Japan Post Forwarding and Address Updates
A practical guide to mail forwarding, address changes, delivery, banks, cards, and official notices: rules, counters, documents, timing, costs, and follow-up updates.
JP Post’s moving notification forwards mail from the old address to the new address for 1 year free of charge. It is a bridge while you update banks, cards, utilities, employers, schools, and public offices one by one.
Basic rule
Forwarding usually starts 3 to 7 business days after submission and lasts 1 year. It can be renewed by submitting another JP request. Ordinary mail, registered mail, Yu-Pack, Yu-Mail, and some international mail can be covered.
Items marked “do not forward” are not forwarded. Credit cards, insurance cards, pension notices, tax notices, and election-related mail may be returned to the sender. Private couriers such as Yamato, Sagawa, and some Amazon deliveries are outside this JP service.
How to apply
There are 3 common methods: at a JP counter, by paper form dropped in a mailbox, or online through e-Tenkyo. Counter application usually needs identity documents such as residence card. Online application may require My Number card or face verification.
Enter the old address, new address, forwarding start date, and whether the request covers 1 person or the whole household. For families, include all names that may appear on incoming mail, including old and new surnames if relevant.
Renewal and limits
After 1 year, mail to the old address goes there again or is returned as undeliverable. If you still receive mail there, submit a new request before the old one expires. Set a calendar reminder because JP forwarding will not update every bank or public office for you.
There is no overseas forwarding through this JP service. If you leave Japan, use a tax agent, trusted domestic address, or separate arrangements with each sender instead.
Address changes to handle
Update banks, credit cards, mobile carriers, electricity, gas, water, internet, insurance, pension, employer, school, securities accounts, driver’s license, and online shopping accounts within the first 1 month. The residence card address is updated through municipal procedures, not by JP forwarding.
For driver’s license address change, go to the police station or license center with proof of new address. For bank and card companies, online address changes are common but some require 1 resident record or identity upload.
Common mistakes
Do not move without forwarding; bank and card notices can reach the old resident. Do not assume “do not forward” mail will come to the new address. Do not forget 2 separate groups: private couriers and membership services.
Apply close to the move date and set the forwarding start date carefully. Applying 3 to 7 business days too late leaves a gap; applying too early can send mail away before you have moved.
Useful terms
- Tenkyo todoke: moving notification to Japan Post
- e-Tenkyo: online forwarding application
- Tenso fuyo: do-not-forward handling
- Yu-Pack: Japan Post parcel service
- Tomeoki: temporary mail holding service