Undeliverable Item Notice from Japan Post? Here’s What to Do
Have you ever received an undeliverable item notice in your mailbox?
An undeliverable item notice (便物等ご不在連絡票, yuubin butsu nado go fuzai renraku hyou) is a pink slip left by Japan Post when a delivery attempt fails because you were not available to receive the package. The notice contains your tracking number, the date of the delivery attempt, a deadline for collection, and instructions for scheduling redelivery online, by phone, via the Line app, or through convenience store pickup. Japan Post holds undelivered items for 7 days before returning them to the sender.
Read on for an easy breakdown with steps you can take to get your package pronto.
Here's a translation of Japan Post's undeliverable item notice
At the top of the redelivery slip, you will see the following title in Japanese: 便物等ご不在連絡票 = yuubin butsu nado go fu zai renraku hyou.
The English translation of the slip's title is "undeliverable item notice."
Below, we translate the other important parts of the slip to pay attention to:
Note: The numbering that follows corresponds with the above image.
1. 受取人様 (uke tori nin sama). This section lists the Addressee. Your name will most likely appear here.
2. 差出人様 (sashi dashi ninn sama). This section lists the Sender.
3. This checkbox confirms that they could not deliver your package. There are reasons for the delivery person to circle, which are a. Not at home; b. the item could not fit in the PO box; and other.
4. インターネット受付 (Redelivery request via the Internet). If you want same-day redelivery, your request must be made before 5 pm. To use this option, scan the QR code on the sticker. (See the next image.)
5. LINE 受付 (Redelivery request via Line). If you want same-day redelivery, your request must be made before 5 pm. To use the Line option, scan the QR code immediately next to the bear logo.
6. 電話自動受付 (Redelivery request via an automated call center). Call the phone number listed on the delivery notice slip and follow the recording's prompts for inputting your information. If you want same-day redelivery, your request must be made before 5 pm.
Note: The numbering that follows corresponds with the above image.
7. This section lists the automated call center phone number to request a redelivery. If you are calling from a mobile phone, fees will apply. The second phone number is free for those calling from a landline.
8. Your zip code.
9. This section lists the type of mail that was undelivered. Types include the following:
Registered mail
Simplified records
Special mail
Cash on delivery
ID verification mail
Letter pack
Yu package
10. Types of mail continued
Mail outside of the standard size
International registered mail
International small package delivery
Etc.
11. This sticker that is placed on your undeliverable item notice contains your tracking number (追跡 番号 = tsui seki bango). You will need this number when requesting your parcel.
12. The first date listed here tells you when the delivery was attempted. The second date shows the deadline by which you must arrange redelivery or collection. Japan Post holds parcels for 7 days from the first delivery attempt before returning them to the sender. Make sure to act before this date.
13. This QR code will open the mobile version of Japan Post's redelivery request form. Note: The QR code takes you to the Japanese redelivery request page. If you want the English redelivery page, go here.
How to use Japan Post's re-delivery service
If you missed your package delivery from the Post Office, there are three methods you can use to request redelivery.
Method 1. Submit your request online using Japan Post’s web form
For anyone who can't read or speak Japanese, we recommend this method, as you will be able to fill out an English language form to request redelivery.
Go to Japan Post's English Redelivery Form and input your tracking number to start the process.
Method #2. Submit your request via Line
For those who have a Line account, you can use the Line QR code printed on the undeliverable item notice to request a redelivery. This is a fast option for anyone who is comfortable typing in Japanese.
Method #3. Submit your request via phone call
Call the phone number provided on the redelivery notice to request a redelivery. Keep in mind, you will not be speaking with a live agent.
Instead, an automated switchboard will prompt you in Japanese to provide your zip code, tracking number, and the date and time you would like the package delivered.
This option is good if you can understand Japanese. If you can't understand Japanese, we suggest the English page mentioned in Method #1.
Method #4. Pick up your item at a convenience store
For Yu-Pack and other trackable Japan Post services, you can redirect your undelivered item to a nearby Lawson, Ministop, or FamilyMart for collection instead of scheduling a home redelivery. This is a useful option if your schedule is unpredictable or if you will not be home during standard delivery hours.
To use this option, log in to your Japan Post account online with your tracking number and select a participating convenience store near you as your pickup location. The item will be dropped off at the store, usually by the following day. Bring your tracking number or the undeliverable item notice, along with a valid photo ID, to collect it at the counter. Note that this option applies to Yu-Pack parcels and may not be available for all mail types. Check availability when submitting your redelivery request.
Step-by-step guide for requesting redelivery from Japan Post
If you've missed a package delivery from Japan Post, don't worry. You can easily request redelivery via their web form.
Step 1: Locate your redelivery notice and confirm the time
If you want same-day delivery, you will need to put in the request before 5pm.
Step 2: Request redelivery online
Go to the Japan Post redelivery request page at post.japanpost.jp and select the English option if needed. Look for the redelivery application link and enter your tracking number to begin. Japan Post periodically updates its website layout, so if you cannot find the link directly, search "Japan Post redelivery English" for the current URL or scan the QR code on your undeliverable item notice, which takes you directly to the form.
Step 3: Fill out the redelivery request form
On the redelivery request form, you'll need to fill out some information, such as the tracking number, the delivery date, and the recipient's name and address. You'll also need to select a redelivery date and time slot.
Step 4: Confirm your redelivery request and receive confirmation
Japan Post will send you a confirmation email or SMS to inform you that your redelivery request has been received. The confirmation will include the redelivery date and time slot you selected.
Step 5: Prepare for redelivery
On the day of the redelivery, ensure that someone is available to receive the package.
How to avoid missed deliveries from Japan Post
The most reliable way to avoid receiving an undeliverable item notice is to set a preferred delivery time slot when placing your order, or to specify a delivery locker (宅配ボックス, takuhai bokkusu) if your building has one.
Many Japan Post Yu-Pack deliveries also support okihai (置き配), an unattended delivery option where the carrier leaves your parcel at a designated spot outside your door without requiring a signature.
You can set your okihai preference through your Japan Post account online. If you are regularly away during delivery hours, redirecting parcels to a nearby convenience store at the time of purchase is the most practical long-term solution.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Undeliverable Item Notice from Japan Post?
An Undeliverable Item Notice is a notification you receive when a mail or package delivery attempt by Japan Post was unsuccessful because you were not available to receive it. This notice is usually left at your door.
How can I apply for redelivery with Japan Post?
You can apply for redelivery by submitting your request online using Japan Post's web form. You will need to enter the tracking number provided on the Undeliverable Item Notice.
What is the holding period for undelivered items at Japan Post?
Japan Post holds undelivered packages at your local post office for 7 days after the first delivery attempt. If you do not arrange redelivery or collect the item within that period, it will be returned to the sender. Act on the undeliverable item notice as soon as possible to avoid losing your package.
Can I specify a preferred timeslot for redelivery?
You can appoint a preferred timeslot for redelivery when you submit your redelivery request.
What should I do if I receive an Undeliverable Item Notice and I don't understand Japanese?
The easiest option is to use Japan Post's online redelivery form, which is available in English. Scan the QR code on your notice or go directly to post.japanpost.jp and select English. Enter your tracking number to schedule a new delivery date and time. If you want to avoid being home during delivery entirely, Yu-Pack parcels can also be redirected to a nearby Lawson, Ministop, or FamilyMart convenience store for pickup. Alternatively, you can collect the item in person at your local post office by bringing the notice and a valid photo ID such as a passport or residence card.
What happens if I miss the redelivery of my item?
If you miss the redelivery of your item, a new Undeliverable Item Notice will be left at your door. You can then request another redelivery.
Can I pick up my undelivered item directly from the post office?
Yes. You can collect your item in person at the post office handling your delivery. Bring your undeliverable item notice and a valid photo ID such as a residence card or passport. You will need to sign for the item. If you are unsure which post office is holding your parcel, the notice will include the address and contact number of the relevant branch. Remember that Japan Post holds items for only 7 days before returning them to the sender, so plan your visit accordingly.
Can I use the Japan Post app to request redelivery?
Yes. Japan Post has an official app (ゆうびんアプリ, Yuubin App) that allows you to track parcels and schedule redelivery from your smartphone. The app is currently available in Japanese only. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play by searching "郵便局アプリ" (Japan Post app). For English speakers, the web form at post.japanpost.jp remains the easiest redelivery option as it supports English input.
In closing
Requesting redelivery from Japan Post is a straightforward process. You can do it online in English, via the Line app, by phone, or by redirecting your parcel to a nearby convenience store for pickup. The most important thing to remember is that Japan Post holds undelivered items for only 7 days, so respond to your undeliverable item notice as soon as possible to avoid having your package returned to the sender.
For anyone who wants to stop struggling with their Japanese mail for good, consider MailMate, Japan's first bilingual virtual mail service!
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Tomoko Matsuoka is a contributing editor and writer for MailMate, Shoeboxed, and a number of online resource libraries. She writes guides on life in Japan and covers Japanese business news, digitalization, and productivity tools and software.
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