Etsy is home to wonderful handmade and vintage items from Japanese makers — kimono-fabric accessories, ceramics, washi paper, vintage cameras and toys. But many Japanese sellers only ship within Japan, so you cannot buy from them directly from abroad.
The item you want says “Ships to Japan only”
Many sellers in Japan do not offer international shipping because customs forms, overseas postage and English support take extra work. That is where a Japanese address helps.
The solution: your own address in Japan
MyLetter.jp has provided Japanese addresses since 2006. Use our address as your shipping address, and we will forward your parcels to you.
- Sign up — you get your own Japanese address with a Box number.
- Enter it as your shipping address on Etsy — for the seller, it is a normal domestic order.
- We tell you when it arrives — through Mybox (your member page, available in English) and by email.
- Request forwarding in Mybox — we ship it to your address abroad (EMS and other services).
Tell us what is coming — “Incoming parcels” in Mybox
Before your parcel arrives, register it in Mybox → Incoming parcels: the shop, item name, quantity, price and tracking number (if you have it). We use this for the customs form (item and value), and if you enter the tracking number, it is matched automatically when the parcel arrives.
- To prepare an accurate customs form and avoid returns, we normally open the parcel, check the contents and weigh it before shipping.
- If you choose “Ship without opening”, we will ship it as it is, without opening.
- If the contents differ from your notice, or include items that cannot be sent, the parcel may be returned before it leaves Japan.
Overseas Free Plan — no monthly base fee (¥0)
If you only need to forward your purchases abroad, choose the Overseas Free Plan. There is no monthly base fee and no ID document is required. You pay only when we forward a parcel.
- Pay only when you forward (see the price list for rates).
- Forwarding to overseas addresses only, for purchased parcels.
- If three months or more pass since your last forwarding, a fee of ¥880 per inactive month applies.
- If you also want letters and documents forwarded, choose the Free or Basic plan (ID document required).
Bundle several shops into one shipment
Parcels from different shops can be packed together and sent in one shipment to save on postage — not only from Etsy, but also from Mercari, Yahoo! Auctions, Rakuten and fan-club shops. See our EMS shipping rates from Japan for postage by country and weight.
Where we can ship (EMS)
EMS reaches more than 120 countries and regions.
| Zone | Main countries and regions |
|---|---|
| Zone 1 | China, South Korea, Taiwan |
| Zone 2 (Asia) | Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India and more |
| Zone 3 | Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, Europe |
| Zone 4 | United States (except Guam, Saipan, Puerto Rico and military APO/FPO/DPO addresses) |
| Zone 5 | Central and South America, Africa |
- In some countries, EMS covers only certain areas (for example the Philippines, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine).
- EMS to some countries is suspended (for example Sierra Leone).
- Acceptance can change. Please check the latest list on Japan Post: EMS Countries and Areas.
Items we cannot forward
Under international mail rules, the following cannot be sent to any country:
- Dangerous goods for air transport — aerosol sprays, perfume, fireworks, some sunscreens, nail polish, hair tonic, electronic cigarettes, power banks / portable chargers and similar items.
- Valuables (not accepted by EMS) — coins, banknotes, bearer securities and traveler’s checks, gold, silver, platinum and precious stones.
- Trading cards (Pokémon, One Piece and others) cannot currently be shipped overseas by EMS. We can forward them only to an address in Japan.
- Alcoholic beverages and lithium batteries (including devices with built-in batteries) can be sent only under certain conditions.
- Some items cannot be imported depending on the destination country (for example certain foods, plants and medicines).
Parcels are X-ray inspected after acceptance, and a parcel containing items that cannot be sent may be returned before it leaves Japan. Please check before you buy: Japan Post — Nonmailable Articles in International Mail. If such an item arrives, we will contact you through Mybox and by email, and you can choose one of the following: forward it to an address in Japan (domestic postage applies), pick it up at our office, return it to the seller (please arrange the return with the shop), or have us dispose of it.
FAQ
Do I have to pay customs duties?
Depending on the rules of your country, duties and taxes may be charged when you receive the parcel. These are paid by the recipient.
The shop needs a Japanese phone number or payment method. What can I do?
Some shops require a Japanese phone number or payment method. Our Japan Shopping Agent service can buy the item for you.
Which address will I get?
With the Overseas Free Plan, you can choose an address in Tokyo (Ginza) or Osaka.
Etsy, Mercari, Yahoo! Auctions and Rakuten are trademarks of their respective owners. MyLetter.jp is not affiliated with them. Please check each shop’s own terms for how to order and shipping conditions.