How to ship purchases home from Japan
Japan Post can send almost anything home, from a few days by EMS to a few months by sea. But tax-free goods must leave with you, so plan what to carry and what to post.
Updated 11 October 2026
Key facts
- FastestEMS: about 2–4 days.
- AirmailAbout 3–6 days.
- Economy air (SAL)About 6–13 days, only to some countries.
- Surface (sea)1–3 months, cheapest for heavy boxes.
- Tax-free catchSince 31 March 2025, posting tax-free goods home is no longer allowed. Tax-free items must be shown at departure.
Carry or ship?
- Carry: anything you bought tax-free. Customs checks it at the airport before you get the 10% back.
- Ship: things you paid full tax on, souvenirs for others, and bulky items you do not want to carry. Clothes and books are good candidates.
How to send a box
- Buy a box at a post office, or reuse a sturdy store box.
- Fill in the international customs label with contents and values in English.
- Choose EMS, airmail, SAL or surface at the counter. Ask for the tracking number.
- Expect import duty or tax at home for valuable items.
Check before you pack
- Batteries, aerosols, perfume, lighters and some cosmetics have restrictions. Ask at the counter or check Japan Post’s list for your country.
- Knives and blades are fine to post but must not go in your carry-on bag if you fly with them.
Alternative: send it to your hotel first
If you order online in Japan, Amazon and others can deliver to your hotel while you are here. See our guide to Amazon Japan hotel delivery.
Questions visitors ask
Can I ship tax-free items home and still get the refund?
No. Under the new refund system, tax-free items must be presented when you leave Japan. Posting them home through Japan Post for tax-free ended on 31 March 2025.
Which is cheapest?
Surface mail is usually cheapest for heavy boxes, but it takes 1–3 months. EMS is fastest and has tracking.