How to Use Japan Post Office | Letter Pack, Yu-Pack & Mail Forwarding Guide

Japan Post is an essential service for anyone living in Japan. You may need to visit a post office to send documents, mail a package, buy stamps, arrange redelivery, or forward your mail after moving.

However, using a Japanese post office can feel confusing when you are new to the country. You may wonder which service to choose, how to write a shipping label, or whether you should use Letter Pack or Yu-Pack.

This practical guide explains how to use Japan Post, including how to send packages in Japan, the difference between Letter Pack Light and Letter Pack Plus, how Yu-Pack works, what to do after a missed delivery, and how to apply for mail forwarding after moving.

1. What Can You Do at a Japanese Post Office?

Japanese post offices provide more than basic letter delivery. Depending on the branch, you can send letters and parcels, buy stamps and prepaid envelopes, collect missed deliveries, and complete mail forwarding procedures.

Many post offices also have Japan Post Bank services and ATMs. However, the postal counter, bank counter, insurance counter, and ATM may all have different opening hours.

Service	What You Can Do
Postal counter	Send letters, documents, Letter Packs, and parcels
Postal supplies	Buy stamps, postcards, Letter Packs, boxes, and envelopes
Parcel collection	Collect certain missed deliveries held at the post office
Mail forwarding	Forward mail from your previous address to your new address
Japan Post Bank	Use banking services such as deposits, withdrawals, and transfers
ATM	Withdraw or deposit cash and check your account balance

When learning how to use Japan Post, remember that services and opening hours vary by location. Many standard postal counters close in the evening and may not open on weekends or public holidays.

Before visiting, check the opening hours of the specific post office you plan to use. Do not assume that the ATM and postal counter follow the same schedule.

2. How to Send a Package in Japan

To send a package in Japan, first choose suitable packaging. Use a strong cardboard box or mailing bag and make sure the contents cannot move around or become damaged during delivery.

You can buy boxes and other packaging materials at many post offices. You may also reuse a box from an online order, provided it is strong enough and any old address labels or barcodes have been removed or completely covered.

Basic Steps for Sending a Parcel

1. Check whether the contents can be sent by post.
2. Pack the items securely in a box or mailing bag.
3. Choose the correct service, such as Letter Pack or Yu-Pack.
4. Write the recipient’s information on the shipping label.
5. Write your own information in the sender section.
6. Take the package to a post office or another accepted drop-off location.
7. Pay the postage and keep your receipt or tracking number.

Information Required on the Shipping Label

• Recipient’s postal code
• Recipient’s full address
• Building name and apartment number
• Recipient’s full name
• Recipient’s telephone number
• Your name, address, and telephone number

Always include the building name and apartment number when sending something to an apartment in Japan. Missing information can delay delivery or cause the item to be returned to the sender.

3. Using Letter Pack in Japan

Letter Pack is a convenient prepaid service for sending documents and small items anywhere in Japan. The shipping fee is included in the price of the special envelope, so you normally do not need to add stamps.

Letter Packs can be purchased at post offices and at some convenience stores. Availability may vary by store.

There are two types: the blue Letter Pack Light and the red Letter Pack Plus. Both can carry items weighing up to 4kg and include online tracking.

Feature	Letter Pack Light	Letter Pack Plus
Price	¥430	¥600
Maximum weight	4kg	4kg
Envelope size	A4 file size	A4 file size
Thickness limit	Up to 3cm	No fixed 3cm limit
Delivery method	Delivered to the mailbox	Delivered in person
Signature or seal	Not required	Required upon delivery
Tracking	Available	Available

When to Use Letter Pack Light

Letter Pack Light is suitable for thin documents and small items that fit within the 3cm thickness limit. It is delivered directly to the recipient’s mailbox, so they do not need to be at home.

• Application documents
• Copies of certificates
• Thin clothing or small accessories
• Items that do not require in-person delivery

When to Use Letter Pack Plus

Letter Pack Plus is useful for thicker items or important documents that should be handed directly to the recipient. Delivery is completed face-to-face, and the recipient provides a signature or personal seal.

• Documents that should not be left in a mailbox
• Items thicker than 3cm
• Small packages that fit inside the official envelope
• Items requiring confirmation of receipt

How to Send a Letter Pack

1. Buy a Letter Pack Light or Letter Pack Plus envelope.
2. Write the recipient’s postal code, address, name, and telephone number.
3. Write your own name, address, and telephone number.
4. Describe the contents clearly in the appropriate section.
5. Place the item inside and seal the envelope securely.
6. Remove and keep the tracking-number sticker.
7. Take it to a postal counter or place it in a suitable post box.

The tracking-number sticker is important. Keep it until Japan Post confirms that the item has been delivered.

For many newcomers, Letter Pack is one of the easiest ways to send documents in Japan. Understanding the difference between the two envelope types is an important part of learning how to use Japan Post.

4. Sending Larger Packages with Yu-Pack

If your package is too large for a Letter Pack, Yu-Pack is the best option. Yu-Pack is Japan Post’s parcel delivery service for boxes and larger packages. It is commonly used for clothes, household goods, gifts, books, electronics, and moving items.

Yu-Pack allows you to send parcels up to 170cm (total length + width + height) and up to 25kg. Shipping costs vary depending on the parcel size and destination.

Yu-Pack Size Guide

Size	Total Dimensions
60	Up to 60 cm
80	Up to 80 cm
100	Up to 100 cm
120	Up to 120 cm
140	Up to 140 cm
160	Up to 160 cm
170	Up to 170 cm

Unlike Letter Pack, Yu-Pack prices depend on both the parcel size and the delivery destination. Shipping within the same prefecture is usually cheaper than shipping across Japan.

Advantages of Yu-Pack

• Tracking included
• Date and time delivery options
• Compensation for loss or damage (within Japan Post’s limits)
• Suitable for larger and heavier parcels
• Available at post offices and many convenience stores

You can also request parcel pickup from your home, making Yu-Pack a convenient choice if your package is heavy.

5. Letter Pack vs Yu-Pack

Feature	Letter Pack	Yu-Pack
Best for	Documents & small items	Boxes & large parcels
Price	Flat rate	Depends on size & destination
Tracking	Yes	Yes
Delivery Time Selection	No	Yes
Compensation	No	Yes
Maximum Size	A4 Envelope	170cm

If you’re sending official documents, Letter Pack is often the fastest and easiest option. For anything larger, heavier, or more valuable, Yu-Pack is generally the better choice.

6. What Happens If You Miss a Delivery?

If nobody is home when Japan Post attempts delivery, the mail carrier will usually leave a Notice of Attempted Delivery in your mailbox.

You can then request redelivery online, by phone, through the Japan Post app, or collect the parcel at your local post office.

Items You’ll Usually Need

• Notice of Attempted Delivery
• Residence Card, Driver’s License, or other photo ID
• Signature or personal seal (if required)

Don’t wait too long. Parcels are only stored for a limited period before being returned to the sender.

7. Using the Japan Post App

The official Japan Post app makes many postal services easier. You can search for nearby post offices, create shipping labels, track parcels, calculate postage, and request redelivery.

If you are not confident writing Japanese, using the app to prepare shipping information before visiting the post office can save time.

Learning how to use Japan Post becomes much easier once you start using the official app together with online tracking services.

8. How to Forward Your Mail After Moving in Japan

After moving to a new address in Japan, you should submit a mail forwarding request to Japan Post. This service is called tenkyo todoke in Japanese.

Once your request is processed, mail addressed to your previous home can be forwarded to your new address for a limited period. This helps prevent important letters, bills, bank documents, and government notices from being sent to your old residence.

How to Apply for Mail Forwarding

1. Visit a post office or use the available online application service.
2. Enter your previous address and new address.
3. Provide the names of the people whose mail should be forwarded.
4. Complete the identity verification process.
5. Submit the application before or shortly after moving.

If you apply at a post office, take identification such as your Residence Card or another accepted form of ID. You may also be asked to provide information confirming your previous address.

Mail You Should Update Directly

Mail forwarding is useful, but it does not replace updating your address with each company or public office. After moving, contact important organizations directly and register your new address.

• Your bank and credit card companies
• Your employer or school
• Your mobile phone and internet providers
• Electricity, gas, and water companies
• Insurance providers
• Online shopping services
• Your local city or ward office

9. Common Japan Post Terms

Japanese	Reading	English Meaning
郵便局	Yūbinkyoku	Post office
郵便番号	Yūbin bangō	Postal code
切手	Kitte	Postage stamp
荷物	Nimotsu	Package or luggage
着払い	Chakubarai	Payment on delivery
元払い	Motobarai	Postage paid by sender
再配達	Saihaitatsu	Redelivery
不在票	Fuzaihyō	Missed-delivery notice
転居届	Tenkyo todoke	Mail forwarding request

10. Frequently Asked Questions About Japan Post

Can I send a package from a convenience store?

Some convenience stores accept Yu-Pack parcels and sell Letter Pack envelopes. However, available services vary by store, so ask a staff member or visit a post office if you are unsure.

Can I use English at a Japanese post office?

English support varies by branch. Large post offices in major cities may be more familiar with international customers, but English service is not guaranteed. Preparing the address and parcel information in advance can make the process easier.

Do I need a personal seal to send a parcel?

You usually do not need a personal seal to send an ordinary parcel. A signature is generally sufficient when required. However, certain collection or identity-verification procedures may have additional requirements.

Can I send cash using Letter Pack or Yu-Pack?

No. Do not place cash inside a standard Letter Pack or ordinary parcel. Japan Post has a specific registered-mail service for sending cash within Japan.

Which is better, Letter Pack Light or Letter Pack Plus?

Choose Letter Pack Light for thin items that can be delivered to a mailbox. Choose Letter Pack Plus for thicker items or when you want face-to-face delivery and confirmation of receipt.

What should I do if I lose my tracking number?

Tracking may be difficult without the receipt or tracking-number sticker. Always keep the tracking information until delivery has been completed.

How long will Japan Post forward my mail?

Mail forwarding is available for a limited period after your application is accepted. Because service conditions may change, confirm the current details with Japan Post when you submit your request.

11. Final Tips for Using Japan Post

Using a post office in Japan becomes much easier once you understand the main services. Letter Pack is convenient for documents and small items, while Yu-Pack is more suitable for boxes, heavier parcels, and items that need compensation or scheduled delivery.

• Check the recipient’s postal code and apartment number carefully.
• Choose a service based on size, weight, value, and delivery method.
• Keep your receipt and tracking number.
• Request redelivery promptly after receiving a missed-delivery notice.
• Submit a mail forwarding request when moving.
• Update your address directly with banks, schools, employers, and utility companies.

By following these steps, you can send mail and packages in Japan with greater confidence and avoid common delivery problems.