Yokohama

1. Overview of Postal Services in Yokohama

Japan Post (日本郵便, Nippon Yūbin) operates the postal system in Yokohama. Post offices are widely available throughout the city, ranging from large central offices to smaller neighborhood branches. Services include mailing letters and parcels, international shipping, banking, and bill payment.

Post offices are typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, with some larger branches offering extended hours or weekend services. Red postboxes are located throughout the city for convenient mail drop-off.

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2. Categories of Postal Services

Japan Post offers a variety of services to meet different needs. Below are the main categories:

A. Domestic Mail

1. Standard Mail (普通郵便, Futsū Yūbin):

   • For letters, postcards, and small packages within Japan.
   • Delivery time: 1–2 days for most locations.
   • Costs:
     • Postcards: ¥63
     • Standard letters (up to 25g): ¥84
     • Larger letters (up to 50g): ¥94

2. Yu-Pack (ゆうパック):

   • A parcel delivery service for larger items.
   • Delivery time: 1–2 days.
   • Costs depend on size, weight, and distance. For example:
     • Small parcel (60cm, up to 2kg): ¥810–¥1,330
     • Medium parcel (80cm, up to 5kg): ¥1,030–¥1,550

3. Letter Pack (レターパック):

   • Prepaid envelopes for flat-rate shipping.
   • Two types:
     • Letter Pack Light (up to 4kg, ¥370): Delivered to mailboxes.
     • Letter Pack Plus (up to 4kg, ¥520): Requires recipient’s signature.

B. International Mail

1. Airmail:

   • Fastest option for international letters and parcels.
   • Delivery time: 3–6 days.
   • Costs depend on weight and destination. For example:
     • Postcards: ¥70
     • Letters (up to 25g): ¥110–¥130

2. EMS (Express Mail Service):

   • Premium international shipping for urgent deliveries.
   • Delivery time: 2–4 days.
   • Costs start at ¥1,400 for small parcels.

3. SAL (Surface Air Lifted):

   • Economical option for non-urgent international mail.
   • Delivery time: 2–3 weeks.
   • Costs are lower than airmail but vary by weight and destination.

4. Surface Mail:

   • Cheapest option for heavy parcels.
   • Delivery time: 1–3 months.

C. Other Services

1. Registered Mail (書留, Kakitome):

   • For valuable items or important documents.
   • Includes tracking and insurance.
   • Additional fee: ¥430 on top of standard postage.

2. Cash-on-Delivery (代金引換, Daikin Hikikae):

   • For sending items where the recipient pays upon delivery.

3. Poste Restante:

   • Allows travelers to receive mail at a designated post office.

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3. How to Use Postal Services

A. Sending Mail or Parcels

1. Prepare Your Item:

   • Write the recipient’s address clearly in Japanese or English.
   • For domestic mail, use the Japanese address format:
     • Postal code (〒), prefecture, city, ward, street, building name, and recipient’s name.
   • For international mail, include the country name in English.

2. Visit a Post Office:

   • Bring your item to the counter.
   • Staff will weigh and calculate the postage for you.
   • Pay in cash or with a Japanese credit card.

3. Use Postboxes:

   • For standard letters and postcards, drop them into red postboxes.
   • Postboxes have separate slots for domestic and international mail.

B. Receiving Mail or Parcels

1. Home Delivery:

   • Most mail and parcels are delivered directly to your residence.
   • If you’re not home, the delivery person will leave a notice (不在票, Fuzai-hyō).
   • Use the notice to reschedule delivery online, by phone, or at the post office.

2. Pick-Up at Post Office:

   • If you prefer, you can request to pick up your mail at a nearby post office.

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4. Costs and Payment

• Postage costs are based on weight, size, and destination.
• Payment methods:
  • Cash (most common).
  • IC cards (e.g., Suica, Pasmo) at some locations.
  • Credit cards for larger transactions.

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5. Cultural and Local Considerations

1. Politeness and Accuracy:

   • Japanese postal workers are known for their politeness and attention to detail. Be patient and polite when interacting with them.

2. Address Format:

   • Japanese addresses are written in reverse order compared to Western formats, starting with the postal code and ending with the recipient’s name.

3. Language Barrier:

   • While some staff at larger post offices may speak basic English, smaller branches may not. Bring a written note with your address in Japanese to avoid confusion.

4. Seasonal Postcards:

   • Sending New Year’s postcards (年賀状, Nengajō) is a popular tradition in Japan. These can be purchased at post offices in December and are delivered on January 1st.

5. Post Office Banking:

   • Many post offices double as banks, offering ATM services and money transfers. ATMs often support foreign cards, making them convenient for visitors.

6. Convenience Store Drop-Off:

   • Some convenience stores (e.g., Lawson, FamilyMart) accept Yu-Pack parcels, providing an alternative to visiting a post office.

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6. Useful Tips for Visitors and Newcomers

• Locate Nearby Post Offices:
  • Use Google Maps or the Japan Post website to find the nearest branch.
• Track Your Mail:
  • Use the tracking number provided for registered mail, Yu-Pack, or EMS to monitor delivery status online.
• Learn Basic Phrases:
  • Knowing a few Japanese phrases can help:
    • “Kore o onegaishimasu” (これをお願いします) – “Please send this.”
    • “Ikura desu ka?” (いくらですか？) – “How much is it?”
• Plan Ahead:
  • Avoid visiting post offices during lunchtime (12:00–1:00 PM) or just before closing, as they can be busy.

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By understanding these services and procedures, you’ll find it easy to navigate Yokohama’s postal system. Whether you’re sending a postcard to a friend or shipping a package internationally, Japan Post ensures reliable and efficient service.