Shipping from Japan to the UK: Cost Table for Japan Post

Japan Post is one of the cheapest methods to send items from Japan to the UK. This article provides a cost breakdown for items you may be planning to ship home. 

Bookmark this page for Japan Post’s pricing charts for any time you need to know shipping costs from Japan to the UK in a hurry.

Note: Japan Post has a number of delivery services. We include each service’s pricing chart in order of fastest delivery speed.

Japan Post EMS pricing: from Japan to the UK

The Japan Post's Express Mail Service (EMS) can get your item from Tokyo to the UK in an average of 5 days.

The dimension requirements:

• Maximum length: 1.5m or less

• Length + Circumference: 2.75m or less

• Maximum weight: 30

Japan Post airmail pricing: from Japan to the UK

The Japan Post's airmail service (航空便 = koukubin) can get your item from Tokyo to the UK in 4 days.

For letters: standard-sized mail

Standard-sized letters = 手紙 定形, tegami teikei, in Japanese.

Dimension requirements for standard-sized letters:

• Long side: 14～23.5cm

• Short side: 9～12cm

• Thickness: up to 1cm

For letters: nonstandard-sized mail

Nonstandard-sized mail = 手紙 定形外, tegami teigai, in Japanese.

Dimension requirements for nonstandard-sized mail:

• Longest side: 60 cm

• Length + Width + Height = 90 cm for rolled item

• Diameter×2 + Length = 104 cm

For small packets

Small packets = 小形包装物, kogata housoubutsu in Japanese.

Dimension requirements for small packets:

• Length + width + thickness = 90 cm (permissible deviation: 2 mm)

• Provided the maximum length is 60 cm (permissible deviation: 2 mm)

Japan Post surface mail pricing: from Japan to the UK

The Japan Post's surface mail service (船便 = funabin) can get your item from Tokyo to the UK in 2 to 3 months. 

For letters: standard-sized mail

Standard-sized mail = 手紙 定形, tegami teikei in Japanese

Dimension requirements for standard-sized mail:

• Long side: 14～23.5cm

• Short side: 9～12cm

• Thickness: up to 1cm

For letters: nonstandard-sized mail

Nonstandard-sized mail = 手紙 定形外, tegami teigai in Japanese.

Dimension requirements for nonstandard-sized mail:

• Longest side: 60 cm

• Length + Width + Height = 90 cm for rolled item

• Diameter×2 + Length = 104 cm

For small packets

Small packets = 小形包装物, kogata housoubutsu in Japanese.

Dimension requirements for small packets:

• Length + width + thickness = 90 cm (permissible deviation: 2 mm)

• Provided the maximum length is 60 cm (permissible deviation: 2 mm)

Japan Post e-packet: a lower-cost tracked alternative

If you want tracking without paying EMS prices, Japan Post's e-packet service is worth considering for items up to 2kg. It's generally priced between airmail small packets and EMS, and unlike ordinary small packets, it includes tracking as standard.

Availability and current pricing for e-packet can vary by destination and change independently of the rates above, so check Japan Post's current e-packet page directly when comparing it against EMS or standard small packet pricing for your specific item.

How does Japan Post compare to couriers like DHL or FedEx?

Courier services such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS are generally faster than EMS and offer more robust tracking and customer support, which makes them a reasonable option for time-sensitive or high-value shipments. They typically cost more than Japan Post's EMS for a comparable package, though exact pricing depends heavily on weight, dimensions, and current promotions, so it's worth getting a live quote from each courier's website rather than relying on a fixed comparison figure.

For most personal shipments where speed isn't critical, Japan Post's EMS, airmail, or surface mail options remain the more affordable choice, which is why this guide focuses on Japan Post's own pricing above.

How to ship from Japan to the UK

Here are the steps to ship your document or parcel from Japan to the UK.

Step 1: Fill out a Japan Post International Parcel Label

Japan Post no longer accepts handwritten letters. Instead, they use EAD, or electronic advanced data, for all countries and territories.

Here’s a step-by-step article on how to fill out a Japan Post International Parcel label.

Step 2: Pack your item

Make sure they are properly sealed for letters, cards, and envelopes.

For parcels, use protective materials such as paper or packing peanuts to absorb shock. Additionally, tape all edges of the cardboard box.

Here are detailed instructions for how to pack your items: How to pack an item .

Step 3: Send your parcel

There are two options when sending your parcel to Japan Post.

Bring the parcel to your nearest Japan Post office if it isn't too heavy. Once the staff has checked everything, you will pay the shipping amount.

However, if the parcel is too heavy, you can call or fill out an online form to have a Japan Post staff visit your location. From there, they will do the checks, and you will pay the amount. 

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to ship from Japan to the UK?

The cost of shipping from Japan to the UK varies depending on the service used and the weight of the package. For example, Japan Post's Express Mail Service (EMS) charges ¥3,150 for a package up to 500g with a delivery time of around 5 days. Airmail costs ¥140 for a standard-sized letter up to 25g, delivered in about 4 days. Surface mail, which is slower, charges ¥120 for the same weight of a letter, with a delivery time of 2 to 3 months.

What's the cheapest shipping method from Japan to the UK?

The cheapest shipping method from Japan to the UK, according to Japan Post's rate table, is surface mail. For a standard-sized letter up to 25 grams, the cost is ¥120, with delivery taking about 2 to 3 months.

What is the difference between airmail and surface mail from Japan to the UK?

Airmail takes about 4 days and costs more, while surface mail takes 2 to 3 months and costs significantly less. Airmail is the better choice for anything time-sensitive, while surface mail works well for non-urgent items where cost matters more than speed.

Does Japan Post offer tracking for shipments to the UK?

EMS includes tracking as standard. E-packet also includes tracking. Ordinary airmail and surface mail letters and small packets don't include tracking by default, though registered mail can be added as an optional extra for an additional fee.

Can I ship to the UK without a Japan Post International Parcel Label?

No. Japan Post requires electronic advance data (EAD) for all international shipments rather than handwritten customs forms, so you'll need to complete a Japan Post International Parcel Label online before sending your item, regardless of which service you use.

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