Japan Post Redelivery & More: Rescheduling Your Packages

If you have been living in Japan, then you know all about undelivered item notices from Japan Post and other delivery services.

A missed delivery notice (ご不在連絡票, go fuzai renraku hyou) is a slip left by a courier in Japan when a delivery attempt fails because no one was available to receive the package. Every major courier in Japan uses one, including Japan Post, Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express, and Amazon. The slip contains your tracking number, the date of the delivery attempt, and instructions for scheduling redelivery online, by phone, or via QR code. Most couriers hold undelivered items for up to 7 days before returning them to the sender.

If you have been living in Japan for a while, you have probably dealt with these before. But if you are new to Japan or just need a refresher, this guide covers how to reschedule a delivery from every major courier in Japan.

Redelivery options for different couriers in Japan

Each courier will have their own redelivery option that can be done through their online redelivery website or through the phone. 

1. How to apply for a redelivery from Japan Post?

Japan Post is the most common courier in Japan. If you missed a package or registered letter from them, you will find an attempted delivery slip in your mailbox. 

Example of a delivery service from Japan Post

The easiest way for a package to be redelivered from Japan Post is through the web. A QR code on the slip takes you directly to Japan Post's redelivery page. Japan Post holds undelivered items for 7 days from the first delivery attempt before returning them to the sender, so submit your redelivery request as soon as possible.

Japan Post also has an English redelivery hotline. While not toll-free and not 24-hour, you can still receive your package with little stress. 

If you are having trouble with the rescheduling, you can go to the post office and ask for help from the staff. This option may be intimidating if you don’t fully understand Japanese, but the staff will gladly help you get your package.  

How to request Japan Post redelivery online:

1. Locate your undeliverable item notice and find the tracking number on the sticker at the bottom of the slip.

2. Scan the QR code on the notice or go directly to post.japanpost.jp and select the English option.

3. Enter your tracking number and select your preferred redelivery date and time slot.

4. Submit the form and wait for a confirmation email or SMS.

For same-day redelivery, submit your request before 5pm. Japan Post holds items for 7 days, so act on the notice the same day you receive it.

| Website: Japan Post’s redelivery form

2. How do I schedule a redelivery with Yamato?

Yamato Transport, also known as Kuroneko because of its black cat logo, is one of the most widely known private couriers in Japan. 

Their attempted delivery slip is one of the easiest to understand as it includes an English translation under each Japanese phrase and word.

Example of attempted delivery notice from Yamato

To receive a package from Yamato, you need to request redelivery within one week of the attempted date. You can make a redelivery request online or by phone. 

Yamato offers two phone options for redelivery. The automated phone service (0120-17-9625) is toll-free and available 24 hours a day. It includes a foreign language option, so you can listen to instructions in English, but you will need to navigate to the language option first before entering your tracking number, preferred date, and time slot.

If you want to speak directly with an English-speaking agent, call the English customer service line at 0120-67-9625, which is open daily from 8am to 9pm. For most people, the online redelivery form is the simplest option as it requires no Japanese at all.

| Website: Yamato’s online redelivery request

3. How do I schedule a redelivery Sagawa Express?

Sagawa Express is a private courier that is popular with small businesses in Japan.

Sagawa’s attempted delivery notice

Sagawa Express redelivery is more accessible than it used to be.

Scan the QR code on the delivery slip to go directly to Sagawa's redelivery page, where your sales office number and tracking number will be pre-filled automatically.

The page supports English via a language toggle in the upper right corner, so you do not need a translation app. Select your preferred redelivery date and time, enter your phone number, confirm, and submit. You will receive a confirmation email once the request is complete. Note that redelivery must be requested within 7 days of the failed delivery attempt.

| Website: Sagawa’s redelivery website

4. Will Amazon redeliver a package in Japan?

Depending on the sender, Amazon Japan will use third-party couriers such as Japan Post and Kuroneko to send your package, but they do have their own delivery service to send your package.

Most of the time, the Amazon delivery driver will place the package in front of your door. However, if the Amazon driver is unable to get past the security door in your apartment, they will place an attempted delivery notice in your mailbox.

Example of attempted delivery notice from Amazon 

You can check the delivery status of your package in the “Your Order” section. If the shipping is done by a third-party courier, then use their services for redelivery. 

If the delivery is done by Amazon, then you can schedule redelivery under My Account → Your Order → Track Package. Using the English version of Amazon Japan will be the easiest way to reschedule a redelivery of your Amazon item.

| Website: Amazon’s Help & Customer Service for your courier

Other redelivery options in Japan

MailMate

For users of MailMate’s virtual mail service, since all your mail from Japan Post will be forwarded to MailMate’s mailroom, any packages sent using Japan Post as a courier will be sent there as well. 

When a package is sent to MailMate, you will be notified about it via MailMate’s online dashboard. From here, they will forward your package to you which will be the cost of the forwarding plus a processing fee.

Pick up at your nearest Conbini

Many courier companies in Japan offer convenience store drop-off where you can pick up your item from a convenience store instead of waiting at home to receive it. 

The holding period at a convenience store varies by courier but is generally around 3 to 7 days. Pick up your item promptly after receiving notification that it is ready for collection. If you do not collect it within the specified window, it will be returned to the sender.

Amazon​​ Japan convenience store pick up

Amazon has a convenience store pickup option before you check out. You can pay by cash on delivery or online. Once the payment is confirmed, the package will be shipped to the specified convenience store. From there, you will have to show the staff the pickup or bar code to get your package. 

Amazon Japan can deliver to Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop, and at any Yamato Transport office. 

Sagawa Express convenience store pick up

If the online store uses Sagawa Express, you can choose a convenience store pick-up to get your package. There will be a 110 yen service fee, but it allows you to pick up your package any time of the day at your nearest Lawson or Ministop.

Japan Post convenience store pick up

If you have a Yubin ID with Japan Post, you can pick up your package at a convenience store. On your account, you can choose the Lawson, Ministop, or Family Mart where you will receive your package.

Yamato convenience store pick up

For a convenience store pickup from Yamato, you will need to change the pick up location on your Kuroneko account from the My Baggage list to Retailer/Convenience Store. From here, you can choose from Seven-Eleven, Family Mart, New Days, or Daily Yamazaki to pick up your package.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Japan Post hold undelivered packages?

Japan Post holds undelivered items at your local post office for 7 days after the first delivery attempt. If you do not arrange redelivery or collect the item within that period, it will be returned to the sender.

Does Yamato Transport have English phone support?

Yes. Call 0120-67-9625 for English customer service, open daily from 8am to 9pm. An automated phone service at 0120-17-9625 is available 24 hours a day and includes a foreign language option.

Can I request Sagawa redelivery in English?

Yes. Scan the QR code on your Sagawa delivery slip to open the redelivery page. Your tracking number and sales office number will be pre-filled. Use the language toggle in the upper right corner to switch to English. Redelivery must be requested within 7 days of the failed attempt.

Can I pick up a Japan Post package at a convenience store?

Yes. Yu-Pack parcels can be redirected to a nearby Lawson, Ministop, or FamilyMart for pickup. Select a participating store when submitting your redelivery request online using your Japan Post account.

What is the missed delivery slip called in Japanese?

The missed delivery slip is called ご不在連絡票 (go fuzai renraku hyou). Japan Post's version is specifically titled 便物等ご不在連絡票 (yuubin butsu nado go fuzai renraku hyou). The slip contains your tracking number, the delivery attempt date, and your redelivery options.

In closing

Japanese redelivery services are convenient and flexible. Japan Post, Yamato, and Sagawa all support online redelivery via QR code, and all three offer convenience store pickup as an alternative to home delivery. The most important thing to remember across all couriers is the 7-day holding window. Respond to your missed delivery slip as soon as possible to avoid having your package returned to the sender.