Wakkanai (稚内市) is the northernmost city in Japan, located in the Sōya Sub Prefecture of Hokkaido. With a population of approximately 31,195 as of August 2023, it is a key transportation hub for access to nearby Cape Soya, the northernmost point in Japan, and the offshore islands of Rishiri and Rebun. Historically, Wakkanai has served as an important military base and port, particularly during World War II. Today, the city is known for its unique attractions such as the North Breakwater Dome, Cape Noshappu with its scenic lighthouse and aquarium, and various monuments commemorating its rich history. Wakkanai's economy is largely supported by tourism, fishing, and seaweed harvesting, with its challenging weather contributing to its nickname as the "Windy City".


💻 Wakkanai City Official Government Website

Start with the postal code, the prefecture, the city, the district, and then the number of the block and housing unit. Then end with the person’s name.
Here’s an example of how to write a Japanese address in English.
〒170-3293
Tokyo
Ginza, Chuo-ku
5-2-1
Mr. Taro Tanaka

For more information on how to write a Japanese address, see this article.


To type the Japanese postal code, first type the character code '3012.' Then press ALT + X and Japan's postal code symbol will appear.


To obtain an address in Wakkanai for receiving mail, sign up for a virtual address service like MailMate. MailMate provides you with a mailing address for receiving Japanese mail and packages. MailMate can also be used for company registration in Wakkanai, along with mail handling for Japanese properties (e.g., akiya, Airbnb, minpaku, etc.)


There are two types of PO boxes available in Wakkanai. The first type of PO box is provided by Wakkanai Post and is only available for individuals with a daily volume of mail. The second type of PO box is provided by private services with no limits on daily mail volume. Learn more about how to open a PO box in Japan.


Japan Post offers Standard Mail for regular letters and small parcels, typically delivered in 2-3 days. Express Mail speeds this up to 1-2 days. Registered Mail adds tracking and insurance, requiring a signature on delivery. Yu-Pack handles larger parcels with tracking and insurance, delivered in 1-3 days. Letter Pack provides flat-rate options for documents and small items, with tracking available. EMS is for international express delivery, offering fast service to over 120 countries. Non-Standard Mail covers items exceeding standard size and weight limits. Private couriers like Yamato Transport's Takkyubin offer domestic and international parcel delivery with tracking. Sagawa Express provides similar services, including same-day delivery and refrigerated shipping. International couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer express delivery with tracking and insurance. Specialized services include Cool TA-Q-BIN for refrigerated items, Yu-Mail for books and CDs, and Smart Letter for small documents. These options cover varying needs for speed, cost, and security. For more information on international shipping options, check out this article.


To send mail or packages from Wakkanai to your home country using Japan Post, costs vary based on the service type and parcel weight. For Airmail, rates range from ¥2,050 for a 1kg parcel to ¥64,850 for a 30kg parcel. Surface Mail is cheaper, starting at ¥1,800 for a 1kg parcel to ¥21,000 for a 30kg parcel, but it takes longer. Factors affecting costs include weight, distance, and chosen service. Discounted rates are available for bulk shipments. For detailed rates and more information, visit the article here.


For sending mail and packages from Wakkanai via Japan Post, the weight limit is 30 kg for most services. The size restrictions include a maximum combined length and girth of 3 meters (300 cm). For smaller parcels, the combined length and girth should not exceed 2 meters (200 cm). Specific dimensions and weight limits may vary depending on the service chosen (Airmail, Surface Mail, etc.). For detailed information, refer to the article here.


To print an international parcel label for Japan Post, start by creating an account on Japan Post's International Mail My Page Service. Register both sender and recipient information, then select the desired shipping service, such as EMS or Airmail. Input the shipment details, including content description, shipping date, and parcel weight. After reviewing and confirming all entered information, use the provided printer icon to print the label. For more details, refer to this article.