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?
Japan Post delivery time domestic: All services at a glance
Service |
Same Prefecture |
Different Prefecture |
Weekend Delivery |
Letters and postcards |
2+ days |
3+ days |
No |
Large mail |
2+ days |
3+ days |
No |
Express mail |
Next morning |
Next night |
Yes |
Registered mail |
Next day |
Next day |
Yes |
Delivery time designated mail |
Next morning |
Next day |
Yes |
Letter Pack Plus |
Next morning |
Next day |
Yes |
Letter Pack Light |
Next morning |
Next day |
Yes |
Yu-Pack |
Next morning |
Next day |
Yes |
Chilled Yu-Pack |
Next morning |
Next day |
Yes |
Frozen Yu-Pack |
Next morning |
Next day |
Yes |
Yu-Packet |
Next day |
2+ days |
Yes |
Yu-Packet Next Day Wide |
Next morning |
Next morning |
Yes |
Times based on submission before 5:00 PM. Afternoon submissions may add one day. Source: Japan Post official delivery schedule.
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 from the following options below:
AM ( Around 8:00 - 12:00)
12:00 - 14:00
14:00 - 16:00
16:00 - 18:00
18:00 - 20:00
19:00 - 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 delivery times, but it can take an additional day, depending on the delivery situation. Additionally, Letter Pack Plus is delivered to the door and requires a signature. Letter Pack Light is left in the recipient's postbox and does not require a signature.
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 and on weekends and national holidays.
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. For mail sent within the same prefecture, delivery takes at minimum 2 days. For mail sent to another prefecture, it takes at minimum 3 days.
Why is my Japan Post package delayed?
Ordinary letters and postcards are not delivered on Saturdays, Sundays, or national holidays.
However, many services do deliver on weekends and holidays, including Yu-Pack, Letter Pack Plus, Letter Pack Light, express mail, registered mail, delivery time-designated mail, and cash on delivery.
Japan Post delivery delays during peak periods
Japan Post domestic delivery times can be significantly longer during Japan's three major holiday periods.
During the New Year period (roughly December 28 to January 3), Japan Post suspends most ordinary mail delivery entirely and resumes on January 4.
Yu-Pack and express services continue operating but may experience delays of one to three additional days due to volume.
During Golden Week (late April to early May) and the Obon holiday period (mid-August), delivery times for standard mail and packages may extend by one to two days beyond the standard estimates.
Japan Post publishes advance notice of expected delays on its official website before each holiday period. If you are sending time-sensitive documents or packages around these periods, it is advisable to use express or registered mail and to submit your item at least three to five business days before your required delivery date.
You can check Japan Post service information (here ) for any national delivery updates.
Frequently asked questions
Does Japan Post deliver on the weekends?
It depends on the service. Standard letters and postcards are not delivered on Saturdays, Sundays, or national holidays. However, many Japan Post services do operate on weekends and holidays, including Yu-Pack, Letter Pack Plus, Letter Pack Light, express mail, registered mail, and delivery time-designated mail. If weekend delivery is important, choose one of these services when submitting your item.
Does Japan Post redeliver?
Yes. If a delivery attempt is unsuccessful, the Japan Post carrier will leave an attempted delivery notice (不在連絡票, fuzai renrakuhyo) in your mailbox. Scan the QR code on the notice to schedule a redelivery date and time window through the Japan Post website or app, or call the number printed on the notice. Japan Post holds undelivered items for 7 days before returning them to the sender. For Yu-Pack and other trackable services, you can also redirect the item to a nearby convenience store for pick-up instead of scheduling a home redelivery.
How long does Japan Post take for domestic delivery?
For standard letters and postcards, delivery to another prefecture takes at least 3 days. Faster services such as Yu-Pack, Letter Pack, and express mail can reach another prefecture the next day or next night, with an added fee for express.
How do I track a Japan Post domestic package?
Japan Post provides domestic package tracking through its official website at japanpost.jp. You will need the tracking number printed on your receipt or shipping label. Most trackable services, including Yu-Pack, Letter Pack Plus, registered mail, and express mail, update their tracking status at each handling stage. Standard letters and postcards do not come with tracking by default unless registered mail is selected.
What time does Japan Post deliver domestic packages?
Japan Post typically delivers domestic packages between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM. If you select delivery time-designated mail, you can specify a delivery window: AM (8:00 to 12:00), 12:00 to 14:00, 14:00 to 16:00, 16:00 to 18:00, 18:00 to 20:00, or 19:00 to 21:00. If you miss a delivery, the carrier will leave a redelivery notice with a QR code that you can use to schedule a new delivery time via the Japan Post website or app.
How long does Japan Post keep undelivered packages?
Japan Post holds undelivered packages at the local post office for 7 days after the first delivery attempt. If the package is not collected or redelivery is not arranged within that period, it is returned to the sender. You can request redelivery online, by phone, or by scanning the QR code on the delivery notice slip left by the carrier.
Does Japan Post deliver during Golden Week and New Year holidays?
Standard mail delivery is suspended during the New Year holiday period, typically December 28 to January 3, and resumes on January 4. Yu-Pack, express mail, and other premium services continue operating during Golden Week and Obon but may experience delays of one to three days due to increased volume. Japan Post publishes holiday delivery updates on its official website before each major holiday period.
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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