You ordered something from Japan. The seller gave you a tracking number. You paste it into the Japan Post website, and the screen stares back with a status you have never heard of. What does ‘Departure from Outward Office of Exchange’ actually mean? Why has nothing updated in five days? Is your package lost?
Track Your Order
You are not alone. Japan Post moves millions of packages every year to over 120 countries, and their tracking system uses official postal terminology that most people have never encountered before. The updates stop during transit, restart at customs, and sometimes show confusing statuses like ‘Retention’ or ‘Held by Import Customs’ without explanation.
This guide breaks everything down plainly. You will know exactly how to track your package, what every status means, how to read your tracking number, and what to do when things go wrong.
How to Track a Japan Post Package: Step by Step
Tracking a Japan Post package takes less than two minutes once you have the tracking number ready.
Using the Official Japan Post Website
- Open your browser and go to trackings.post.japanpost.jp
- Click the language selector at the top right and choose English if needed.
- Enter your tracking number in the search field. You can enter up to 30 numbers at once, separated by spaces or new lines.
- Click Search and wait a few seconds.
- Your results will show a full timeline of scans with dates, times, and locations.
The official site gives you the most current and complete data directly from Japan Post’s system. It is always the best starting point.
Using Third-Party Tracking Tools
Several reliable third-party platforms also track Japan Post shipments. These are useful when your package has been handed off to a local carrier in the destination country:
- 17TRACK (17track.net): Supports bulk tracking and auto-detects the carrier.
- AfterShip: Good for eCommerce buyers who track multiple orders.
- TrackingMore: Offers API access for sellers and businesses.
- Ship24: Continues tracking across USPS, Royal Mail, Australia Post, and 1,500 other couriers if Japan Post hands off the package.
Third-party tools are especially helpful for international shipments that transfer to local postal services after arriving in the destination country.
Tracking via the USPS Website (US Recipients)
If you are in the United States waiting for a Japan Post package, you can also enter the original Japan Post tracking number directly on the USPS website. USPS often picks up the same tracking ID once the package arrives in the US and scans it into their system.
Japan Post Tracking Number Formats Explained
Before you can track anything, you need to recognize what a valid tracking number looks like. Japan Post uses different formats for different service types.
International Mail Tracking Numbers
All international tracking numbers follow this structure: 2 letters + 9 digits + JP. The format is exactly 13 characters long. Here are the common prefixes and what they mean:
| Prefix | Service Type | Example |
| EE or EM | EMS (Express Mail Service) | EE123456789JP |
| RR or RA | Registered Air Mail / Small Packets | RA123456789JP |
| CD or CX | International Parcels (Air) | CD123456789JP |
| LX or LZ | International Letter Post | LX123456789JP |
| RR | SAL (Surface Air Lifted) Registered | RR987654321JP |
Important note from Japan Post: Barcode numbers beginning with ‘U’ (such as UL123456789JP) are not tracking numbers. These are customs declaration identifiers attached to small packets treated as ordinary mail. Entering them into the tracking system will return no results.
Domestic Mail Tracking Numbers
For packages sent within Japan, the format is different. Domestic tracking numbers are typically 12 digits long with no letter prefix or country code. You will find this number on the top right corner of a Yu-Pack waybill, on the peel-off slip of a Letter Pack envelope, or on your receipt at the post office counter.
Japan Post Services That Include Tracking
Not every Japan Post service includes a tracking number. Knowing which services are trackable saves you from searching for a number that does not exist.
Domestic Services
| Service | Trackable | Max Weight | Notes |
| Yu-Pack | Yes | 25 kg (30 kg special) | Most popular domestic parcel service. Next-day delivery between major cities. |
| Letter Pack Light | Yes | 4 kg | Blue A4 flat-rate envelope. Delivered to mailbox. Available 7 days a week. |
| Letter Pack Plus | Yes | 4 kg | Red A4 flat-rate envelope. Requires face-to-face delivery with signature. |
| Registered Mail | Yes | Varies | Best for important documents. Compensation included. |
| Yu-Packet | Yes | 1 kg | Economy option for small items. |
| Standard Letters / Postcards | No | Varies | No tracking available on unregistered mail. |
| Yu-Mail | No | 1 kg | Economy untracked option for printed materials and media. |
International Services
| Service | Trackable | Destinations | Delivery Time (from Japan) |
| EMS | Yes | 120+ countries | 2 to 7 days for most destinations |
| Cool EMS | Yes | Select Asia destinations | 2 to 4 days; temperature-controlled |
| International Parcel (Air) | Yes | Worldwide | 7 to 14 days |
| ePacket / ePacket Light | Yes | Select destinations | 7 to 21 days |
| Registered Air Mail | Yes | Worldwide | 10 to 21 days |
| SAL (Surface Air Lifted) | Yes (registered only) | Worldwide | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Surface Mail | No (unless registered) | Worldwide | 1 to 3 months |
| Unregistered Small Packets | No | Worldwide | Varies; no tracking provided |
Where to Find Your Japan Post Tracking Number
The tracking number location depends on which service was used. Here is exactly where to look for each:
- Letter Pack Light and Letter Pack Plus: A small perforated strip on the envelope labeled in Japanese (detach before sending). The tracking number is printed here. If you are the recipient, ask the sender for this number or check your order confirmation email.
- Yu-Pack: Top right corner of the waybill sticker attached to the package. The sender keeps a copy with the same number.
- EMS: Printed on the EMS label attached to the package. Also visible in the sender’s Japan Post ‘International Mail My Page’ account under Shipping History.
- International Parcels and Registered Mail: On the sender’s dispatch receipt or the copy of the customs form given at the post office counter.
- Online orders from Japan: Check your shipping confirmation email. Most Japanese retailers include the tracking number in the email once the package ships.
If you received a ‘U’-prefix number such as UL123456789JP, this is not a tracking number. It is a customs barcode attached to unregistered small packets. These items cannot be tracked in the Japan Post system.
Japan Post Tracking Status Guide: What Every Message Means
This is where most confusion happens. Japan Post uses formal postal terminology in their tracking updates. Here is a plain-language explanation of every major status you might see.
Statuses You See While the Package Is Still in Japan
| Status | What It Means | What to Expect Next |
| Posting / Collection | Japan Post has accepted the package at a post office counter or collected it from the sender. | Processing within 24 hours. |
| Processing at Dispatch Post Office | The package is being sorted and prepared for dispatch at the origin post office. | Departure scan within 1 to 2 days. |
| Arrival at Outward Office of Exchange | The package has arrived at one of Japan’s international exchange offices (airports like Tokyo Narita, Osaka KIX). | It will board the next available flight to your country. |
| Departure from Outward Office of Exchange | The package has left Japan and is in the air. | No updates until it lands in the destination country. |
Statuses You See After the Package Leaves Japan
| Status | What It Means | What to Expect Next |
| Arrival at Inward Office of Exchange | The package has landed in your country and been received by the inward postal exchange office. | Customs inspection begins. Redirect inquiries to your local post office from this point. |
| Item Presented to Import Customs | Your country’s customs authority is inspecting the package. | Processing takes 1 to 12 days depending on country. May require you to pay duties. |
| Item Returned from Import Customs | Customs has cleared the package and returned it to the postal stream. | Heading to your nearest post office. |
| Departure from Inward Office of Exchange | The package has left the exchange facility and is moving toward your delivery area. | Delivery within 1 to 5 business days. |
| Processing at Delivery Post Office | Your local post office is preparing the final delivery. | Expect delivery the same day or next business day. |
| Delivered to Addressee | Package has been delivered. | Delivery complete. |
| Attempted Delivery / Addressee Absent | A delivery attempt was made but no one was home. | A notice will be left. Contact your local post office to reschedule. |
| Retention | The package is being held at a post office. Usually means a failed delivery or customs hold. | Contact your local post office immediately with your tracking number. |
| Held by Import Customs | Customs is actively holding the package. May require documentation or payment from you. | Contact your customs office directly. |
Why Japan Post Tracking Stops Updating (And When to Worry)
Tracking gaps are one of the most common concerns for people waiting on a package from Japan. The good news is that most gaps are completely normal.
Normal Gaps That Require No Action
- After ‘Departure from Outward Office of Exchange’: The package is on a flight. There are no scans in the air. Updates resume when the plane lands and the package is scanned at the inward office. This gap can be 1 to 7 days.
- During customs processing: Customs facilities do not always scan packages until the inspection is complete. A gap of 5 to 14 days at this stage is normal for most countries. Some countries like Brazil and Mexico can take several weeks.
- Surface mail shipments: If you or the sender chose surface mail (by ship), there are no updates for 2 to 3 months while the shipping container is at sea.
- SAL (Surface Air Lifted): Slower than airmail and may take 2 to 3 weeks with limited scans.
- Holidays and weekends: Postal scanning pauses on Japanese national holidays and in some countries on weekends.
When the Tracking Gap Is a Problem
- No update for more than 7 days after your package should have cleared customs.
- No update for more than 30 days total from the shipment date for EMS or air mail.
- Status has been ‘Retention’ for several days with no movement.
- Status shows ‘Returned to Sender’ but you did not receive a return notification.
Common Japan Post Tracking Problems and How to Fix Them
Problem: Tracking Number Returns No Results
This happens most often in the first 24 to 72 hours after shipping. Japan Post’s system can take up to 3 business days to register a new tracking number. Check again after 72 hours.
Also verify the number format. A valid international tracking number is exactly 13 characters: 2 letters + 9 digits + JP. Numbers starting with ‘U’ cannot be tracked. Numbers with 14 digits or a 3-letter prefix are not standard Japan Post tracking numbers.
Problem: Stuck at ‘Arrival at Outward Office of Exchange’ for Days
This means the package is waiting at the Japanese airport for a flight. Flight availability, holidays, and volume spikes all cause delays here. Give it 5 to 7 days. If it has not moved after 10 days, contact Japan Post directly at 0570-046-111. English language support is available.
Problem: Stuck at Customs for Two Weeks or More
First contact your local customs office with your tracking number. They can tell you if there is a duty to pay, additional documentation required, or an inspection underway. Do not wait for them to contact you. In many countries customs will not proactively notify you about a held package.
If customs clears the package but tracking still does not update, contact your local post office. Some countries, including Canada and Australia, do not always scan ePacket shipments at every stage.
Problem: Status Shows ‘Delivered’ But Package Has Not Arrived
First check with household members, neighbors, and building reception. Some delivery drivers mark a package as delivered when they leave a notice or place it in a communal area. If no one has the package, contact your local post office branch within 48 hours and bring the tracking number. Japan Post holds returned or undeliverable packages for up to 15 days.
Problem: Status Shows ‘Returned to Sender’
This can be a false status in some countries. Japan Post’s official notice page confirms that in Germany, the US, and France, packages are sometimes incorrectly labeled ‘returned’ in the system while actually still being delivered. Check the prefecture field in the tracking details. If it shows a foreign country name rather than a Japanese one, the package is still abroad, not back in Japan.
If it is genuinely returned, the sender should receive the package back and can arrange a reshipping. Contact the original seller with your tracking number.
How to File a Claim for Lost or Damaged Japan Post Packages
When a package is confirmed lost or arrives damaged, you have the right to file a compensation claim with Japan Post. Here is how the process works.
Step 1: File a Search Request First
Before a claim, Japan Post requires that an investigation be opened. Visit the post office where the item was originally sent and request an investigation. Japan Post’s internal investigation process typically takes between 1 and 6 months.
Step 2: Gather Your Documentation
- Completed Compensation Claim Form (available at any Japan Post counter).
- All original packaging materials including the box, envelope, and wrapping. Discarding packaging invalidates your claim for damaged items.
- The damaged contents themselves must be available for inspection.
- Your original shipping receipt with the tracking number.
Step 3: Contact Japan Post Customer Support
Japan Post’s customer support line is 0570-046-111. English language support is available. This is the primary contact point for initiating claims and following up on investigations. For international mail claims, Japan Post also maintains dedicated resources at their official international mail information pages.
Compensation Limits
| Service | Standard Compensation | Additional Insurance Available |
| EMS | Included for loss and damage | Yes, optional extra for higher value items |
| Yu-Pack (Domestic) | Actual value up to 30,000 JPY | Additional security service above that amount |
| Registered Mail | Declared insured value | Depends on declared amount |
| Standard Air Mail (Unregistered) | None | Not available |
| Important: Handwritten Labels No Longer Accepted (March 2024)
As of March 1, 2024, Japan Post no longer accepts handwritten labels for any international mail sent from Japan to any destination worldwide.
Senders must use the Japan Post ‘International Mail My Page Service’ to print labels digitally. This change was introduced to improve customs processing speed and reduce delays.
If you are ordering from a small seller or individual shipper in Japan, make sure they are aware of this requirement. Packages sent with handwritten labels may be rejected or delayed. |
Japan Post Delivery Times: A Realistic Guide
Delivery estimates from Japan Post are guides, not guarantees. Customs delays, seasonal demand spikes, and weather can all affect actual delivery.
| Service | Japan to Asia | Japan to North America | Japan to Europe | Japan to Australia |
| EMS | 2 to 4 days | 5 to 7 days | 5 to 10 days | 5 to 10 days |
| International Parcel (Air) | 5 to 10 days | 10 to 16 days | 10 to 18 days | 10 to 18 days |
| ePacket | 7 to 14 days | 14 to 21 days | 14 to 28 days | 14 to 28 days |
| SAL Registered | 2 to 3 weeks | 3 to 5 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Surface Mail | 1 to 2 months | 2 to 3 months | 2 to 3 months | 2 to 3 months |
Tokyo to Osaka by Yu-Pack: typically next business day. Honshu to Hokkaido or Okinawa: approximately 2 days. Yu-Packet and Yu-Mail carry no guaranteed delivery date but usually arrive within 1 to 3 days for domestic shipments.
Also Read :Â Better Trucks Tracking: How to Track Your Package, Decode Every Status (2026)
Expert Tips for Smoother Japan Post Tracking
- Always write down your tracking number immediately. Japan Post tracking numbers are printed on sender receipts and labels that can be lost. Save yours in a note or email before the parcel leaves your hands.
- Check both Japan Post and your local postal carrier’s website. Once the package arrives in your country, your domestic postal service (USPS, Royal Mail, Australia Post, etc.) may have better local scan data using the same tracking number.
- Track your package at least once a week. Some delivery offices hold undelivered packages for only 7 to 15 days before returning them to the sender. If tracking shows a delivery attempt notice, act within 48 hours.
- Use Ship24 or 17TRACK for cross-carrier tracking. These platforms automatically continue following a package after it transfers to a local carrier, so you do not lose visibility mid-journey.
- For EMS shipments, tracking updates typically appear within 1 to 3 days. For standard airmail, allow 2 to 7 days between updates. Surface mail can show no activity for several weeks.
- If your tracking shows ‘Retention’, contact your local post office that same day. This status often means customs needs documentation or payment from you, and delays here can cause the package to be returned.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering a ‘U’ prefix number as a tracking number. Numbers starting with U are customs barcodes, not tracking IDs.
- Assuming the package is lost after 5 days with no update. Most international shipments show a gap of several days during transit. Do not file a claim prematurely.
- Contacting Japan Post about a package that is already in the destination country. Once the package reaches the inward exchange office, Japan Post in Japan has no control over it. Contact your local postal carrier instead.
- Discarding packaging materials before a claim is resolved. Original packaging is required for damage claims and losing it can void your compensation.
- Trusting the ‘delivered’ status without checking locally first. Some countries incorrectly update status during delivery attempts. Always check with neighbors and your post office before reporting non-delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track a Japan Post package by address?
No. Japan Post tracking requires a tracking number. You cannot look up a package using just a recipient address.
What is the difference between EMS and International Parcel Post?
EMS is Japan Post’s fastest international service, delivering to over 120 countries in 2 to 7 days with full tracking and compensation included. International Parcel Post is slower and less expensive, typically taking 10 to 18 days. Both include tracking, but EMS receives priority handling at both the Japanese and destination country ends.
Why does my tracking number work on the Japan Post site but not on my local postal service’s site?
Your local postal service needs to scan the package into their system before it appears in their tracking. This usually happens 1 to 3 days after the package arrives in your country. Try again after a few days, or use a multi-carrier tool like 17TRACK or Ship24, which can pull data from both systems at once.
My package says ‘Arrival at Inward Office of Exchange’ but nothing has happened for two weeks. What should I do?
Check your local customs authority’s website or call them directly with your tracking number. The package may be awaiting a customs duty payment or additional documentation. In some countries this process happens silently with no notification to the recipient.
Can I request redelivery for a missed Japan Post package?
If the package is still within Japan, yes. Japan Post allows redelivery requests online, by phone, or via the slip left by the delivery driver. Enter your tracking number on the Japan Post redelivery page and specify your preferred date and time. For packages already in the destination country, contact your local postal carrier.
Does Japan Post deliver on Sundays and holidays?
Yes, several Japan Post services deliver on Sundays and holidays within Japan. These include EMS, Letter Pack Plus, Letter Pack Light, Yu-Pack, Registered Mail, and Delivery Date-Specified Mail.
What does ‘Retention’ mean on Japan Post tracking?
Retention means your package is being held at a post office or customs facility. This happens when a delivery attempt fails and the recipient does not collect the package, or when customs is waiting for documentation or payment. Contact your local post office with your tracking number as soon as possible. Japan Post generally holds packages for 7 to 15 days before returning them to the sender.
How do I contact Japan Post in English?
Japan Post’s main customer support number is 0570-046-111. English language support is available. This line handles general inquiries, redelivery arrangements, and claims initiation. Note that this number may not be accessible from outside Japan. If you are contacting from overseas about an international shipment, it is usually more effective to contact your local postal carrier or customs office, as they have jurisdiction over the package once it has arrived in your country.
What happens if Japan Post loses my package?
First submit a search or tracking inquiry at your nearest Japan Post office. Japan Post will open an internal investigation that typically takes 1 to 6 months. If the investigation confirms the package is lost, you can file a compensation claim with a completed Compensation Claim Form. Compensation limits vary by service type. EMS includes basic loss and damage coverage, while unregistered standard mail offers no compensation.
Why did my Japan Post tracking say ‘Returned to Sender’ even though I am still waiting for the package?
This is a known system error in certain countries. Japan Post officially acknowledges that in Germany, France, and the United States, tracking statuses are sometimes entered incorrectly, and a package marked as ‘Returned to Sender’ may actually still be in transit or delivered. Look at the prefecture or country field in the tracking details. If it shows the name of your country rather than a Japanese prefecture, the package has not returned to Japan and you should wait or contact your local post office.
