Japan Courier Services Combine Convenience, Efficiency and Innovation

Courier services in Japan are second to none, both for efficiency and innovation—ever thought of easily and quickly getting your luggage delivered from the airport or your skis to your resort? In Japan, this is not only possible, but an everyday occurrence. And when it comes to regular parcel delivery, you can be sure packages will be delivered intact and on time. There are a number of package forwarding services in Japan, and many of them offer English websites.

Japanese vs. Western Courier Services

Getting items of any kind delivered in Japan can be an eye-opening experience for expats, thanks to the speed and efficiency with which the whole process is carried out. Almost anything can be sent with the right service, including perishables.

The main feature that sets Japanese delivery services apart from many of their overseas counterparts is that they can be relied upon to deliver when they say they will. They offer a number of delivery windows throughout the day—such as between 12–2pm or 7–9pm—and you can be sure they’ll turn up on time. Most also offer redelivery with minimal fuss, and in many urban centers, it’s possible to have an item delivered on the same day.

Major Courier Service Providers in Japan

These are major Japanese companies that provide parcel delivery across Japan, and while they offer the same kinds of services, there are some differences too.

Yamato Trasnport

Known as “Kuroneko” (black cat) for its ubiquitous logo, Yamato Transport is probably the most widely recognized in Japan. It’s also the company that came up with the TA-Q-BIN name, now synonymous with fast, convenient delivery. Its teal and yellow vans and bicycle carts are seen everywhere, so it’s not surprising that it offers extensive services. Not only can you get your packages delivered quickly or have them cart your luggage from the airport to your apartment, you can also use Yamato to deliver parcels overseas and help you pack and move internationally. They offer an English website that includes clear instructions (including how to fill out a Japanese waybill, for example), and allows you to track a parcel. You can also call a toll-free line in English.

Sagawa Express

Sagawa Express is one of Japan’s leading delivery companies, recognizable by its silver vans and blue delivery slips. While it is known for its strong business-oriented services, it also offers convenient options for individuals, such as the Hikyaku Express service. This basic delivery service allows you to send packages anywhere in Japan, with features like redelivery and scheduled delivery times. Their official English website provides detailed information on services and procedures, and they also offer an English-speaking phone support line.

Japan Post

Don’t think of this as just a standard post office. Japan Post offers a full mailing and courier service throughout Japan, along with some international services as well. As you might expect, letters and parcels are delivered efficiently and conveniently— but what makes Japan Post stand out is their Yu-Pack service. It has many helpful features, allowing you to specify the date and time of arrival, send from convenience stores, deliver golf clubs to the course where you’ll use them, transport luggage to and from airports, and arrange same-day delivery. Their English website has plenty of information.

Japan Courier Service Features

What adds to the stellar reputation of Japan courier services is the wide array of impressive and convenient features they offer. Below is a comprehensive list of service features you can expect from each courier company, and how each provider uniquely handles these offerings.

You can also send parcels from a Convenience Store.

Home Package Pickup

Have a courier pick up the parcel from your home, without having to leave the house.

Yamato

Pickup can be requested by phone or online.
TEL: 0120-17-9625 (English)

Sagawa Express

Pickup can be requested by phone or online.
TEL: 03-4221-4290 (English)

Japan Post

Express Mail Service (EMS) and Yu-Pack offer pickup for domestic and international parcels, by phone or at a post office.
TEL: 0570-046-111

 

Packing materials such as cushioning and tapes are available online. Click the image for more details.

Shipment Tracking

Follow the progress of important items and receive confirmation when they reach their destination.

Yamato

Tracking can be accessed via website and information is available for about 90 days after shipment.

Sagawa Express

Offers secure tracking service with a dial lock and allows 24-hour tracking on their website

Japan Post

Track-and-trace service for domestic and international services.

Redelivery Request

Have packages redelivered if you weren’t available to receive it or if it was delivered unexpectedly. Please also refer to: Redeliveries in Japan: Japan Post, Kuroneko, Sagawa & Amazon.

Yamato

Request redelivery online via an automated phone line or the customer service number.

Sagawa Express

Redelivery can be requested online or via telephone.

Japan Post

You can request redelivery online (Japanese only) or via the English phone line.
TEL: 0570-046-111

Installing a Delivery Box at your House

If you would like to install a delivery box at your house, there are options available with built-in mailboxes, electronic locks, waterproof and anti-theft features, and large capacity. Some are easy to install and support multiple deliveries. Click the image to see detail.

Freight Collect

It is also possible to send parcels with shipping charges paid by the recipient only (freight collect for shipping fees). You can either use a designated waybill or specify this option when applying and fill it out accordingly. It's called "Chakubarai (着払い)" in Japanese.

Perishable Item Shipment Service

Keep perishable parcels refrigerated or frozen until delivered, whether food, seasonal gifts, commercial or industrial products.

Yamato

Cool TA-Q-BIN

Sagawa Express

Hikyaku Cool Express

Japan Post

Refrigerated Yu-Pack

Choosing a Courier Service in Japan That’s Right for You

The options for how, when and where to have parcels delivered by courier in Japan are many and varied, and since several of the major services offer English support, there’s no reason why you can’t take advantage of the convenience and speed of Japanese delivery services. Next time you travel, want to send a gift, or order something online urgently, don’t hesitate to use a courier service in Japan.