Japan Post Delivery Time Domestic: An Easy Guide
Japan Post has detailed information about international shipping, especially for their EMS shipping.
But what about Japan Post domestic delivery time?
What time should I drop off my mail at Japan Post?
At the very least, if you submit your mail item by 5:00 pm, you can expect the delivery time below.
If you drop a mail item at a Japanese postbox, be aware of collection times. Any mail dropped off after the final collection time will be collected the following day.
Depending on your location, larger Japan Post offices may be open later to accept mail after 5:00 pm but may not start delivery till the next morning.
What is Japan Post's domestic delivery time?
Mostly, sending your mail item in the morning or afternoon doesn’t affect its delivery time. Otherwise, it will be stated in the table.
Letters and postcards
Standard-sized mail, regular postcards, and reply postcards (second-class mail) fall under this category.
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, 2 days later |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, 3 days later |
Large mail
Mail items considered “large mail” include non-standard-sized, third-class, fourth-class, etc.
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, 2 days later |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, 3 days later |
Express
Any mail items requested for express delivery are for urgent mail, such as letters, postcards, and yu-mail.
It’s most recommended for those wanting to send an application just before the deadline.
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, the next morning |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, the next night |
Registered mail (simplified registered mail) and special record mail
Registered mail allows you to keep track of the mail delivery status, including its acceptance. Japan Post will compensate the cost if the mail item is lost, not delivered, or damaged. It’s recommended for people sending important documents as gift certificates, wanting to add compensation in case of an unlikely event, or sending cash.
Special record mail is for recipients to receive the mail and Yu-Mail receipts. It’s recommended for auction items, sending invoices, and prizes.
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, the next day |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, the next day *Two days later if submitted in the afternoon |
Delivery time designated mail
You can choose your delivery time:
morning (8:00 to 12:00)
afternoon (12:00 to 17:00)
night (17:00 to 21:00)
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, the next morning |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, the next day *The next night, if submitted in the afternoon |
Letter Pack Plus
"Letter Pack Light" and "Letter Pack Plus" have similar diversity times, but it can take an additional day, depending on the delivery situation.
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, the next morning |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, the next day *The next night, if submitted in the afternoon |
Yu-Pack
Japan Post can send packages via their Yu-Pack delivery services. It can handle up to 25kg and 170 cm or less on all three sides.
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, the next morning |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, the next day *The next night, if submitted in the afternoon |
Chilled Yu-Pack
For Yu-Pack items that require refrigerators (between 0°C-5°C) from when it’s accepted at the post office to the delivery time.
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, the next morning |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, the next day *The next night, if submitted in the afternoon |
Frozen Yu-Pack
For any Yu-Pack items that will be delivered frozen (below -18°C).
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, the next morning |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, the next day *The next night, if submitted in the afternoon |
Golf/Ski Yu-Pack
If you are delivering golf or ski equipment, make sure that your golf and ski date is the day after the delivery date or later.
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, the next morning |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, the next day *Two days later if submitted in the afternoon |
Yu-Packet
Yu-Packet is for sending small packages weighing up to 1kg.
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, the next day |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, two days later |
Yu-Packet (Next Day Delivery Wide)
Similar to Yu-Packet, it’s for sending small packages weighing up to 1kg. However, this category offers fast delivery speed and can be delivered the next day.
Within the same prefecture |
At minimum, the next morning |
A prefecture apart |
At minimum, the next morning |
How long is the delivery time for regular mail?
Japan Post categorizes regular mail as letters (standard and non-standard sized) and postcards. These items take at least 3 days for delivery.
For mail that is being sent within the same prefecture, it can be delivered by the next day. If a mail item is being sent from one prefecture to another, it can take until the next day.
Why is my Japan Post package delayed?
Japan Post does not deliver on Saturdays, Sundays, or National holidays.
If it’s not that, check for any bad weather or road conditions, as it will affect the delivery status.
You can check Japan Post service information (here ) for any national delivery updates.
Frequently asked questions
Does Japan Post deliver on the weekends?
Japan Post does not make deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. For example, if you submit a parcel on Wednesday and Friday is a holiday, then the expected delivery date will be Monday, assuming it is not a holiday.
Does Japan Post redeliver?
For any packages that need to be signed for accepted delivery, the Japan Post delivery person will leave an attempted delivery notice with a QR code to schedule a redelivery. Depending on the item, you can send it to convenience stores for more convenience pick-up.
How long does Japan Post take for domestic delivery?
For the most part, mail will take 3 days to be delivered from one prefecture to another. However, you can ask for express delivery, with an added shipping fee, for items to be delivered before the end of the next day.
In closing
Understanding Japan Post’s domestic delivery time can help you pick the best delivery option for same-day, next-day, or standard delivery.
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