Are you changing your address but unsure of how to navigate the post office? Or did you just realize that all of your important documents are still being sent to your old address? Don’t worry! This guide will help you understand how to set up mail forwarding in Japan and make your move a lot smoother.
It can be a little tricky at times to navigate the post office in Japan. Take it from someone who has changed addresses three times, writes letters to pen pals and friends in other countries every month, and sends packages quite often~ I’m basically a veteran when it comes to going to the post office.
So you can trust me when I say I’ve learned a thing or two about how to handle things like address changes in Japan and mail services.
To simplify it, mail forwarding means making sure that your mail gets redirected from your old address to your new address. This service is typically done through Japan Post and is valid for one year after you apply.
If you’re moving in Japan, this is one of the most important steps you don’t want to skip.
There are honestly hundreds of reasons why forwarding your mail is important…especially in Japan. If you’ve lived here for even a short time, you probably already know that Japan still relies heavily on physical mail (and even fax machines ).
A lot of important things are still sent through the mail, including:
Without properly setting up mail forwarding in Japan, you could easily miss:
And trust me… missing something like a tax notice is NOT something you want to deal with later.
This is why setting up Japan Post mail forwarding should be one of your top priorities when changing your address.
This is a very simple guide on how to set up your Japan address forwarding service using three different methods.
This is the most straightforward method and one that I recommend.
You’ll need to:
-Bring your residence card
-Fill out a forwarding form (転居届 / tenkyo todoke)
-Provide your old and new addresses
The staff will guide you through everything, so don’t worry if your Japanese isn’t perfect.
You can also apply online through the Japan Post website at this link here.
You’ll need to verify your identity, and you may receive a confirmation postcard. It can take a little longer than doing it in person because of that.
This option is convenient, especially if you prefer handling things digitally.
There’s also the option to send in a physical form by mail.
All you need to do it:
1.Pick up the form at a post office
2.Fill it out at home
3.Mail it in for processing
This is less common, but still a valid option if needed.
It can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days for your mail forwarding service to activate.
Apply before you move or immediately after.
The sooner, the better, you don’t want to miss important mail or deal with overlapping addresses.
Personally, I recommend going into the post office and filling it out in person~
The staff are usually very polite and extremely helpful. I do this every time I move, and it’s always been a quick and easy process. If there’s anything you don’t understand, they can explain it right away, which is much easier than trying to figure everything out online by yourself.
If you’re new to Japan or unsure about the process, this is definitely the safest option.
Most of the time, items that can be forwarded through Japan Post’s forwarding service:
However, there are some limitations.
Some delivery courier services (like private companies) may NOT forward your mail. Additionally, certain government documents may not be automatically forwarded depending on the type.
This is why it’s extremely important to:
Basically… don’t rely ONLY on forwarding.
You’re human and mistakes happen. You definitely wouldn’t be the only one to mess something up during a move.
Some mistakes that happen are:
If you’re moving and wondering how to stay organized, I highly recommend setting reminders and creating a checklist. Try to handle your Japan mail forwarding setup at the same time as you register your new address at city hall or update your bank information
AGAIN, please make sure your name matches exactly how it appears on your residence card.
You’ve got this in the bag! 🙂
Until next time, please stay happy, safe, and healthy! I’ll catch you in the next article, but in the meantime, please check out my other blog on Koreatown in Osaka.
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