The postal service in Japan is operated by JAPAN POST SERVICE Co., Ltd and JAPAN POST NETWORK Co., Ltd. (post office services). A delivery service for small packages is also provided by takuhaibin companies.

• The postal service in Japan is operated by JAPAN POST SERVICE Co., Ltd and JAPAN POST NETWORK Co., Ltd (post office services).
• Postcards and stamps are available at local post offices and also at various stores with the "〒" sign (postal service logo).
• Zip codes in Japan are seven-digit numbers. Without a written zip code, your mail may take longer to reach its destination.

• To send domestic mail, it costs 50 yen for a postcard and 80 yen for a standard-sized letter (up to 25 grams).
• Put an appropriate postal stamp on a postcard/envelope and drop it in a mailbox (called posuto in Japanese). A standard mailbox has two slots: one is for general mail and the other for large-size mail, express mail and international mail.
• If you don't know the exact postage cost or the item you want to send doesn't fit the mailbox's slot, you need to take it to a nearby post office to mail.

You may send a package to an address in Japan via the postal service or takuhaibin service. Most convenience stores accept takuhaibin packages. You may call a service office of the takuhaibin company and request a pickup from your home.

• To send a postcard from Japan overseas, the postage is 70 yen to anywhere in the world.
• To send a letter, the postage ranges from 90 yen to 130 yen for up to 25 grams, depending on the destination.
• There are several shipping types by which you may send a letter or a package overseas, including EMS (international express mail service), airmail, SAL (economy airmail), surface mail, etc.

• When you send/receive a package to/from overseas, the items contained within may be subject to customs duty. For more information about customs on international mail, contact Tokyo Customs overseas mail sub-branches.

• To send a greeting card (up to 25 grams) to an international address, you can still use the standard rate for letters (90 yen to 130 yen depending on the destination) for an oversized card if you write "Greeting Card," "New Year's Card," "Christmas Card" or suchlike on the front lower left corner of the envelope, or show the card to a clerk at the post office.

Postal information service in English is available at the following number: