“Is there a service where I can register just my resident record in Tokyo?” “I live outside Tokyo, but I want a Tokyo address.” For people asking these questions, MyLetter.jp, which provides address services in Ginza, explains clearly what you can and cannot do.
The short answer: even in Tokyo, your resident record (juminhyo) can only be registered where you actually live
By law (the Basic Resident Register Act), your resident record (juminhyo) must be registered at the place where you actually live. Even with a Ginza address, you cannot move your resident record to a private mailbox, rental address or virtual office address. It also cannot be used for notifications to government offices, as the destination for a Japan Post change-of-address notice, or for financial procedures such as bank accounts.
That said, most of the reasons people want a Tokyo address can be met without moving your resident record. Here they are by purpose.
By purpose: what a Ginza address can do
I want to start a business in Tokyo or put my company address in Ginza
The Ginza address (Ginza 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) can be used as your company’s head office address for company registration (Company Registration Plan, 4,980 yen a month, tax included). Even if you live outside Tokyo, you can put a “Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo” address on your business cards, website and invoices. Mail that arrives is bundled and forwarded to your home.
I run an online shop or side business and do not want to show my home address
You can use the Ginza address instead of your home address for the disclosures required under the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions for online shops, and for flea market apps and business cards. You can start from 990 yen a month (tax included).
I live overseas and want to receive mail and parcels from Japan
We notify you of mail that arrives at the Ginza address with a photo, and forward it overseas by EMS (international express mail) or other services on your instructions. We accept customers living in the United States and forwarding to the United States at the Ginza address. We also provide guidance on the customs duty (Zonos) procedure for shipments to the US.
I want someone to hold my large parcels for a while (Ginza-only option)
Need someone to hold a big online-shopping box until you return to Japan or arrive? You can use the Large Parcel Storage Option, available only at the Ginza address (up to size 160, up to 3 boxes, up to 3 months). For details, see Large Parcel Storage Option.
Ginza address fees and how to use it
| Plan | Monthly fee (tax included) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan (same-day shipping) | 990 yen | Those who want items forwarded as soon as they arrive |
| Free Week Plan (weekly auto-forwarding) | 1,880 yen | Those who want items forwarded together on the weekend |
| Basic Plan (21-day storage) | 1,980 yen | Those who want up to 21-day storage and forwarding when needed |
| Company Registration Plan | 4,980 yen | Those who want to register a company at the Ginza address |
| Business Plan | 5,980 yen | Those who also want bundled packing, phone forwarding and fax-to-email forwarding |
When we forward your items, the actual shipping cost and a forwarding fee are charged separately. The Ginza address does not offer counter pickup, so all items we receive are delivered to you by forwarding. For details, see Ginza private mailbox and address rental.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can I use a Tokyo (Ginza) address while living in another part of Japan?
A. Yes. Your resident record stays where you live, and you can use the Ginza address as the place to receive mail, as the address on your business cards and online shop, and as your company registration address.
Q. Can I pick up mail at a counter in Ginza?
A. No. The Ginza address does not offer counter pickup. We forward items to the address you specify.
Q. Do you also have addresses in Osaka and Sendai?
A. Yes. We also have addresses in Osaka (Nishi-honmachi) and Sendai (Miyagino-ku). For Osaka, see also Is there a service that just holds your resident record? (Osaka).
