Tokyo

๐Ÿ“ฎ

Postal Services

Sections

1. Overview of Japan Post Services

Japan Post offers a wide range of services, including domestic and international mailing, express delivery, and financial services. The system is known for its punctuality, accuracy, and customer service.

Key Services:

  • Mailing Letters and Postcards:

    • Standard letters, postcards, and greeting cards can be sent domestically or internationally.
    • Domestic postcards cost ยฅ63 (standard) or ยฅ84 (oversized).
    • Domestic letters start at ยฅ84 for up to 25g.
    • International postcards and letters start at ยฅ70 (Asia) and vary depending on the destination and weight.

  • Packages (Parcels):

    • Yu-Pack (ใ‚†ใ†ใƒ‘ใƒƒใ‚ฏ): A domestic parcel delivery service with tracking.
    • EMS (Express Mail Service): Fast international shipping with tracking and insurance.
    • Airmail, SAL (Surface Air Lifted), and Surface Mail: Options for international shipping with varying delivery speeds and costs.

  • Express Services:

    • Sagawa Takuhaibin (ๅฎ…้…ไพฟ): Same-day or next-day delivery for domestic parcels.
    • Registered Mail (ๆ›ธ็•™, Kakitome): For sending valuable items with tracking and insurance.

  • Specialized Services:

    • Redelivery Service: If you miss a delivery, you can request redelivery online, by phone, or at the post office.
    • Forwarding Service: If you move within Japan, you can request mail forwarding for free for one year.

2. Operating Hours

  • Standard Post Offices:

    • Open Monday to Friday, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
    • Some larger post offices (e.g., Shinjuku Post Office) have extended hours and are open on weekends.

  • ATM and Financial Services:

    • Available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.
    • Some ATMs operate 24/7, especially in major post offices.

  • Mailboxes:

    • Red mailboxes are located throughout the city and are emptied multiple times daily. Collection times are listed on the box.

3. Costs and Pricing

  • Domestic Mail:

    • Postcards: ยฅ63 (standard size).
    • Letters: ยฅ84 (up to 25g), ยฅ94 (up to 50g).
    • Yu-Pack: Starts at ยฅ810, depending on size and distance.

  • International Mail:

    • Postcards: ยฅ70 (Asia), ยฅ90 (Europe, North America), ยฅ110 (South America, Africa).
    • EMS: Starts at ยฅ1,400 for small parcels to Asia, with higher rates for other regions.
    • Airmail: Cheaper than EMS but slower; rates depend on weight and destination.

  • Additional Services:

    • Registered Mail: ยฅ435 (domestic) + postage.
    • Insurance: Available for parcels and registered mail.

4. Locating Post Offices

  • Finding a Post Office:

    • Use the Japan Post website (available in English) or Google Maps to locate the nearest post office.
    • Look for the red ใ€’ symbol, which indicates a post office.

  • Major Post Offices in Tokyo:

    • Shinjuku Post Office: Near Shinjuku Station, open 24/7 for mail services.
    • Tokyo Central Post Office: Located near Tokyo Station, with extended hours.
    • Shibuya Post Office: Conveniently located near Shibuya Station.

5. Language and Cultural Tips

  • Language:

    • Most postal workers speak limited English, but larger post offices often have English-speaking staff or translation devices.
    • Bring a written note with your address in Japanese characters (kanji) to avoid confusion.

  • Cultural Etiquette:

    • Be polite and patient. Bow slightly when greeting or thanking staff.
    • Use clear and concise language if speaking English.
    • If youโ€™re unsure about forms or procedures, donโ€™t hesitate to ask for help. Staff are generally very accommodating.

  • Forms:

    • For international shipping, youโ€™ll need to fill out a customs declaration form. These are available in English at the post office.

6. Financial Services

Japan Post also operates a banking service called Japan Post Bank (ใ‚†ใ†ใกใ‚‡้Š€่กŒ, Yลซcho Ginkล), which offers a variety of financial services.

Key Financial Services:

  • Postal Savings Accounts:

    • Open to residents with a valid residence card.
    • Offers basic savings accounts, ATM access, and online banking.

  • Money Transfers:

    • Domestic: Use furikomi (ๆŒฏ่พผ) to transfer money to other bank accounts.
    • International: Use International Postal Money Orders or wire transfer services.

  • ATMs:

    • Japan Post ATMs are widely available and accept foreign cards (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus).
    • Withdrawal fees may apply depending on your card issuer.

7. Practical Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Mailing Souvenirs:

    • If youโ€™re sending souvenirs home, consider using Yu-Pack or EMS for reliability and tracking.
    • Avoid sending prohibited items (e.g., alcohol, perishables) without checking customs regulations.

  • Redelivery Requests:

    • If you miss a delivery, use the QR code on the missed delivery slip to schedule redelivery online. The website is available in English.

  • Postcards and Stamps:

    • Postcards and commemorative stamps are available at post offices and convenience stores.
    • Drop postcards into the red mailboxes marked with ๅ›ฝ้š› (International) for overseas destinations.

  • Seasonal Services:

    • During New Yearโ€™s, Japan Post offers Nengajo (ๅนด่ณ€็Šถ) postcard services, a popular tradition in Japan.

8. Emergency and Contact Information

  • Customer Service:

  • Lost Mail:

    • If your mail is lost, visit the post office where you sent it or call the customer service hotline. Keep your receipt for tracking purposes.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to handle all your postal needs in Tokyo, whether youโ€™re sending a simple postcard or managing complex international shipping. The system is user-friendly, and with a little preparation, youโ€™ll find it easy to navigate!