How to use the printed labels at the post office in Japan

Starting in January, all packages sent to the United States (including from Japan) will require printed labels. No more handwriting all those addresses, and possibly rewriting them because the clerk you happen to get that day doesn’t like your handwriting! But what happens to those people who don’t have access to a printer? No worries there. The post office has label printers set up to take care of it. 

I’m not sure about smaller post offices in Japan but our main one has their machine right at the front by the door. If you have a phone that can access your email, you are all set. 

Start by going to the Japan Post site. You can find where to create an account/login on the right of the page. 

After setting up an account, it saves your information so you don’t have to keep putting in your address each time. You can also create an address book and save the addresses you send to. 

It's pretty straight forward. 

Then comes the customs section. 

So, because of the pandemic some features like EMS aren't available in Japan at the time of writing. However, as of the beginning of December when I mailed packages, "small packet" and "parcel" was available.  Small packet is cheaper but goes up to only 2kg. Make sure you know which you are sending or you will need to print out your labels again. 

The next thing you will need to fill out is the content of the package you are sending. On a phone you can only add three items so if you have a variety of items, you might have to find a way to print on a PC at home. 

Once everything is set up, you will receive an email with the QR code to use with the label-printing machine. 

You can set the shipping date so if you want to go to the post office the next day instead of when you fill out the form, you will need to decide when you are going to ship it. 

The first time I used the printer, I was given five squares -- two for the package and three for the sender to keep. 

The second time I went, there was only the two -- for the package and an email of the sender's copy. I think in the few days between me using the service they may have changed. It is very new and I think they are still working out the kinks. 

I do have to say, my time spent in the post office went drastically quicker and more smoothly.