How To Reschedule Package Deliveries In Japan
When you’re a JET, you’re going to be working your typical 9-5. As a result, you’ll miss many a package delivery. Don’t worry, Japan makes it easy for foreigners like myself to reschedule attempted deliveries! Here’s a brief guide on how to reschedule package deliveries in Japan.
Package Delivery in Japan
Unlike the United States, it’s uncommon for Japanese couriers to leave items at your front door. Why, I’m not sure, although I suspect it’s for security reasons. While it is possible for Amazon-delivered packages to be left at your door, Japan Post, Yamato Transportation, and Sagawa don’t. When either of these couriers attempts to deliver a package, they will leave a notice in your mailbox (or door) with a tracking number, a QR code to reschedule online, and a few phone numbers, including English numbers.
Rescheduling with Japan Post
Once you received your delivery notice, all you have to do is scan the QR code with your smartphone and enter the requested information. While the website may come up in Japanese, you can change the language to English, request your preferred re-delivery time, and off you go!
Rescheduling with Yamato Transport
Odds are you may have used Yamato for moving your belongings from the U.S. to Japan! Great, you’re familiar with them! Now, if you want to reschedule deliveries with Yamato online, you may need to create an account. If you’re like me and prefer not to create another login, you can call their automated English-speaking line on your slip. Be warned, the automated line is REALLY SLOW! However, it’s quite efficient and hasn’t let me down yet! If you call the number before a certain time (before 6:00 PM), you can request your package be redelivered same day! How cool is that?
Rescheduling with Sagawa
Sagawa is another Japanese courier service, equivalent to Yamato. Out of the three listed, Sagawa has the easiest interface and is the most English-friendly. Once you get your notice from Sagawa, you can either scan the QR code, or just go to their website. From there, as with the two others, you enter your tracking number, your requested redelivery time, and your phone number. Once you submit, DONE!
What Next?
Once you reschedule your package delivery, you need to be home to pick it up. You may have to sign for your package, or in the case of Sagawa, you may stamp your Inkan as well. I know, you have to sacrifice a day just so you can sign for your new slippers from Amazon. It’s okay, because it will be worth it! Now you know how to reschedule package deliveries in Japan!