Sendai

1. Overview of Japan Post Services

Japan Post provides three main categories of services:

• Mail Services: Sending letters, postcards, and documents domestically and internationally.
• Parcel Services: Sending packages of various sizes, both within Japan and abroad.
• Financial Services: Banking, savings, and insurance services through Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行, Yūcho Ginkō).

In Sendai, you’ll find post offices in most neighborhoods, with larger branches offering extended services and English-speaking staff. The main post office in Sendai is located near Sendai Station, making it convenient for visitors and residents alike.

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2. Types of Postal Services

A. Mail Services

• Domestic Mail: Includes standard letters, postcards, and express mail.
• International Mail: Includes airmail, surface mail, and economy air (SAL).
• Special Services: Registered mail, insured mail, and express delivery (速達, Sōkatsu).

B. Parcel Services

• Yu-Pack (ゆうパック): Japan Post’s parcel delivery service for domestic and international shipping.
• EMS (Express Mail Service): Fast and secure international shipping.
• Small Packet: Affordable option for lightweight international parcels.

C. Financial Services

• Banking: Opening a savings account, ATM services, and money transfers.
• Insurance: Life and health insurance options.
• International Money Transfers: Sending money abroad via partnerships with Western Union and other services.

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3. Costs and Pricing

A. Domestic Mail

• Postcards: ¥63 (standard size).
• Standard Letters: Starts at ¥84 for letters up to 25g.
• Express Mail (Sōkatsu): Additional ¥260 on top of standard postage.

B. International Mail

• Postcards: ¥70 to most countries.
• Letters: Starts at ¥110 for up to 25g (varies by destination).
• EMS: Starts at ¥1,400 for small parcels (varies by weight and destination).
• Small Packet: Starts at ¥700 for parcels under 2kg.

C. Yu-Pack (Domestic Parcels)

• Pricing depends on size and distance. For example:
  • Small parcels (60cm combined dimensions, up to 2kg): ¥810–¥1,330 within Miyagi Prefecture or nearby regions.
  • Larger parcels cost more.

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4. Sending Mail and Parcels

A. Domestic Mail

1. Prepare Your Item: Write the recipient’s address in Japanese format (postal code, prefecture, city, street, building, and recipient’s name).
2. Purchase Postage: Use stamps or pay at the counter.
3. Drop Off: Place in a red postbox or hand it to a post office clerk.

B. International Mail

1. Prepare Your Item: Write the recipient’s address in English (or the destination country’s language) and include the country name in English.
2. Customs Declaration: For parcels, fill out a customs form (available at the post office).
3. Choose a Service: Decide between airmail, SAL, or surface mail based on speed and cost.
4. Pay and Send: Pay at the counter and keep the receipt with the tracking number (if applicable).

C. Yu-Pack (Domestic Parcels)

1. Package Your Item: Use a sturdy box and secure the contents.
2. Fill Out a Label: Available at the post office or online. Include the sender’s and recipient’s addresses.
3. Drop Off or Arrange Pickup: Take it to a post office or schedule a pickup online.

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5. Cultural and Local Considerations in Sendai

• Seasonal Postcards: In Japan, it’s customary to send seasonal greetings, such as New Year’s postcards (年賀状, Nengajō). These are widely available at post offices in Sendai during November and December.
• Omiyage Shipping: Sendai is famous for local specialties like zunda (sweet edamame paste) and gyutan (beef tongue). Many shops offer packaging and shipping services via Japan Post, so you can send omiyage (souvenirs) to friends and family.
• English Assistance: Larger post offices, such as the Sendai Central Post Office near Sendai Station, often have English-speaking staff or translation tools to assist foreigners.
• Postbox Locations: Red postboxes are scattered throughout Sendai, including near train stations, convenience stores, and major landmarks like Sendai Castle and Aoba-dori Avenue.

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6. Tips for Using Postal Services in Sendai

• Post Office Hours: Most post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Larger branches, like the Sendai Central Post Office, may have extended hours and weekend service.
• ATMs: Japan Post ATMs are available at post offices and convenience stores, offering cash withdrawal and balance inquiry services in multiple languages.
• Tracking: Use the tracking number provided for parcels and EMS to monitor delivery status online.
• Convenience Store Drop-Off: Some convenience stores in Sendai, like Lawson and FamilyMart, accept Yu-Pack parcels for shipping.

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7. Key Post Office Locations in Sendai

1. Sendai Central Post Office (仙台中央郵便局)

   • Address: 1-1-1 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8799
   • Hours: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (weekdays), 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (weekends for some services)
   • Services: Full range of mail, parcel, and financial services.

2. Sendai Station Post Office (仙台駅前郵便局)

   • Address: 1-1-1 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0021
   • Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (weekdays)
   • Services: Mail and parcel services.

3. Aoba-dori Post Office (青葉通郵便局)

   • Address: 2-3-1 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0021
   • Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (weekdays)
   • Services: Mail and parcel services.

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By following this guide, you’ll be able to navigate Sendai’s postal services with ease, whether you’re sending a simple postcard or shipping a package internationally.