How to Write a Letter (or Postcard) in Japanese

Thinking of writing a letter or postcard to a Japanese friend? Here’s a simple guide to help you do it the Japanese way!

Basic Vocabulary
Writing the Address and Name
Posting Your Letter or Postcard

Basic Vocabulary

Before you start writing, let’s look at some essential postal vocabulary and conventions in Japan.

Vocabulary	Kana	Phonetic	Meaning
住所	じゅうしょ	juusho	Address
郵便番号	ゆうびんばんごう	yuubin bangoo	Postcode
宛名	あてな	atena	Name of receiver
切手	きって	kitte	Stamp
郵便局	ゆうびんきょく	yuubinkyoku	Post office
郵便ポスト	ゆうびんポスト	yuubin posuto	Postbox
手紙	てがみ	tegami	Letter
封筒	ふうとう	fuutoo	Envelope
葉書	はがき	hagaki	Postcard

Writing the Address and Name

Please note: The information above applies to domestic postal services within Japan.

Stamp (切手・きって)

Stamps can be purchased at post offices and convenience stores (at the counter). Post offices also sell stamps with seasonal or special designs, so if you care about design, it’s worth visiting your local post office.

Stamp prices:

Standard-sized envelope (up to 50 g): 110 yen
Postcard: 85 yen

* Information as of February 2024.

Useful Phrase

すみません、110円えんの切手きってを1枚まいお願ねがいします。
/sumimasen, hyaku-juu en no kitte o ichimai onegai shimasu./
Excuse me, could I get a 110-yen stamp, please?

Postcode (郵便番号)

Japanese postcodes consist of 3 digits followed by 4 digits (e.g. 123-4567). You can look up a postcode using the link below (Japanese only):

郵便番号検索 | 日本郵便株式会社

全国地図、都道府県・市区町村・町名の住所、郵便番号の一部から郵便番号を検索することができます。

Address (住所)

On postcards, the recipient’s address is usually written vertically.

On letters, the address is usually written horizontally.

Name (名前)

The recipient’s name is written larger than the address.

Be sure to add 様（さま）, which is equivalent to “Dear Mr./Ms.” in English.

👉 Do not add 様 to your own name as the sender.

Message

When addressing the recipient in the message, attach the particle へ, which means “to” in English.

Add より after your own name to indicate “from.”

Posting Your Letter or Postcard

You can post your letter or postcard by dropping it into a postbox, which can be found on streets throughout Japan. Some convenience stores also have postboxes inside.

The symbol 〒 is the Japanese postal mark.

Happy writing! ✉️🇯🇵