Where To Buy Stamps In Japan: Post Offices, Conbini, & More

Need a stamp for your letter or postcard?

No worries, you’ve come to the right place.

Here, we’ll show you all the places so you know where to buy stamps in Japan.

📝Quick answer: where to purchase stamps in Japan

You can buy stamps in Japan at:

• Japan Post offices (most reliable, widest selection)

• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)

• Major train station kiosks

• Supermarkets/department stores (customer service desks)

• Online stores (Japan Post, Rakuten, Mercari)

Most convenient option: Conbini = 24/7 availability Post offices = correct postage + special stamps

Good to know before you start

The Japanese word for stamp is kitte (切手). Look for the 〒 symbol at a store or building to confirm it handles mail.

Post boxes are red and easy to spot on any street. Most have two slots: one for letters and postcards, and one for bulkier items like small packages.

Writing the address: For international mail, write the destination address in English. For domestic mail within Japan, write the address in Japanese so it sorts correctly.

Who can buy Japanese stamps?

Residents and tourists can buy stamps in Japan. Stamps are generally not included in standard tax-free shopping programs.

Can I use Japanese stamps abroad?

Japanese stamps can be used for both domestic and international mail, as long as the item is posted in Japan via Japan Post.

Postage stamps are generally issued by the country’s postal system from which you are mailing. Therefore, you will use stamps in Japan when sending items through the Japan Post system, even if the destination is another country.

Can I use regular stamps for international mail?

Yes. Letters and postcards both travel through Japan Post, but they price differently.

Letters use zone-based pricing. The destination country sets the rate. A standard-sized letter under 25g needs a ¥120 stamp for South Korea. The same letter needs a ¥140 stamp for America.

Postcards use one flat rate. Every country pays the same postcard rate, no matter the destination.

Heavier letters cost more in every zone. Confirm the exact postage at a Japan Post counter before you mail anything heavy or unusual.

For more details, see Japan Post’s Overseas Fee (in Japanese).

However, if you're unsure which stamp to use for international mail, visit your local Japanese post office. Staff will attach the correct postage for you.

Types of international mail

Japan Post splits international mail into three categories.

• Letter post post covers letters and postcards, each priced differently.

• Parcel post covers packages and larger items, sent by sea or air.

• EMS (Express Mail Service) is the fastest option, with tracking included.

Letters price by weight and destination zone. Postcards use one flat rate, no matter the destination.

EMS reaches more than 120 countries and regions. Most EMS packages can weigh up to 30kg, though the exact limit depends on the destination country.

All postage prices in Japan include tax. The price on the counter or the stamp is the final price you pay.

What type of Japanese stamps can I buy?

Japanese stamps for postage usage can be in 3 categories:

• Regular stamps

• Commemorative stamps

• Special edition stamps

These stamps are separate from stamp rallies in Japan.

💡 Not the same as eki stamps. Free souvenir stamps at train stations, called eki stamps, are a different thing entirely. Eki stamps are rubber ink stamps for a keepsake book, not postage. This guide covers postage stamps only.

Where to buy stamps in Japan?

Since we’ve answered the most common questions, let’s find out where you can buy stamps in Japan. 

1. Japan Post offices

Inside of a Japan Post office | Image via MyTravelGeno

The local Japanese post office is the number one place in Japan to get stamps.

The nearest post office might have an area where you can buy specialty stamps and postcards. If not, you’ll have to go to the counter to buy stamps.

There are two main ways to buy stamps in Japan. One way is to buy a sheet of Japanese stamps. To know which stamps to place on your mail, look at Japan Post’s postage calculator. Then, take your mail with the stamp to the Japanese post box.

The second option is to go directly to the post office counter, where the staff will assist in calculating the correct postage for you. This option allows you to skip the postage calculations and any extra stamps.

Japan Post stamps regular stamps and summer options

When sending postcards or stamps at the counter, you can request special stamps by asking:

• 特殊切手を使ってください (tokushu kitte o tsukatte kudasai): I would like to use the special stamps

• If you want to use any commemorative stamps, replace 特殊切手 (tokushu kitte) with 記念切手 (kinen kitte)

You can also ask for ふるさと切手 (furusato kitte). These are hometown special stamps made for a specific local area.

Gotōchi postcards: a local souvenir

Post offices also sell gotōchi postcards. Each one shows a local specialty from a single prefecture.

You can only buy a prefecture's gotōchi postcard at post offices inside that prefecture. Buy them as a souvenir, or write and mail them to friends back home.

Other services at the post office counter

The post office counter handles more than stamps. Ask staff about yu pack services for sending a package abroad.

Most international mail travels by air mail. You can request express mail service for a faster delivery at a higher cost.

Surface mail costs less but takes longer. Ask the counter staff which option fits your budget and timeline. See Types of international mail above for the full breakdown.

Heads up: yu pack prices are changing. Japan Post is raising yu pack rates by about 10% starting October 1, 2026. This affects packages and parcels, not stamps or standard mail.

Banking and other services at Japan Post

Japan Post offices do more than sell stamps and process mail. Here's what else the counter can help with.

• Banking services. Open a bank account and withdraw money at most Japan Post branches.

• Sending money home. Use Japan Post's banking services to send money to family through international transfer.

• Life insurance. Japan Post sells life insurance policies directly at post office counters.

• Mail forwarding. Moving house? Post offices offer a forwarding service so your mail follows you to the new address.

2. Convenience Stores

Look for the 〒 sign to see if the conbini sells stamps and postcards 

Japanese convenience stores, also known as conbini, have stamps at the 3 major conbini chains: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.

They are the perfect alternative stamp shop if the Japanese post office is closed, as most conbini are 24/7.

To get stamps in Japan from a convenience store, you will need to go to the counter and ask for them. You can say:

• すみません、切手をください (sumimasen, kitte wo kudasai): Excuse me, I would like stamps, please.

The convenience store staff will then ask how many, and you can hold up as many fingers as you like to indicate how many you would like to buy.

3. Supermarkets and department stores

While these are not the typical places to purchase stamps in Japan, they are still worth checking when you are already out shopping.

Larger chains, such as Aeon or Ito-Yokado, usually have stamps available to purchase at the customer service counter. The same location is usually used for tax-free goods.

4. Kiosks and station shops

A kiosks in the train station

Many major stations will have these kiosks, also called station shops. Think of it like a mini conbini or corner store where commuters and travelers can quickly buy something from snacks, omiyage, and even snacks.

Large connecting stations like Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Osaka Station have kiosks that sell stamps. However, availability varies by location.

5. Online purchase options

Plenty of online shops in Japan allow you to purchase stamps online. 

• Japan Post: a reliable online stamp site to purchase regular, seasonal, and limited edition stamps.

• Mericari: an online site that allows anyone to buy and sell items, including any extra speciality stamps they have. 

• Rakuten: an online shop where you can get points and Rakuten Points, too!

• Yushu: a site that houses stamps from all over Japan and the rest of the world. Buy your stamps here for postage usage or as a collectible.

For these shops, it’s best to use a Japanese credit card to not have any transaction issues. 

Bonus: mail from the airport

Both Haneda and Narita airports have mailboxes for last-minute postcards. Send your final postcard before you board your flight home.

At Haneda, look for the post box in the departure lobby near the check-in counters. At Narita, each terminal has a post box in the departure or arrival lobby, and Terminal 1 and 2 also have a full post office counter.

Mailboxes sit before the security checkpoint at every terminal. Send your mail before you pass through security, or you'll miss your chance.

Bonus: Special events

Many limited edition or specialty stamps are sold at a particular location for a limited time during an event.

For example, Doraemon stamps were only available at the Tokyo Solamachi store in March 2022.  

Doraemon stamps limited editions

Following your favorite character’s social media accounts will notify you when these special stores are open and if stamps are sold.

You can also search for your favorite character stamps from any online shop.

Bonus: Skip stamps entirely with Letter Pack

Letter Pack envelopes come at one flat rate, with postage already included. Buy one at a Japan Post office or a convenience store.

Seal your letter or documents inside, then drop it in a post box. No stamp needed, and the price stays the same anywhere in Japan.

Current postage rates (domestic mail, as of Oct 2024)

Mail Type	Standard Postage
Postcard	¥85 (郵便局 | 日本郵便株式会社)
Standard-size letter (up to 50 g)	¥110 (郵便局 | 日本郵便株式会社)
Non-standard/oversize letters (various weights)	See full rate table (e.g. 50 g → ¥140; 100 g → ¥180; up to 1 kg → ¥750) (郵便局 | 日本郵便株式会社)

Postage rates in Japan changed on October 1, 2024. Older stamp denominations remain valid, but you may need to combine multiple stamps to meet current postage rates.

Postcard size limits

Standard postcards sold at post office counters measure 10cm × 14.8cm. If you make your own postcard, keep it within 10.7cm × 15.4cm to qualify for the postcard rate.

A postcard larger than this limit gets charged as a letter instead. Check the size before you buy stamps or drop it in a post box.

Cashless payments for buying stamps in Japan (what you can and cannot use)

Japan may be one of the most cashless-friendly countries in the world—but oddly enough, you can’t always buy stamps with cashless payments.

Location	Cash	Credit Card	Suica/Pasmo
Japan Post Offices	✔ Yes	✔ Usually	✔ Often
Convenience Stores	✔ Yes	❌ Usually No	❌ No (for stamps)
Supermarkets/Dept. Stores	✔ Yes	⚠ Sometimes	⚠ Sometimes
Station Kiosks	✔ Yes	⚠ Limited	✔ Often
Online Stores	❌ No	✔ Yes	–

Here's how payments actually work across different stamp-purchasing locations.

1. Japan Post

At most Japan Post branches, you can use:

✅Accepted:

• Cash

• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, etc.)

• Debit cards

• Suica / Pasmo / Icoca

• PayPay, Line Pay, dBarai (varies by branch)

BUT: Some smaller Japanese post offices still operate with older terminals and may restrict credit card usage for certain postal services. Stamps are usually allowed on cards, but payment policies can differ based on region.

2. Convenience stores (conbini)

Although 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are extremely cashless-friendly for normal purchases, stamps fall under “non-cashless items” in many chains.

Most conbini treat stamps like:

• Prepaid cards

• Gift cards

• Bill payments

• Ticketing services

…and therefore require cash.

What this means for you:

If you're buying stamps at a convenience store:

• 👉 Expect to pay in cash.

• 👉 Even if the store accepts Suica/PayPay for snacks, they may refuse cashless payment for stamps.

3. Supermarkets & department stores

Large chains such as Aeon or Ito-Yokado often sell stamps at:

• ✅Customer service counters

• ✅Gift processing counters

• ✅Tax-free service desks

However, like conbini, some locations restrict cashless payments for stamps.

If allowed, you can typically use:

• Major credit cards

• Some QR payments (PayPay, Rakuten Pay)

But if stamps are categorized as “special items,” they may be cash-only.

4. Station Kiosks (KIOSK, NewDays)

Station kiosks like NewDays may allow:

• Suica / Pasmo

• Cash

Credit cards are hit-or-miss, and some may only accept cash for stamps.

Because these kiosks operate under JR rather than Japan Post, rules vary widely by station.

5. Online stores

Online purchases are the easiest way to ensure cashless payment:

Japan Post online store:

• ✅Credit cards

• ✅Some digital wallets

Rakuten, Mercari, Yushu, etc.:

• ✅Credit cards

• ✅Rakuten Pay

• ✅Digital points

Some sellers require a Japanese credit card to avoid international verification issues.

Tips on how and where to buy stamps in Japan

Tip 1: how to know which stamp to use in Japan

You've probably noticed that Japan has different yen stamps, such as 85 yen and 110 yen stamps.

So how do you know which one to place on your postcard or mail? Here is a simple guide for you:

• 85 yen stamp: for regular postcards

• 110 yen stamp: for standard mail up to 50g

• 140 yen stamp: Non-standard mail up to 50g

For reference, 3-4 pages of A4 paper weighs about 25g. However, you also have to take into account the envelope’s weight and the paper inside the mail.

So it’s best to weigh the entire item together, stamp it with the appropriate stamp, and put it in a Japanese post box.

These stamps are for domestic reference as it will change based on the destination address. When sending international mail, it’s best to go to a Japan Post office where they will attach the correct postage for you. 

(Note: ¥140 also happens to be the international airmail rate for standard-sized letters up to 25g to the USA, but the stamp amounts should not be confused—always check the specific mail type and destination.)

Tip 2: asking for speciality stamps

For regular stamps, saying “切手をください (kitte wo kudasai)” would suffice enough. However, asking for special or limited design stamps is a little more complicated.

Other sources would have you say きれい切手 (kirei kitte), but kirei has two meanings: clean and pretty, with "clean" being used more often as the meaning.

A better phrasing would be 特殊切手 (tokushu kitte), 記念切手 (kinen kitte), or even 限定切手 (gentei kitte), which mean "special stamps," "commemorative stamps," and "limited stamps," respectively.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours for buying stamps in Japan?

Most Japan post offices open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. They close on weekends and national holidays.

Larger post offices, especially in big stations or cities, often have extended hours. Convenience stores stay open 24/7, making them the easiest stamp shop after hours or on holidays.

Bigger branches sometimes use a numbered ticket system at busy times. Take a ticket at the entrance and wait for your number before approaching the counter.

Some larger post offices also have multilingual staff on hand. This varies by location, so don't count on English support at every branch.

Can I buy stamps with a credit card in Japan?

Yes, at most Japan Post offices. Other locations, such as a convenience store or supermarket, usually do not allow credit cards for stamp purchases.

Can I buy envelopes at the same place I buy stamps?

Yes. Envelopes are sold at Japan Post offices, convenience stores, station kiosks, and supermarkets. If you need air mail envelopes, your best option is the Japan Post office, where you can get official "Air Mail" blue and red designs.

How do I send air mail from Japan?

To send air mail, visit a Japanese post office and tell the staff エアメールでお願いします (Eamēru de onegaishimasu).

Will my letter be delivered on the same day if I mail it in Japan?

Generally, postal services don't offer same-day delivery for regular mail. Estimated delivery times for domestic standard mail are generally 2–4 days, though same-prefecture delivery can be as fast as the next day. If you want the fastest option, request 速達 (sokutatsu) service at the post office.

Can I use Suica or Pasmo to purchase stamps?

Only at some Japan Post branches or station kiosks. Almost never at convenience stores.

Where can I purchase stamps without using cash?

Japan Post offices and online stores are the most reliable cashless options.

Where is the cheapest place to buy stamps in Japan?

All stamps cost the same everywhere. Prices are set by Japan Post.

How do I know which stamp to use for a postcard in Japan?

Use an ¥85 stamp for domestic postcards. Use a flat ¥100 stamp for international postcards, no matter the destination country.

This flat rate is different from international letters, which price by zone. Confirm the current rate at your nearest Japan Post counter before sending anything internationally.

In closing 

So now you know where to buy stamps in Japan and how to use them. Whether you are in Japan for the long or short term, these stamps lets you send mail domestically and abroad.