When living in Japan, it is extremely important to know how to use delivery services. In today’s article, we will show you 4 most cost-effective and convenient ways to send parcels in Japan.

 

 

Yu-Pack:

 

This is a standard delivery service for packages of the usual size, shape or weight. After estimating the freight rate and expected delivery date (instructions are in Japanese), simply pack the item you want to send in your box, bag or package and send it at the post office. Features of the Yu-Pack:

 

If you don’t have anything to wrap your items, you can buy wrapping materials at the post office (it costs a little bit).
You can choose the delivery service to pick up the parcel. You need to fill out the online form or call them directly.
If you want to call, search for the post office in your city along with “集荷電話番号”. For example, if you’re in Nagoya, type 名古屋郵便　集荷電話番号 to call and ask for a pickup.
You can appoint staff to pick up your parcel at one of the following convenience stores: Lawson, Ministop, Seicomart, etc. near where you live.
If you want them to receive the parcel within a specific time range, let them know. Usually, you will be able to choose a delivery date 2-10 days later, fast delivery doesn’t depend on the consignee’s schedule, so it may take some time for them to complete your delivery.

 

Yu-pack’s packages

 

Size: Up to 170cm for total length, width and height

Weight: up to 25 kg.

Price: Calculated by total length, width, height.

In the same province: 810 to 2,340 JPY.
Tokyo to Osaka: 970 to 2,530 JPY.

 

Yu-Packet:

 

Suitable for light, small and thin items such as clothing, accessories and CDs. It is especially popular with online sellers, as they can purchase a consignment note in advance. After affixing this note to the parcel, they can simply drop it off in a mailbox at any time of the day. There is no need to rush to the post office during lunch time or before the post office closes at 5pm. Parcels will be delivered straight to the recipient’s mailbox so they won’t have to wait at home to sign for receipt.

 

Compare the thickness between Yu-packet and others

 

Size: Up to 60cm for total length, width and height (maximum 34cm length and 3cm height).

Weight: Up to 1 kg.

Price: Flat rate calculated by box height.

Up to 1 cm: 250 yen.
1-2 cm: 310 yen.
2-3 cm: 360 yen.

 

Letter Pack:

 

Also used for ultralight items, the Letter Pack service offers customers prepaid hardcover envelopes sized to fit A4 or 340mm x 248mm items. The service has two options: Letter Pack Light, which is delivered to the recipient’s mailbox, and Letter Pack Plus, which is hand delivered and requires a sign for receipt. Letter Pack Light is more convenient for the recipient. Meanwhile, Letter Pack Plus ensures its customers when delivering important packages and also provides a free pickup service to the sender. These envelopes can be purchased at the local post office or convenience stores so that you can send your parcels on the spot or at a mailbox at any time. Please use the delivery code to track the package.

 

Letter Pack’s packages

 

Size: Up to 34cm length, 24.8cm width and 3cm thickness. 

Weight: Up to 4 kg.

Price: fixed 370 JPY (Light) or 520 JPY (Plus).

 

Convenience stores:

 

When using the Convenience store’s shipping service, you just need to pack your item and bring it to Konbini to send. Note that you only use boxes that fit your items, because if you use a larger box, the cost will also be higher.

 

All types of shipping in Japan have two ways to pay for the shipping fee: The sender pays (元払い) and The receiver pays (着払い). 

 

After filling out all the documents, you just need to hand the parcel to the staff at the convenience store. In addition, to check whether the item has been shipped, use the Bill of Lading (追跡番号) to look it up.

 

Japan Post’s service: www.post.japanpost.jp
Sagawa’s service: https://www.sagawa-exp.co.jp/,
Kuroneko’s service: https://toi.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/cgi-bin/tneko