How to Send Items in Japan via Combini, Yamato, Post Office - Fast, Convenient and Easy

Job Sending goods in Japan can be confusing for many people who live or travel here for the first time. With the most developed logistics system in the world, Japan offers a wide range of options from convenience stores to professional delivery companies. In this article, let's explore the ways to send items in Japan that are simple, fast, safe and suitable for different needs.

Sending things at combini is simple and convenient

Convenience stores are an integral part of everyday life in Japan. They are not only a place to buy food and pay bills, but also provide a convenient delivery service.

What is combini in Japan?

Combini (コンビニ) is an abbreviation of “convenience store” – a convenience store that operates 24/7 with an average density of 1 store for every 2.000 people. Famous combini chains such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson not only sell consumer goods but also provide many services, including delivery services. Combini has become an indispensable part of the daily life of Japanese people, making the way of sending items in Japan via combini popular.

How to send items in Japan via combini

When you go to the combini to send your items, you need to pack them carefully and fill out the shipping form (provided at the counter or posted on the box). The combini staff will help you check the information, weigh and process the shipment. The service is usually affiliated with Yamato or Japan Post, so it is very reliable.

Advantage:

• Can send items 24/7, including weekends and holidays
• Wide coverage, easy to find
• Dedicated support staff, simple process
• Can be combined with other purchases

Disadvantages:

• Do not accept items that are too bulky or too heavy.
• No flexibility in choosing a carrier
• Rates may be higher than direct shipping.
• Some combini do not support all shipping services.

Send items via Yamato Express

Yamato Transport (also known as Kuroneko Yamato) is one of the largest shipping companies in Japan. Yamato's most prominent service is Takkyubin, which specializes in domestic transportation with fast speed and reliability.

Takkyubin Express Service

Takkyubin (宅急便) is Yamato's famous express delivery service, launched in 1976 and has become the standard for sending packages in Japan. The service is known for its high reliability and accurate delivery times.

Takkyubin can transport all kinds of goods from documents, clothes to fresh food with a professional temperature preservation system. This is the reason why Takkyubin becomes the top choice when looking for a safe and fast way to send items in Japan.

How to send items in Japan via Takkyubin

Steps to send items via Takkyubin express delivery service include:

• Pack the goods and prepare sender and recipient information.
• Call for home pick up or delivery service.
• Fill out the shipping form, select a delivery date (if desired), and pay the fee.
• Save the tracking number to track the shipping process.

Advantage:

• The most prestigious and reliable in the market, nationwide network coverage
• Super fast delivery, can choose delivery time frame
• Can be picked up at home, no need to travel
• Transparent and reliable tracking system
• Support for transporting special goods (fresh food, fragile goods)

Disadvantages:

• Higher rates than post office
• Please fill in the information carefully in Japanese.
• Appointments required for home pickup service

Send items via Sagawa Kyubin Express

Sagawa Express (佐川急便) is Yamato's main competitor, offering an alternative way to send packages within Japan with its own advantages. Sagawa Kyubin is particularly strong in transporting corporate goods and large packages. 

You can call the staff to pick up the goods at your home or bring them to Sagawa's pick-up points. However, Sagawa's network is not popular at combini, so users have to find the nearest center.

Advantage:

• More competitive price than Yamato
• Home delivery service available, upon request

Disadvantages:

• Not as convenient as Yamato in storing things at combini
• Website and services are mainly in Japanese.

Send items via Japan Post

Japan Post is Japan's national postal system, extremely popular and reputable. It is also the number one choice if you want to send goods abroad.

You can send your items at post offices (郵便局 – yuubinkyoku) or use EMS, Yu-pack, letter pack… services depending on your needs and the size of the goods.

Japan Post's main services:

• Yu-Pack (ゆうパック): Standard package service
• Click Post: Send small items cheaply
• Letter Pack: Send documents and light goods
• EMS: International Express Delivery

Advantage:

• Nationwide coverage, easy to find delivery points
• Many service options (EMS, Yu-Pack, Letter Pack…)
• Reasonable rates, especially for light goods
• There is a tracking code to track the order

Disadvantages:

• The procedure is a bit cumbersome, especially when sending internationally.
• Limited working hours, not flexible
• No support for home pick up
• Some services are slow if you choose the economy package.

Send by letter pack

Letter pack is a simple, economical choice for those who want to send documents, papers, small gifts... Wrap the item in a specialized envelope (Letter Pack Plus or Light), fill in the address, then put it in the mailbox or bring it to the post office and you're done.

Advantage:

• Low cost, stable delivery time
• Can be tracked online
• Can be put in the mailbox without going to the post office

Disadvantages:

• Weight and size limits
• Cannot send fragile or high value items

Send items to Vietnam from Japan

If you are living, studying or working in Japan and need to send items to family and friends in Vietnam, there are currently many ways to send items back home quickly and conveniently. Depending on the type of goods, desired time, budget and reliability, you can choose one of the following forms of sending items.

• Japan Post (EMS – international express shipping).
• Yamato, Sagawa – has international service (although prices are a bit high).
• Shipping service companies specializing in Vietnam - Japan such as Sen Nhat, Sagawa Vietnam, T&T Express...

When sending goods to Vietnam, you should pay close attention to customs regulations of both countries, especially for food, cosmetics, medicine, electronics, etc.

Some notes when sending items in Japan

To ensure the shipping process goes smoothly, please note:

• Pack securely, clearly write sender and recipient information in Japanese.
• Do not send prohibited items (drugs of unknown origin, flammable and explosive items, etc.).
• Keep receipt and tracking number to track the item.
• If you are not fluent in Japanese, ask for help or prepare necessary information in Japanese.

Knowing how to send items in Japan will help you save time, money and ensure that your goods reach the right place and the right person.

With the above instructions, we hope you have a better understanding of the ways to send items in Japan, from convenient combini to reputable shipping companies such as Yamato, Sagawa or Japan Post. Depending on your personal needs, you can flexibly choose the most suitable shipping method for you.

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