  1. Prepare Your Item:
    • Use sturdy packaging for international parcels.
    • Fill out a customs declaration form (available at post offices).
  2. Addressing:
    • Write the recipient’s address in English, including the country name in capital letters.
    • Example: 
      John Smith
123 Main Street
New York, NY 10001
USA
  3. Visit a Post Office:
    • Go to the counter for assistance with weighing, pricing, and customs forms.
  4. Payment:
    • Pay the postage fee and keep the receipt for tracking purposes (if applicable).

4. Receiving Items

  • Domestic Deliveries:
    • Items are delivered directly to your mailbox or door.
    • If you’re not home, the delivery person will leave a notice (不在票, Fuzai-hyō). You can reschedule delivery online, by phone, or at the post office.
  • International Deliveries:
    • Customs duties may apply for certain items. You’ll receive a notice to pay the fee before delivery.
    • EMS and tracked parcels can be monitored online using the tracking number.

5. Locations of Major Postal Facilities in Sendai

Here are some key post offices in Sendai:

Sendai Central Post Office (仙台中央郵便局)

  • Address: 〒980-8799 宮城県仙台市青葉区中央1-3-1
  • Hours:
    • Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    • Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Sundays/Holidays: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Services: Full range of domestic and international mail, banking, and insurance.

Sendai Aoba Post Office (仙台青葉郵便局)

  • Address: 〒980-0811 宮城県仙台市青葉区一番町2-3-10
  • Hours: Similar to Sendai Central Post Office.
  • Services: Mail and parcel services, banking.

Sendai Izumi Post Office (仙台泉郵便局)

  • Address: 〒981-3133 宮城県仙台市泉区泉中央1-7-1
  • Hours: Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Services: Domestic and international mail.

Convenience Store Drop-Offs:

  • Many convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) in Sendai offer drop-off services for prepaid parcels (Yu-Pack and Letter Pack).

6. Cultural and Practical Considerations

  • Politeness: Staff at post offices are very polite and helpful. If you don’t speak Japanese, they may use simple English or gestures to assist you.
  • Address Format: Japanese addresses are written in reverse order compared to Western formats (start with the postal code, then prefecture, city, district, and recipient’s name).
  • Seasonal Postcards: Sending seasonal greetings (e.g., New Year’s postcards, 年賀状, Nengajō) is a popular tradition in Japan. These can be purchased and mailed through post offices.
  • Red Postboxes: Red postboxes are located throughout Sendai for mailing letters and postcards. They have separate slots for domestic and international mail.
  • Tracking: Use the Japan Post website or app to track parcels. Enter the tracking number provided on your receipt.

7. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Language Support: While most post office staff speak limited English, larger branches like Sendai Central Post Office often have English-speaking staff or translation tools.
  • Cash Payments: Post offices primarily accept cash, though major branches may accept credit cards for larger transactions.
  • Banking Services: Japan Post also operates as a bank (Japan Post Bank). You can open an account, withdraw cash, or transfer money at post offices.
  • Peak Times: Avoid visiting post offices during lunch hours (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM) or just before closing, as they can be crowded.

By following this guide, you should have no trouble navigating the postal services in Sendai. Whether you’re sending a quick postcard or shipping a large parcel internationally, Japan Post’s efficiency and reliability will ensure your items reach their destination safely.