To help for foreign tourists who have purchased too many souvenirs, here is a guide for the shipping luggage and packages from Japan back home.
Main Ways to Ship Luggage & Souvenirs from Japan
Foreign tourists in Japan primarily use one of three services to send packages internationally: Japan Post (the national mail service), Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato), or Global Couriers (e.g., DHL/FedEx).
We cannot recommend Kuroneko Yamato and DHL,Fedex due to the shipping costs and the complicated shipping methods.
Therefore, this time we will only introduce the shipping method via Japan Post.
Japan Post (Post Office)
This is generally the most accessible and cost-effective option for shipping non-urgent items, like souvenirs or clothing.
Here is the link of Japan Post for a beginner's guide of international mail service.
https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/howto/index_en.html
Where to Send
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Any Post Office (郵便局 - Yūbinkyoku). Larger offices often have better English support.
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The front desk of your Hotel can sometimes assist with basic pre-labeled mail, but you will need to go to the post office for customs forms and payment.
Shipping Options (Speed vs. Cost)
| Service Name | Speed | Cost | Details |
| EMS (Express Mail Service) | Fastest (2–4 days) | Most Expensive | Includes tracking and insurance. Best for valuable or time-sensitive items. |
| Airmail (Kōkūbin) | Moderate (3–6 days) | Moderate | Reliable air transport with tracking available. |
| SAL (Economy Air) | Slower (1–2 weeks) | Cheaper | Now this shipping way is out of service after Covid-19. |
| Surface Mail (Funabin) | Slowest (1–3 months) | Cheapest | Sent by ship. Best for very heavy, non-urgent items. |
You can check the shipping cost at the website of Japan Post.
Here is the link.
https://www.post.japanpost.jp/cgi-charge/index.php?lang=_en
Important Steps for Japan Post
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Online Labeling is Required: For most international shipments, you must register your parcel information and print the label using the International Mail My Page Service online tool beforehand. Handwritten labels are often not accepted.
You can print the laber at the website of Japan Post.
Here is the link.
https://www.int-mypage.post.japanpost.jp/mypage/M010000.do -
Customs Declaration: You need to accurately list the contents, quantity, and value of every item. Staff can assist you if you have your details prepared.
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Check Prohibited Items: Before packing, verify that the contents (especially food, alcohol, and batteries) are allowed both by Japan Post and your destination country's customs.
Essential Tips for Tourists
| Tip | Explanation |
| Check Restrictions | All services have restrictions. Alcohol (over 24% ABV), large quantities of food, and lithium-ion batteries (in toys, etc.) are commonly restricted or prohibited. |
| Use Online Tools | Use Japan Post's International Mail My Page Service or the shipping company's equivalent online tool to create and print labels. This prevents delays at the counter. |
| Be Detailed | When filling out the customs form, be specific: instead of "Snacks," write "10x Assorted Pre-packaged Japanese Cookies (Value ¥2,500)." |
| Pack Securely | Japanese shipping companies handle parcels well, but international transit is rough. Use plenty of tape, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes (available at post offices or home centers). |
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For travellers to Japan
We sell and deliver Japanese products to your hotel or airport while you stay in Japan.
More detail → Delivery service to Hotel
We sell and ship Japanese products from Japan to your address overseas.
More detail →Sell and ship overseas
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