Japan Post advice?

rilakkuma · (#1 (**permalink**))

I was wondering if anyone could give me some info on using the Japan postal service? I plan on sending some boxes (small, not too heavy) back to America and I want to know roughly how much it might cost. Also, do I need to go to the post office and buy boxes and take them home to wrap up my packages? Or can I box up my items at the post office? (Not sure what the proper etiquette is..)
Anyways.. sorry if any of these questions are stupid, but I have had some bad experiences at post offices in America and I'm assuming it will be harder to mail things here since I am not fluent in Japanese.
Thanks!

GTJ · (#2 (**permalink**))

I've never needed to use it, so I'll wait for someone with knowledge about this to come by.

However, I feel compelled to tell you that at convenience stores (Lawson, 7-11), you can send packages.

ISN'T THAT AWESOME???
I love Japan sometimes.

Nyororin · (#3 (**permalink**))

You can bring any boxes, packaged by you, to the post office for mailing. There is a limit on size and weight, but the package itself is not set.

You might want to read through this;
International Mail - Japan Post

Firebird · (#4 (**permalink**))

To send a package home you will have 4 choices:
1 EMS Service: Fastest and most expensive 3 days (2000yen a kilo)
2 Airmail:Also quite expensive, around 7 days (2500 a kilo)
3 Surface Mail: Cheapest but takes around 2 month, this is best if you will send heavy stuff (1500a kilo but gets cheaper if you send more)
What most people dont know that there is another alternative thats called Economy Air.
4 SAL: Economy Airlmail takes around 2 weeks but is not so much cheaper unless: Your package is 2kg or under and the total length is not more than 90cm. (1000yen a kilo if 2kg or under otherwise 2000 to 2500 a kilo)

I recommend working with small packages and SAL as they are cheap (around 1000yen a Kilo) and the time is reasonable (2weeks).
If you send alot take the surface mail

You can off course wrap it in you own package!
You can check the prices and everything else here:
nternational Parcel Post - Japan Post

i just checked, EMS might be cheaper than airmail!