How To Send Gifts To Japan: The Ultimate Step By Step Guide

Sending gifts to your friends or family in Japan is always a thoughtful gesture.

However, the international shipping process can be daunting due to various rules and regulations.

So, we made it simple for you. 

Here, this article explains how to send gifts to Japan and 4 different courier companies for you to use.

Can I send a gift to Japan?

Most countries allow you to send a gift to Japan within a certain value. The tax value amount varies between countries.

As long as the item is safe for transportation and delivery, then you can send anything to Japan.

How can I send a gift to Japan?

Sending an item to Japan isn’t too difficult. Still, it does include preparing certain materials and forms for a smoother process. So here is a step-by-step process how to send gifts to Japan.

Remember that different shipping companies have different methods, services, and packaging options. 

1. Prepare.

You will need to prepare the following items:

• Full name of the person or company (in Japanese and English)

• Their Japanese address (in Japanese and English)

• A list of items and their value in English and Japanese.

  • Use Japan Post’s translated items of contents to help you find the translation.

• Print and complete the Customs form. Bring it with your items to the shipping office to pay for the postage. 

• Packaging materials

2. Pack everything in a box.

When you send gifts to Japan, be sure to use a sturdy, well-sized box to protect your items during shipping.

If you need a box, you can bring your items to your choice of courier and pay for the box along with the postage. 

3. Create a label.

While you can use a handwritten label, it’s best to use the online label creation with your courier choice.

For the address, be sure to know the address in Japanese and English and other necessary details such as the city, prefecture, postal code, apartment name, and room number. 

Here is a USPS’s guide for Japanese addresses in English.

4. Complete the customs form.

Most couriers offer an online customs form for you to complete. To complete the form, you must know your items' total value and preferred shipping method. 

If you still need a completed customs form, you can go to the shipping office and ask the staff for help.

5. Choose a shipping service and send your package.

UPS, FedEx, and DHL are popular international shipping couriers that can send items to Japan. Your government’s postal system also has methods for this process. So choose the shipping courier that is most convenient for you.

Depending on their shipping services, each will have different delivery speed, cost, and tracking capabilities. 

6.Track your item

Use the tracking number given to you to check the status of your package. 

Additional tips on sending a gift to Japan

Here are some tips when it comes to sending any international items abroad, including gifts to Japan.

a. Have everything written on a separate piece of paper

From the address to the list of items you want to send, having everything on a separate piece of paper and bringing it to the shipping office helps the staff see if anything needs to be added. 

b. Plan ahead

International shipping takes time and can have possible delays. So, plan accordingly to ensure your gift arrives for any special occasion.

c. Check for prohibited items

Many items cannot be shipped outside your home country and into Japan. 

See the next section for what you can not send as a gift to Japan. 

Restricted items when sending gifts to Japan

Like many countries, Japan has a list of items you are not allowed to ship because they are dangerous or illegal.

Here is a summarized list of items that you can not send to Japan:

• Prohibited items such as drugs, certain medicines, firearms, and weapons.

• Flammable materials such as fireworks, matches, lighters, and lithium batteries.

• Anything valuable, such as cash, bongs, and jewelry

• Pornography

• Copyrighted and IP-related items

• Food-related items such as meats, raw fruits and vegetables, grain, and any raw milk processed materials

• Plants

• Pet food

• Refrigerated or frozen food items.

4 ways how to ship a package to Japan

Plenty of shipping couriers will help you ship from your country to Japan. Here are 4 couriers with international shipping options to send a gift to Japan. 

DHL

DHL US site

DHL is a logistics company that provides package delivery and express mail services globally, with great tracking services.

Their DHL Express Worldwide offers fast, international delivery in 1-3 business days.

DHL ensures the secure and timely delivery of your packages. To avoid delays, be sure to complete all necessary customs documentation accurately.

You can view various quotes and delivery times on DHL’s Quote page. For example, a 7lb (~3kg) package in an 8x8x8 inch box will cost $212.90 and take about a week to deliver.

UPS

UPS US page

UPS, or the United Parcel Service, offers its services in more than 175 countries and territories worldwide, including sending a gift to Japan. 

Its international shipping options include:

Use the UPS shipping calculator for the exact shopping cost, as it will vary depending on the country you are shipping from.

When using their online shipping form, you need to know the weight and size of your package. However, you can go to your nearest UPS office, where they can create the label for you.

For example, a 7lb (~3kg) package 8 inches in height, length, and width would cost $274.35 for UPS Worldwide Expedited from Chicago, America, to Tokyo, Japan.

FedEx

FedEx is a courier delivery service that offers international shipping. They offer 2 main international services that can ship to Japan:

Use the FedEx shipping calculator to determine the shipping cost to Japan. For example, a 7lb (~3kg) package in an 8x8x8 inch box will cost:

• $332.61 for FedEx International Priority

• $268.26 FedEx International Economy

USPS

USPS, or the United States Postal Service, is the US postal system and offers a reliable and cost-effective way to send gifts to Japan. 

The USPS has various shipping methods to Japan:

For any packages valued over $400, you will need to complete the required Form 2976-A, a customs declaration form.

Bring your package to the local post office so the staff can help you complete everything correctly.

You can then take your package to a local post office or schedule a pickup. USPS services typically include tracking, which allows you to monitor your shipment’s progress.

Paying customs on gifts to Japan

If you are sending a gift to Japan, you must complete a customs declaration form, including the description, value, and reason for the shipment. Gifts under 10,000 yen (less than $100) are exempt from this form, but it’s always best to fill out the form just in case.

For those receiving gifts from Japan, the recipient may need to pay customs duties to receive the items. 

Frequently asked question

Do you have to pay customs on gifts in Japan?

You must declare your items before sending them to Japan. Usually, the customs form suffices. You do not need to pay any duties if the item's total is less than 10,000 yen. 

How much is shipping to Japan?

Shipping costs to Japan depend on the courier service, package size, weight, and delivery speed. For example, USPS Priority Mail Express International costs $79.20 for 3-5 day delivery, while FedEx International Priority costs around $200. For precise pricing, use the shipping calculators on the respective courier websites.

In closing

Sending gifts to Japan can be a seamless experience if you follow the right steps and understand the regulations. If you need clarification about any steps, visit your courier shipping office, as the staff will have the most information to help you.

Whether you use USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, or another courier service, tracking your shipment will give you peace of mind. With these tips, you can make your loved ones in Japan feel special, no matter how far away you are.

With this guide, you now know how to send gifts to Japan. And if don't want to deal with international shipping, check out this guide: Sending Gifts To Japan Without International Shipping.