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.

Who can buy Japanese stamps?

Residents and tourists can buy stamps in Japan. Depending on the location, tourists can get Japanese stamps tax-free. 

Can I use Japanese stamps abroad?

You can only use Japanese stamps to mail items in Japan.

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, but the total amount varies depending on the destination location. For example, letters to South Korea would need 120円 stamp. While for America it will be 140円 yen stamp. 

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

However, if you're unsure which stamp to use, you can go to your local post office where they will attach the correct stamp postage.

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.

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 Japan Post office is the number one place in Japan to get stamps.

The 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), which are hometown special stamps for the local area.

At the counter, you can request extra postal services for your mail. Most international mail is air mail, but you can request express mail service at an additional cost. Surface mail is also an option at a lower but slower cost.

2. Convenience Stores

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

Japanese convenience stores, also known as conbini, have stamped 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, (I would like) stamps, please.

The staff will then ask how many, and you can hold 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.

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.

• Yuubin Syumi: a site that officers Japanese and foreign stamps for postage usage or as a collectible.

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

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.

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 63 yen and 84 yen stamps.

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

• 63円 stamp: for regular postcards

• 84円 stamp: for standard mail up to 25g

• 94円 stamp: for standard mail up to 50g

• 120円 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. 

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 means special stamps, commemorative stamps and limited stamps respectively.

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.