Need more help with Japanese vocabulary about post offices in Japan? In this cheat sheet, we have listed some common phrases and words for you to use there.
We have included terminology on how to send a Japanese postcard and deliveries.
There are various ways to which one can go about sending an overseas parcel from Japan. International package delivery is mainly split into four ways: EMS, Airmail, SAL and surface mail. Each delivery company is different based on its service and pricing.
Click here for more information more the different mailing methods.
It is important to thank the service staff for helping you by a simple “Arigato gozaimasu (Thank you)” or “Otsukaresama deshita (Thank you for your hard work)“. This is a kind gesture to express gratitude for their efforts.
If you wish to have a short-term study in Tokyo, Check out our 3-month intensive Japanese courses. Also, feel free to send us an inquiry if you have any questions!
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Need more help with Japanese vocabulary about post offices in Japan? In this cheat sheet, we have listed some common phrases and words for you to use there.
Japan has one of the best postal services in the world, and there are approximately 24,000 post offices in Japan. Post offices in Japan also offer financial services such as banking and insurancethat allow the withdrawal of money using a foreign-issued credit card or cash card.
Japanese post offices are open Monday-Friday 9 am–5 pm for mail and Monday-Friday 9 am–4 pm for other services.
Japanese vocabulary can be difficult to learn, but practice makes perfect. This is part one of the cheat sheet for the Japanese post office vocabulary, so make sure you follow up for part two.
Japanese Post Office Vocabulary Sentence Examples
Here is how you form basic sentences with the terminology:
Example 1:
ゆうじんにはがきをおくるためにゆうびんきょくにいきました。
yūjin ni hagaki wo okuru tame ni yūbinkyoku ni ikimashita.
I went to the post office to send my friend a postcard.
Example 2:
こづつみがとどいたときにはいえにいなかったため、ゆうびんポストにふざいひょうがとどいてました。
kozutsumi ga todoita toki ni ie ni inakatta tame, yūbin posuto ni fuzaihyō ga todoitemashita.
I was not home when my parcel arrived, so a delivery notice was delivered to my mail box.
Japanese Post Office Vocabulary –
Japanese
Pronunciation
Meaning
ゆうびんきょく
yūbinkyoku
Post Office
ポスト
posuto
Mailbox
ふうとう
fūtō
Envelope
はがき
hagaki
Postcard
こづつみ
kozutsumi
Parcel
てがみ
tegami
Letter
いんさつぶつ
insatsubutsu
Printed matter
かきとめ
kakitome
Registered mail
こうくうびん
kōkūbin
Air mail
ふなびん
funabin
Sea mail
ふざいひょう
fuzaihyō
Delivery notice
にもつ
nimotsu
Package
そうりょう
sōryō
Shipping fee
われもの
waremono
Fragile
If you wish to have a short-term study in Tokyo, Check out our 3-month intensive Japanese courses. Also, feel free to send us an inquiry if you have any questions!
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If you are a new resident to Japan – visiting the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau (東京入国管理局) / (Tokyo Immigration Office) is likely something that you will have to do.
In this blog post we hope to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Immigration in Tokyo and to give you vocabulary that you will need while visiting.
Useful Vocabulary for the Tokyo Immigration Office
Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) –Zairyu Shikaku Nintei Shomeisho – (在留資格認定証明書)
Application for Extension of Period of Stay – Zairyū kikan kōshin kyoka shinsei-sho – (在留期間更新許可申請書)
Application for Change of Status of Residence – Zairyū shikaku henkō kyoka shinsei-sho – (在留資格変更許可申請書)
Application for Permanent Residence – Eijū kyoka shinsei-sho – (永住許可申請書)
Apply for a visa. – Biza o toru – (ビザをとる)
For a Japanese visa to expire – Biza ga kireru – (ビザが切れる)
To update your visa – Biza o koshin suru – (ビザを更新する)
To apply for your visa – Biza o shinseisuru – (ビザを申請する)
Period of Extension – Kikan o encho suru – (期間を延長する)
You may need to ask your manager to take a half-day off when you visit the Tokyo Immigration Office. The Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau is only open Weekdays during regular business hours. This means that you will have to leave work or take time off.
Here is an example dialogue that will teach you how to ask your manager in Japanese for a half-day off to visit Immigration.
Example Dialogue – (While at work speaking with a colleague about the Immigration Office):
A：もうすぐビザが切れちゃうから、また入管に更新に行かないといけない。 Mōsugu biza ga kire chaukara, mata nyūkan ni kōshin ni ikanaito ikenai.
My visa will expire soon – so I will have to visit immigration to update it.
B: じゃあ、部長に言って半休とった方がいいよ。すごく込むから朝早く行った方がいいって、ジョンさんが言ってた. Jā, buchō ni itte hankyū totta kata ga ī yo. Sugoku komukara asa hayaku itta ho ga ītte, Jon-san ga itteta.
Well then, you better ask your manager for half-day off. John was saying that its better to get there really early because it gets very crowded.
A: うん、そうする。部長になんて言ったらいいかな。 Un,-sō suru. Buchō ni nante ittara ī ka na.
I will do that. What is the best way to ask the director?
B: 「すみません、入管にビザ更新の手続きをしに行かないといけないので、来週半休をいただいてもいいでしょうか。」 Sumimasen, nyūkan ni biza kōshin no tetsudzuki o shi ni ikanaito ikenainode, raishū hankyū o itadaite mo īdeshou ka.
“I’m sorry I have to visit the immigration office to apply for a visa renewal, so may I have a half-day off next week?”
A: ありがとう！ Arigatou!
Thanks!
F.A.Q. Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau
Where is the Tokyo Immigration Office?
(東京入国管理局)
Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau
5 Chome-5-30 Kōnan, Minato-ku, Tōkyō-to 108-8255
Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau is located in Konan – and is most easily accessible by Bus from the Konan exit of Shinagawa station. Once you exit from the Konan Side – passing Atre, you will see marked signs directing you to walk left on the elevated walkway and walk down the stairs to the
Where is the bus stop at Shinagawa (品川) Station?
The Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau Bus is the #8 bus – which can be found by going left on the walkway and taking the stairs down in-front of the family mart from the Konan (East) exit of Shinagawa (品川) Station. You can see how to get there from the image above – as well as the google map below – all of the blue bus icons are different stops and you will see the #8 bus marked as in the photo above.
What time should I arrive?
Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau normally has a line of people waiting for it to open starting from 7:30 most mornings. Mondays and Fridays are especially busy due to it not being open on weekends.
The counters that accept applications for Visa Extensions and Certificate of Eligibility open from 8:30 and the Counters processing visa extensions open from 9:00. Applications are assigned a number and are handled on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Our advice would be to arrive early with all of your documents prepared – and wait outside in the line for early applications. In our experience If you receive a application number lower than 50 – you should not have to wait more than 1 hour to be processed. Line of lucky people waiting for Immigration to open.
What documents do I need for my Japanese Visa application?
We can’t give specific advice because it depends on what you are applying for but generally you will need the following:
Passport Photo (Taken within the past 3 months)
Filled Application Form (Varies based on application type)
Supporting Application Documents (Varies based on application type)
Food! 😉 There is a Family Mart on the first floor of the immigration center – but there is nothing surrounding it – meaning long lines and potentially missed call numbers for your application. We recommend that you bring some water and snacks with you so that you don’t have to wait in a long line at family mart. We would also recommend to bring something to read as wait times are unpredictable.
Are you a expat / foreign professional in Tokyo? Coto Japanese Academy helps many foreign professionals with their Japanese learning. Click below to learn more!
December and January are the busiest times for the Japanese post offices and it all come to one reason: the tradition of New Year‘s postcards (nengajo). And yes, it’s probably the biggest item on the calendar of annual events!
New Year wishes postcard: 年賀状
年賀状 is composed of year 年, congratulations 賀 and 状, meaning circumstances. With the New Year approaching, thoughts wanders towards families, relatives and close ones. The tradition is rooted in history, when people needed to let others, whom they did not often meet, that they were alright.
In spite of Japanese people’s love for smartphones, tablets, and computers, hand written 年賀状 remains a strong tradition. Of course, people can also buy the cards at stationaries or post offices, but making your own is a real pleasure and show how much you’ve thought about the person. Most of the printed postcards will have Chinese zodiac sign of the new year, along with conventional greetings.
Handling postcards the Japanese Way
年賀状 are a yearly challenge for Japanese post office. Indeed, they guarantee the delivery on January 1st for all postcards posted before the end of December. To accomplish such enormous task, special postboxes are installed. Afterwards, workers hired specially for the season will sort all the 年賀状. Postcards will be stored until New Year.
Check out our other blog posts on Japanese New Year:
You’re thinking of sending a 年賀状 to your Japanese friends? Doing your own 年賀状 is the perfect way to demonstrate your handwriting skills. Here a few greetings you could use.
今年もよろしくお願いします。I hope for your favor again in the coming year. This is also one of the ways in which you can wish others a Happy New Year!
(新年)あけましておめでとうございます。 Happiness to you on the dawn [of a New Year]
旧年中はお世話になりました。Thank you for everything you did last year.
ご健勝とご多幸をお祈り申し上げます。Wishing your family good health and happiness.
年始のご挨拶を申し上げます。A New Year’s greeting to you.
We’ve compiled a few greetings words, called 賀詞, suitable for friendly relations. Keep in mind not to use them when you’re writing to your boss or elder.
謹賀新年 Happy New Year
賀正 Happy New Year
初春 Early spring
迎春 Welcome spring
A Last Word
Traditions don’t come without rules. Japanese have better be careful with their address book as one should never send a 年賀状 to someone who lost a family member over the past year. To avoid an impair, the family of the deceased will have to send a mourning card, 喪中葉 to let friends and relatives know not to send a greetings card.
Check out our other blog posts on Japanese New Year:
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
Many challenges await expatriates in Japan. The small actions of daily life may become mountains to cross, and one of them is dealing with the Japanese post office. Sending a letter might not be difficult, but sending a package can prove to be quite challenging.
Did you know that the Japanese postal system is said to be one of the best in the world? With some information, you will have no problem going to the post office! So let’s learn how to send a package in Japanese!
First of all, let’s check all the types of international mail:
– Surface mail
– Air mail
– SAL (Surface Air Lifted) mail
– EMS
* EMS also includes a pickup service.
The post office serves two major functions (the first being mail and the second being savings and insurance), so be sure to go to the correct service counter. Generally, the first thing you do at the postal office is pick up a numbered ticket at one of the two counters. Use the signs, red for mail and green for savings and insurance, to find the right counter.
Kanji for use at the counters:
郵便 Mail
切手 stamp
貯金 savings
保険 insurance
The invoice includes both Japanese and English, allowing you to fill out the forms in English.
Customer: Kore o Austria made okuritain desu ga.
Post office clerk: Koukuu bin de iidesu ka?
Customer: Dono gurai kakarimasu ka?
Post office clerk: Itsuka gurai desu ne. EMS dato futsu ka de ikimasu yo.
Customer: EMS tte nan desuka?
Post office clerk: Kokusai supiido yuubin to itte, ichiban hayain desu.
Customer: Ikura desu ka?
Post office clerk: EMS dato nisen-happyaku yen, airmail dato sen-happyaku -rokuyuu yen desu.
Customer: Takai desune. Motto yasuku okuritain desu ga.
Post office clerk: SAL bin dato sen-hachiyuu yen desuga, ni-shuu kan gurai kakarimasu.
Customer: Sou desuka. Jaa, koukuu-bin ni shimasu.
Post office clerk: Soredewa kochira no youshi ni hitsuyou jikou o gokinyuu kudasai.
Customer: Eigo de iidesuka?
Post office clerk: Hai, daijyoubu desu.
Customer: I would like to send this to Australia.
Post office clerk: Would airmail be okay?
Customer: How long does it take?
Post office clerk: About five days. It will be there in two days if you use EMS.
Customer: What is EMS?
Post office clerk: It means “Express Mail Service,” and it’s the fastest.
Customer: How much does it cost?
Post office clerk: EMS would be ¥2,800, and airmail would be ¥1,860.
Customer: That’s expensive. I’d like to send it more cheaply.
Post office clerk: SAL mail would be ¥1,080, but it will take about two weeks.
Customer: Is that so? Then I’ll go with airmail.
Post office clerk: Alright, please fill in the required details on this form.
Customer: Is English okay?
Post office clerk: Yes, that would be fine.
Vocabulary & Useful Phrases
航空便 (Kou kuu bin): Air mail
どのぐらいかかりますか (Dono gurai kakari masu ka)? : How long does it take?
___ってなんですか (____tte nan desu ka)? : What is ___?
____だと (A dato…, B dato…): A would be …, and B would be …
もっと安く/早く送りたいんですが (Motto yasuku/ hayaku okuritain desu ga): I’d like to send it more cheaply/quickly
___にします (A ni shimasu): I’ll go with A
用紙 (Youshi): Form
必要事項 (Hitsuyou jikou): Required details
ご記入ください (Go kinyuu kudasai): Please fill out/in
___でいいですか (___de iidesu ka?) : Is ___ okay?
Be careful, you may be forbidden to send things such as food, snacks etc. depending on the country. You can check this directly online.
If you are looking to find a post office near you, here’s how you can ask for directions or check with passers-by as to whether if there is any near you!
Credit CC BY 2.0: nambon
Title: 神宮前六郵便局 source: Flickr
For: How to send a package in Japanese
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
If you are a resident in Japan planning to renew your visa or change your status of residence anytime soon, there’s a change coming that’s worth noting.
On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Japanese government decided to raise fees for foreign nationals who renew or change their status of residence in Japan. The renewal fee will rise to up to ¥75,000 from a uniform ¥6,000, effective October 1, 2026. The Cabinet approved the move, in line with a revision to the Immigration Control Act.
Japanese immigration policies change frequently. We recommend referring to the official Immigration Services Agency of Japan under the Ministry of Justice for the most up-to-date information.
Updated Fee for Application for Extension of Period of Stay and Change of Status of Residence in Japan
Until September 30, 2026, the fees for extending a period of stay or changing a status of residence remain a flat rate of ¥6,000 for in-person counter applications and ¥5,500 for online submissions, regardless of the duration granted. Foreign residents can typically be granted periods of stay ranging from 3 months to 5 years.
Starting October 1, 2026, Japan is replacing this flat-rate system with a tiered pricing model based on the duration of stay granted, reaching up to ¥75,000 for periods exceeding five years. The government is introducing a significantly reduced fee for applicants who apply online. Those who submit their application digitally can save up to ¥10,000 compared to filing in person at their local immigration bureau.
Old Fee Schedule (Prior to October 1, 2026)
Application Type
Submission Method
Standard Fee
Change or Extension of Status
In-Person (Counter)
¥6,000
Change or Extension of Status
Online Application
¥5,500
Permanent Residence
In-Person (Counter)
¥10,000
New Fee Schedule (Effective October 1, 2026)
Permit Type
Period of Stay Granted
In-Person Fee
Online Fee
Change or Extension of Residence Status
Up to 3 months
¥10,000
¥10,000
3 – 6 months
¥18,000
¥15,000
6 months – 1 year
¥25,000
¥21,000
1 – 3 years
¥33,000
¥27,000
3 – 5 years
¥48,000
¥42,000
5 years
¥65,000
¥56,000
Over 5 years
¥75,000
¥65,000
Permanent Residence
Permanent
¥200,000
N/A
Under the new policy, fees scale substantially based on the period granted: short stays under three months are priced at ¥10,000 (both in-person and online), stays between three and six months cost ¥18,000 in person or ¥15,000 online, and six-month to one-year extensions rise to ¥25,000 in person or ¥21,000 online. For longer durations, a one- to three-year permit requires ¥33,000 in person or ¥27,000 online, a three- to five-year permit costs ¥48,000 in person or ¥42,000 online, five-year permits cost ¥65,000 in person or ¥56,000 online, and extensions exceeding five years reach up to ¥75,000 in person or ¥65,000 online.
Permanent Residence applications will see the most dramatic increase, surging twentyfold from a flat ¥10,000 to ¥200,000
This comes as part of a broader line of immigration policy changes, including the new requirement to prove Japanese language ability for the most common professional working visa, tightened requirements around applying for permanent residence, and increased fees across other types of temporary visas.
Simplified breakdown of the new fee for the residence permit application in Japan. Data taken from the official Ministry of Justice website.
Fee Reductions for Specific Applicants
To support vulnerable applicants facing severe financial hardship—including designated refugees—the Immigration Services Agency is providing reduced fee caps of ¥10,000 for temporary stay extensions and ¥20,000 for Permanent Residence applications.
The Immigration Services Agency’s reduced fee is allowed for people who meet two conditions: financial hardship equivalent to public assistance welfare levels, and a need for humanitarian consideration.
Now, the scope has since expanded to include:
Foreign nationals who single-handedly raise the biological children of Japanese nationals or special permanent foreign residents
Cases where denying residency would be considered inhumane
Fee-reduction requests must be filed in person, as the online system cannot process discount claims.
How to Pay for Your Residence Permit Application
With this drastic fee increase, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan has also provided some recommendations regarding the purchase of revenue stamps
Paying for In-Person Applications with Revenue Stamp
If you are applying directly at an immigration counter, you will continue paying your fees using standard revenue stamps (shunyu inshi) with cash. However, because the new tiered fee model varies based on the exact period of stay you are granted, on-site convenience stores at local immigration offices may quickly run out of specific stamp denominations.
To save time and avoid long lines, the Japanese government explicitly recommends that you check the approved duration listed on your official notification postcard, go to a post office beforehand to buy the exact stamp amount required, and bring the minimum number of stamps needed to your final appointment.
Paying for Online Applications
Applying through the Online Residence Application System eliminates the need for revenue stamps altogether. Under revised regulations, online payments are now managed by a designated third-party payment vendor.
Once your application is approved, you can complete your payment at a local convenience store register, through standard bank transfers, or via internet banking for a completely cashless experience. Keep in mind that a small third-party processing fee might apply to digital transactions.
Is the New Fee Based on When I Apply or When I Pay?
The revised fee structure is determined entirely by when you apply (the official application acceptance date), not when your permit is granted or paid for.
The new fees apply strictly to foreign nationals who submit their application for an extension of stay, change of status, or permanent residency on or after October 1, 2026.
This means that if the Immigration Services Agency officially accepts your application on or before September 30, 2026, the old fee will apply. For example, you will pay ¥6,000 for an extension or change of status of residence, or ¥10,000 for an application for permanent residence, even if your application is approved after October 1, 2026.
Because of this rule, immigration offices are expected to see a massive surge in applicants during the last few weeks of September. If your visa renewal or status change window falls around this time, it is strongly recommended that you prepare your documents early and apply a few weeks before the October 1 cutoff date!
How Does This Compare to Other Countries
Even after the increase, Japan’s fees remain on the lower end globally for a work-visa change of status or extension.
For example, extending a Skilled Worker visa from inside the United Kingdom, depending on length, ranges from £885–£1,751. This is separate from the annual healthcare surcharge of around £1,035/year. A standard H-1B visa in the United States costs between $2,225 and $3,500 in base government fees, though new proposals from the Department of Homeland Security include a major $103,265 supplemental fee for new applicants.
Which Visa Types Are Affected?
The fee change applies broadly to Change of Status of Residence and Extension of Period of Stay applications, meaning it covers essentially every status of residence category, not just work visas. The fee is based on the length of the new period of stay.
Some visa that falls under this price hike include:
Work visas, including the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. Other work categories (Specified Skilled Worker, Instructor, Business Manager) are included.
Spouse visas
Dependent visas
Student visas
Any other status of residence
Permanent Residency is the exception, with the application fee increasing separately from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.
What You Can Do
If your residence status expires around October 1, consider applying for an extension earlier. You can generally apply for an extension of your period of stay up to three months before your expiration date, so you may be able to submit your application as early as July.
For those planning to take the JLPT in Japan, registration for the December 2026 test has officially closed, well ahead of schedule. Registration was originally set to run from August 24 to September 7, but demand pushed every level to full capacity early. N1 and N2 closed on August 31, while N3, N4, and N5 closed even sooner, on August 27, just days after registration opened. JEES, the administrator of the JLPT, has announced a second registration window for N3 only, opening September 2 at 10:00 AM JST, for Tokyo and Osaka test centers. N1 and N2 will not be reopening.
‘Are you planning to take the JLPT and wondering how you can apply online in Japan? You are in the right place. This blog will be a thorough guide on how to apply for the JLPT if you are planning to take the test in Japan, step by step.
Important: Starting 2026, only residents of Japan can take the JLPT in Japan. Tourists and short-term visitors are no longer eligible. You will also need to present your valid ID as proof of your address in Japan, most commonly the Residence Card.
Now, let’s go through how to register for the JLPT in Japan and the key details you should know before signing up!
When is The 2026 JLPT test?
The JLPT in Japan is held twice a year: in July and in December. For 2026, the first JLPT will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and the second JLPT will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2026. This frequency might vary if you are taking the JLPT outside. Either way, these tests are usually held on the first Sunday of July and December.
First JLPT Test in 2026: First week of July
Second JLPT Test in 2026: First week of December
In 2027, you can also expect the tests to take place around early July and early December. Registration usually opens a few months before each test, with exact dates varying depending on your location. It’s best to check the official JLPT website or your local test center for the most accurate information as the dates approach.
When is The Registration Period for The 2026 JLPT?
Registration for the JLPT takes place a few months before the actual test date. The registration for the December JLPT 2026 begins from Monday, August 24 to Monday, September 7, at 5 pm JST. An important thing to note is that recently, JLPT registrations have been at capacity. If you have decided to register, we recommend you doing the first or second day of the registration period!
Tourists and Short-term Visitors Are no Longer Allowed to Take the JLPT in Japan
Starting in 2026, Japan no longer allow tourists or short-term visitors to take the JLPT in Japan. Moving forward, the Japanese administration will require proof of residency and for applicants to input their residence card (在留カード, zairyuu card) number.
According to the announcement, “The 2026 JLPT is primarily intended for non-native Japanese speakers who are mid-to-long-term residents or special permanent residents.”
People in certain visa categories can apply for the JLPT in Japan, but with a few conditions.
Non-native Japanese speakers who have Japanese nationality
People with permission for provisional stay (residence and contact information must be properly verified)
Those under the Japan–U.S. Status of Forces Agreement or the UN Forces Agreement
Diplomats
Officials
However, if you fall into any of these categories, you’ll need to declare your status during the application process. You may also be asked to provide identification documents, such as your passport, to confirm your nationality or visa status.
According to JEES, this decision comes after a large number of overseas applicants who use invalid phone numbers and contact information, which leads to problems in delivering physical documents, such as the test voucher or score reports, when the JLPT results are out. Because of this, when you are applying online via the MyJLPT portal, you will now have to provide your residence card number and its expiration date.
Where Is The JLPT Held?
You have two options: take the test locally in Japan (only available if you hold a valid Japanese residence card) or in an educational institute overseas. The JLPT is hosted in local institutions in most Southeast Asian countries, North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, and South Asia. However, the frequency of the JLPT might vary, with some hosting the JLPT twice a year and others only once a year. For the full and comprehensive list of overseas institutes that conduct JLPT, head down to the link over here to check if it is an approved institute.
As the location in which you take the JLPT varies, there may be different procedures, windows, or deadlines that you have to take note of. However, the test date still remains the same. For more information on how you would go about applying for the JLPT online or otherwise, please click on any one of the links below:
Looking at the test components, JLPT Test Levels N1 to N3 are composed of 3 Components: Reading (60 marks), Vocabulary (60 marks), and Listening (60 marks). As for JLPT Test Levels N4 to N5, there are 2 Components: Japanese Language Knowledge (120 marks) and Listening (60 marks).
If you are unsure of how to prepare for JLPT N2 or N3, click on the links and it will lead you to a guide we came up with some time back!
However, in order to pass, you need to meet 2 conditions:
Score at least 19 marks for any sections with 60 marks obtainable and 38 marks for sections with 120 marks obtainable.
Meet the overall passing grade for the test at each level. Here’s a list of the passing marks:
JLPT Level
Vocabulary/ Grammar）
Reading
Listening
Total Score
N1
19
19
19
100
N2
19
19
19
90
N3
19
19
19
95
JLPT Level
Vocabulary/ Grammar and Reading
Listening
Total Score
N4
38
19
90
N5
38
19
80
Overview of How to Apply For The JLPT in Japan
Applying the JLPT online requires two big steps: creating your MyJLPT account and applying for the JLPT level you want to take. Before you start, make sure you have already prepared your passport-style photo and residential address in Japan (note that now, you cannot use hotel addresses).
At this point, you should also have already decided which area you want to take the JLPT in. The exact location is typically provided when they mail you your exam voucher, but keep in mind that test venues differ between levels, even within the same area. For example, if you’re taking the JLPT N2 and your friend is taking the JLPT N4, don’t expect to go to the same facility (though there may be cases where you do).
Part 1: Create Your MyJLPT Account
MyJLPT is a website for people who want to take the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in Japan. On MyJLPT, you can apply for the test, check your test results, and request a Certificate of Result and Scores online. The website is managed and operated by Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES). Visit this page to start creating your MyJLPT account.
Typically, for most of us, we want to apply for the JLPT as individuals.
To reduce misunderstanding, we highly recommend selecting English for the language setting.
Once you click on your desired language, the site will take you to a long registration agreement. This lists everything from how they handle personal information to the exact eligibility of those who will be able to use MyJLPT.
Next, you will fill out all of your personal information. Make sure your name and address match the current address on your residence card, as well as your date of birth. Do not lie. Your information is often used for cross-checking on the day of the test.
At the bottom of the page, you will set your email and password. Do not forget this information, as it will be used the next time you log in to your MyJLPT page to check your past scores and JLPT records. Finally, we highly recommend that you opt to receive information emails from the JLPT! This will allow them to send you notifications regarding the test. The JLPT administrator does not send a lot of marketing emails, so you will not get spammed!
Finally, confirm your personal information and check your email inbox for a confirmation email. They will give you your new MyJLPT ID, which you’ll use to log into your MyJLPT account. Try not to lose your MyJLPT ID. It’s not a username you set yourself, so it can be hard to remember, and we’ve seen a lot of people end up not saving it (although you can always recover it).
Part 2: Registering for the JLPT Online with your MyJLPT Account
Once you have obtained the MyJLPT ID, you will be asked to complete the online application from your MyJLPT page. You can log back in by going to the official JLPT in Japan website once again. The website itself is more friendly to certain web browsers, and the site recommends that you use Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Log in to your My JLPT account
First, try to log in to your MyJLPT account. Input your ID (which should be sent to your inbox the moment you finished registration) and the password you set.
Step 2: Click on “Examination application”
Before you start your application, there’s one important thing to keep in mind!
When you log in to your MyJLPT account, you will only see the test that is currently within the official application period. If the application window is not open yet, the test simply will not appear.
For example, if you log in on March 1, hoping to apply for the July 2026 JLPT, you may not see anything available. Don’t panic! This just means the application period hasn’t started yet. The system will let you know that it is not currently accepting applications.
The best thing to do is check the official announcement dates and come back during the designated application period. Once it opens, you’ll be able to complete your registration without any issues.
Step 3: Choose your application type
Most of us will apply for the JLPT involuntarily, so select “Individual application”.
Step 4: Sign the agreement to the privacy policy
Next, you’ll be directed to the privacy policy and some important rules. It may look like one of those long pages that make you want to skip reading, but there are a few important things you should know.
For example, the JLPT application fee is not refundable once you have paid it, even if you later decide to cancel your application.
Step 5: Choose your level and fill in the other details required
This is the part where you should double-check everything carefully, especially the city where you want to take the JLPT and the test level you are applying for. Make sure all your information is correct before you move on.
You will also need to upload a clear, full-face passport-style photo. This photo will be used as identification and will appear on your admission ticket, test voucher (which you must bring to the JLPT test center), and your Certificate of Result and Scores. So choose a proper photo that clearly shows your face.
Tip: If you enter the wrong JLPT level or the test area, you can still change your test level or test location during the application period. Just make sure you do it before the deadline, because no changes are allowed after that!
Step 6: Choose Payment Type
If you are in Japan, you can pay the test fee through several payment methods: credit card, bank transfer, or payment via the convenience store. Please confirm the available payment methods for countries outside Japan. Generally, a credit card is acceptable.
Step 7: Confirm your information
Final step: The application will be completed after confirmation of your information
How Much Does the JLPT Exam Cost?
As of 2025, the JLPT in Japan costs around ¥7,500 in Japan. After completing your application, you must complete payment before your registration will be confirmed.
Test fees may vary based on the location in which you decide to take the test, and can be more expensive overseas. For example, in the USA and Canada, the test fee is around $100.
If you are in Japan, the payment options for the JLPT range from online with a credit card to cash at a convenience store or post office. If you are outside of Japan, the payment method will depend on the test location. From January 17, 2022, a separate fee of 110 yen will be required for a cash payment from a Japan Post Bank ATM. For group applications, a fee of 110 yen will be required for each “payment number”.
The test payment window for December is from early to late September. After making payment, you will be set to receive a Test Voucher, which you will need to bring to your test venue to confirm and verify your status as a participant of the JLPT you have signed up for. Ensure that this slip of paper is well-kept and not lost, as it is very important. With these, remember to bring in some form of identification together with your Test Voucher. With that, take the test, and you’re all good to go.
When Will I Get My JLPT Results?
After all that hard work, just sit back, relax, and give yourself a well-deserved break. Until the time comes, enjoy yourself! But until when? Well, the release of results can vary based on whether you’ve taken the test locally or from an overseas educational institute, but here are some dates you can stay on the lookout for!
Local July Test: Early September
Local December Test: Early February
Overseas July Test: Early October
Overseas December Test: Early March
Note: For Overseas Students, collect your Score Reports and hopefully, a Certificate of Proficiency, at your Local Host Institute. As for Local Students, the Score Reports and Certificates will be mailed to you directly based on the address associated with your MyJLPT Account.
If you have questions about our school or taking JLPT Prep lessons with us, don’t worry. Here’s a link to the FAQ site where you can check to see if it answers any queries you have. With that, we would like to wish you all the best and happy studying!
Start taking Japanese lessons and pass the JLPT exam!
Double your chances of passing the test with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course! Our 3-month, semi-intensive course meets every Saturday for 3 hours, covering everything from high-frequency kanji to the specific logic needed to ace the reading section. Whether you join us in-person in Tokyo or via our online classrooms, you’ll get the expert strategy and peer support needed to walk into the exam with confidence. Seats are limited to keep class sizes small and effective—secure your spot today, and let’s reach your goal together.
Comprehensive Coverage: 3 hours per class covering vocabulary, kanji, grammar, and specialized reading strategies.
Expert Guidance: Small class sizes with instructors who know exactly where students usually stumble.
Flexible Learning: Join us in-person at our Tokyo campus every Saturday, or join from anywhere in the world via our Online sessions.
When is the next JLPT in 2026 and when can I sign up?
For 2026, the first JLPT will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and the second JLPT will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Where do I apply for the JLPT?
To apply, you will need a MyJLPT account, which you can sign up for here. Once you have an account, you can sign in with your account and start to register.
When do the JLPT results come out?
Depending on when you take the test, the release of the results can differ. In general, you will get your results 2-3 months after the test. Here is when you should look out for your results, depending on when you take the test!
Local July Test: Early September
Local December Test: Early February
Overseas July Test: Early October
Overseas December Test: Early March
I have a question about the JLPT that isn't addressed here. What do I do?
If you have any JLPT-related inquiries, you can visit the JLPT FAQ site. Your answer should be there.
When is JLPT 2026?
The JLPT is held twice a year, typically in July and December. In 2026, you can expect the tests to take place around early July and early December. Registration usually opens a few months before each test, with exact dates varying depending on your location. It’s best to check the official JLPT website or your local test center for the most accurate information as the dates approach.
Writing your address in Japanese is essential for living in Japan, from completing administrative procedures at the Japanese city hall to using postal services. The first thing you might notice about Japanese addresses is that they start with the largest unit (region/city) and end with the smallest (street name). So, in order to write an address in Japanese, there are a few things you might need to know when it comes to Japanese street systems and wards.
So, how do you actually write your address, and is it completely different than writing your name in English? Let’s find out everything you need to know!
Japanese Address Converter
So, before we break down how to actually write your address in Japanese, if you’re in a bind, you can use our Japanese address converter below! Simply enter the address you need in English or Romaji, and the converter will provide it in the correct Japanese format.
Whichever address you input will be reordered into proper Japanese format (postal code → prefecture → city/ward → block/house number → building/room), plus a breakdown table. It will also flag anything ambiguous, like a missing postal code.
Are Japanese Addresses Written Differently Compared to English?
When writing addresses in Japanese, there are a few things to keep in mind to prevent confusion. Japanese addresses are written starting with the largest area, generally the city, 都 (to), or the prefecture, 県 (ken). At the end, you write the smallest area, usually your apartment name and room number or house name. In other countries, like the United States, this is the opposite: you start with the smallest area and work up to the largest.
Also, keep in mind that addresses rarely use street names (except for major roads in some cases). This is because Japanese cities are generally divided into blocks and sub-areas, so most addresses use block names rather than road names. Here is how a typical Japanese address might look:
〒151-0073 東京都渋谷区笹塚1-2-3
Now, let’s break down this address piece by piece, starting from the top, so you can learn how it works to write your address as well.
1. Writing Japanese Postal Codes
Postal codes are essentially equivalent to a zip code. However, you usually have to start every address with a postal code, which always starts with the postal symbol, 〒, followed by a 7-digit number separated by a dash after the first 3 digits. Let’s take a look at the example again.
〒151-0073
This is the actual postal code for the Sasazuka district, so every apartment or house in Sasazuka uses it. If you’re unsure what your postal code is, you can simply look up your specific district’s postal code on Google.
After entering your postal code, you will need to write the prefecture name, which is similar to entering your state in the United States. If you live in Tokyo, you will need to attach the character 都 (to), as in the earlier example.
東京都 Toukyouto Tokyo State/Prefecture
都 marks Tokyo specifically; it’s the only place in Japan that uses this character, reflecting its unique status as the capital. Everywhere else, you’ll see one of three other prefecture-level characters instead:
県 (ken) → used for most prefectures, like 熊本県 (Kumamoto-ken) 府 (fu) → used for Osaka and Kyoto, like 大阪府 (Osaka-fu) 道 (dou) → used only for Hokkaido, 北海道 (Hokkaidou).
So, in total, there are four possible prefecture-level characters: 都, 道, 府, and 県. If you ever move from one prefecture to another, it’s important to check which one applies, since using the wrong kanji character (or leaving it off entirely) can cause confusion on forms and deliveries.
3. Writing the Ward in Japanese Addresses
Now we write the ward or city part of the address, so let’s revisit the example once again:
渋谷区 Shibuyaku Shibuya ward
Shibuya uses the character 区 (ku), meaning “ward.” This is common in Tokyo’s 23 special wards, as well as in other major cities like Osaka, Nagoya, and Yokohama, which are also divided into wards. However, not every city in Japan uses 区. Smaller or less densely populated cities often skip the ward system entirely and use 市 (shi), meaning “city,” on its own instead. Let’s take a look at some examples.
大阪市 (Osaka shi) → Osaka City, with no ward attached, if you’re referring to the city as a whole rather than a specific ward within it 箱根町 (Hakone-machi) → Hakone Town, using 町 (machi), meaning “town” 白川村 (Shirakawa-mura) → Shirakawa Village, using 村 (mura), meaning “village”
So, depending on where you live, your address might use 区, 市, 町, or 村 at this point in the address, and it’s worth double-checking which one applies to you rather than assuming. A good rule of thumb is that the more urban and populous the area, the more likely it is to use 区; smaller cities, towns, and villages generally stick with 市, 町, or 村 instead.
4. Writing the District Town and City Block in Japanese
Finally, we get to the last part of the address:
笹塚1-2-3 Sasazuka ichi no ni no san Sasazuka 1-2-3
Note: sometimes the address could be written like this:
笹塚1丁目2番3号 Sasazuka ichhoume ni ban san gou Sasazuka 1-2-3
This part starts with the district or neighborhood name, 笹塚 (Sasazuka) in this case, followed by a set of numbers separated by hyphens. As the second example demonstrates, those numbers aren’t random; they’re shorthand for three separate units:
丁目 (choume/chome) → a sub-district or block area
番地 (banchi) → a specific block number within that chome
号 (gou) → the building or house number within that block
So 笹塚1-2-3 is technically shorthand for 笹塚1丁目2番3号 (Sasazuka Icchoume, 2 banchi, 3 gou). In everyday use, especially on envelopes, forms, and business cards, almost everyone writes it in the shortened hyphenated format rather than spelling out 丁目, 番地, and 号 in full, but it’s useful to know what each number actually represents.
One more regional variation to keep in mind: some older or more rural addresses use 大字 (Ooaza) or 字 (aza) instead of the choume system. These are older land divisions that predate the modern block-numbering system, and you’ll still come across them in more traditional or countryside areas. If your address includes 大字 or 字, the same overall logic applies, largest unit to smallest, but the internal numbering may look a little different from the standard choume-banchi-gou format. Ward name using the 区 character meaning “ward.”
5. Writing Your Apartment/House Name and Room Number
At the very end of the address, you write your apartment building name (or house name, if applicable) followed by your room number. This part comes last because it’s the smallest, most specific unit in the address, narrowing everything down to your exact door.
Here, 笹塚コーポ (Sasazuka Koopo) is the building name, and 101 is the room number. Building names in Japan often borrow English- or French-sounding words like コーポ (koopo, from “corporate/corp”), ハイツ (haitsu, from “heights”), or メゾン (mezon, from the French “maison”), so don’t be surprised if your building name doesn’t look like standard Japanese vocabulary at all.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind for this part of the address. If you live in a house rather than an apartment, you typically won’t have a building name or room number at all. In that case, the address simply ends after the block and house number from the previous section (笹塚1-2-3), with no additional line needed.
If you live in an apartment or mansion (マンション), you’ll almost always need to include both the building name and room number, since multiple households share the same block/house number.
Room numbers often loosely correspond to the floor: for example, 101 usually means “1st floor, room 01,” and 305 would mean “3rd floor, room 05,” though this isn’t a strict rule and can vary by building.
Some older or smaller buildings don’t have an official building name at all. In these cases, you may only need to write the room number, or the block number itself may already be specific enough to identify the address.
Conclusion: Knowing How to Write Addresses in Japanese is Essential!
To live in Japan, being able to write and say your address in Japanese will make your life a whole lot easier! All the Japanese ward, city, and block names might be overwhelming at first, but as you understand how Japanese cities work, you will start remembering your address in no time. But if your address just completely wanders out of your mind, you can always show your address from your residence card or phone! Of course, feel free to use our Japanese Address converter above if you only know the address in English!
Learn How to Write and Say Your Address at Coto Academy!
If you want to learn how to write your address properly, then we highly recommend joining us at Coto Academy! We have courses that will get you reading and writing not only hiragana and katakana but also kanji. But if you’re looking to get real practice speaking Japanese in practical settings, not just from a textbook, our conversation courses also have you covered!
Drop by our campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama, or join us online from anywhere in the world! Simply fill out the form if you’re ready to sign up or if you just want a casual chat for more details!
FAQ:
Do I need to use kanji when writing my address in Japan?
For most official purposes (city hall, banks, delivery services), it is safer to write Japanese addresses in kanji and kana. That said, many postal and delivery services can still process addresses written in romaji, especially for mail coming from overseas, so it’s not always a hard requirement.
Do all Japanese addresses include a building name?
Not always, if you live in a standalone house, you typically won’t have a building name at all, and the address ends after the block and house number. Apartments and mansions almost always require a building name and room number, since multiple households share the same block number.
Is it okay to write my address in the English order (smallest to largest) on forms in Japan?
It’s best to avoid this. Japanese forms and postal systems expect the largest-to-smallest order (postal code → prefecture → ward/city → block → building/room), and writing it in reverse can cause confusion or delivery issues, even if all the individual pieces are correct.
Can I just use the address converter instead of learning the format?
The converter is a great shortcut when you’re in a pinch, but it’s still worth understanding the structure yourself, since you’ll likely need to write your address by hand on forms, at the post office, or when giving it verbally.
