A guide to using delivery boxes! Making life in Japan even more convenient.

Simply put, a delivery box is a locker-type facility that allows you to safely receive packages even when you're not home. They are often installed near the entrance of apartment buildings and condominiums, and consist of several boxes with doors lined up together.

It's simple to use. The delivery person places your package in an empty box and locks it. Then, when you get home, simply retrieve your package using your PIN or IC card. You can receive your package smoothly without having to meet anyone face-to-face or worrying about the time.

Recognizing the convenience of these features, many newly built properties are now being equipped with delivery lockers. In urban areas in particular, many people choose a property based on whether or not it has a delivery locker.

The widespread adoption of delivery lockers is rooted in changes in the lifestyles of Japanese society as a whole. More than just another piece of equipment, they have become established as a necessary system that fits into today's way of life.

Online shopping is now even more convenient

Online shopping is incredibly convenient in Japan. Even foreigners can use it with ease. What's even more amazing is the delivery system. It's now commonplace for ordered items to be delivered the next day.

Having a delivery box makes online shopping even more convenient, as you can order without worrying about being home. This, in turn, makes life in Japan even more comfortable.

Reduction of redeliveries

According to a survey by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the number of parcels delivered within Japan in 2023 exceeded 5 billion.

With the number of packages being delivered increasing so much, redelivery becomes a problem.

An increase in the number of redeliveries increases the burden on delivery drivers and also leads to the emission of extra CO2.

Delivery lockers play a significant role as one solution to these social problems.

Furthermore, requesting redelivery of a package delivered while you're out can be surprisingly troublesome.
For foreigners unfamiliar with Japanese, checking the delivery notice and requesting redelivery by phone or through a website can be a cumbersome process.

Having a delivery box can free you from this kind of stress.

Reference: Results of parcel delivery and mail delivery services in fiscal year 2023

Privacy protection and security

To reduce the need for redeliveries, you can also specify a "leave at door" delivery method.

However, leaving packages unattended in front of the door can be worrying. Some people might say that in the country they used to live in, leaving packages unattended is an unthinkable and dangerous method!

In that it reduces the risk of theft when you are away, a delivery box is superior to leaving packages unattended.

Furthermore, having a delivery box isn't only convenient when you're not home.

Even if you're home, if you specify delivery to a delivery box, the delivery person will put it inside.

Since it eliminates the need to interact with delivery people face-to-face, delivery boxes are undoubtedly a welcome feature, especially for women living alone.

There are two main types of delivery lockers: mechanical and electric.

Mechanical (dial type/push-button type)

Mechanical delivery boxes are relatively simple in structure and easy to use. Because they don't require a power source, installation and maintenance costs are also lower.

How to use

Check the delivery box number and PIN code written on the delivery notice. Enter the PIN code using the dial or buttons, and the door will open.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of mechanical watches is that they are durable and less prone to breaking. However, some people may feel uneasy about the security aspect because they rely on a PIN code.

Electric type (touch panel type / IC card type)

The most common type of delivery box found in the latest models is the electric type.

How to use

When the delivery person puts the package in the box, they register it using the control panel. After that, they either leave a delivery notice in the mailbox, or a delivery notification is automatically sent to the recipient's smartphone.

In addition to a PIN code, some systems allow you to unlock the lock using a smartphone or IC card.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of electric systems is their high level of security. Since usage history (logs) is saved, it's possible to prove operation in case of problems.

On the other hand, it has some drawbacks, such as being unusable during power outages and being somewhat difficult to understand how to use.

While you generally can't choose the type of delivery box installed in your rental property, knowing these features and how to use them will allow you to use them with greater peace of mind.

Now, let's take a more practical look at how to use a delivery box, along with some images.

STEP 1: The delivery person places the package in the mailbox, and a "delivery attempt notice" is left there.

If your package arrives while you are out, the delivery person will place it in the delivery box and leave a "Delivery Attempt Notice" in your mailbox. If you find this notice, consider it a sign that your package has arrived.

STEP 2: Check the box number and PIN on the "Delivery Notice".

The delivery notice contains the following two pieces of information:

1. Delivery box number (e.g., Box No. 03)
2. A PIN code to open the box (e.g., 5678)

This will serve as the "key" to retrieve your package from the delivery box.

STEP 3: Operate the control panel (or dial) of the delivery box.

Next, go to the delivery box located in the entrance area. This is where you will perform the operation.

• For electronic systems (touch panel type): Follow the on-screen instructions to select "Receive Package," then enter the box number and PIN. With IC card systems, you may only need to hold the key over the reader.
  
  
• For mechanical lockers (dial or button type): Find the door corresponding to the box number on the delivery notice, and enter the PIN using the dial or buttons. It's similar to opening a safe.

STEP 4: Once the door is open, take out your belongings.

If you operate it correctly, the box door will open. There is a package addressed to you inside, so please take it out carefully.

STEP 5: After taking your belongings, be sure to close the door securely.

Finally, please close the door securely. If it is not closed properly, the next person may not be able to use it, and it may also pose a security risk.

While delivery boxes are convenient, a little care and attention are needed to ensure smooth use. Keep the following three points in mind.

Do not leave your belongings unattended for extended periods (storage period rules).

A delivery box is only meant to temporarily hold packages when you are away. Therefore, leaving packages in it for an extended period is against the rules. Most properties have a storage limit of 48 hours to a week, and it is generally no more than a month. Packages may be collected by the management company after the limit has been reached, so try to retrieve them within the same day or a few days if possible.

Please retrieve your packages on the same day or within 2-3 days, or at the latest within a week.

If you're going to be away for an extended period due to travel or a business trip, be sure to check in advance if you have any packages scheduled to arrive.

There are some packages that cannot be received in the delivery box.

Not all packages can be left in the delivery box. The following types of packages require in-person delivery:

• Cool delivery (refrigerated/frozen) : Not possible due to the need for temperature control. While it's possible if a refrigerated box is available, it's generally not applicable.
• Cash on delivery : Because the delivery person cannot receive payment in person.
• Registered mail containing cash / Mail received by the recipient (registered mail, delivery confirmation, etc.) : Identity verification is required.
• Packages that are too large or too heavy : Only packages that meet the size and weight limits for the delivery box will be accepted.

Depending on the package, it's a good idea to check with the delivery company or shop beforehand to see if it can be delivered to a delivery box.

It cannot be used if there are no available slots.

The delivery lockers are shared facilities and there are a limited number available. During peak seasons such as sales and the year-end/New Year holidays, there may be no available lockers, and delivery personnel may have to take packages back. In that case, a delivery notice will be left, so please request redelivery.

It is important to be mindful of the shared nature of the delivery lockers. As mentioned in "Point 1," leaving your packages in the locker will inconvenience other residents.

Taking things out immediately after receiving them and closing doors quietly are small considerations that contribute to a more pleasant experience.

Even when using a delivery box, unexpected problems can sometimes occur. To help you deal with such situations calmly and quickly, we've compiled six common questions.

I forgot or entered the wrong PIN.

First, double-check the number listed on the delivery notice. If it still doesn't open, do not try to open the door repeatedly. Repeated incorrect attempts may cause the system to lock. In that case, contact the management company or the delivery box management center (call center) and ask for instructions.

I lost the delivery notice (notice).

While it may be possible to obtain the PIN code by contacting the delivery company, this is not guaranteed. Identity verification is required, and whether or not this is possible depends on the company and the delivery situation. In that case, please contact the management company or management center. After identity verification, they may be able to unlock the door with a master key or provide you with the PIN code and box number.

All delivery lockers are in use and there are no available.

During peak hours, there may be no available delivery slots, and delivery personnel may have to take packages back. In such cases, a delivery notice will be left in your mailbox as usual. Please contact the number listed on the notice or arrange for redelivery online.

The PIN is correct, but the door won't open.

If the box won't open even though the code is correct, there may be a malfunction in the box itself or the control panel. Forcing it open will only worsen the damage, so please contact the management company or call center immediately, explain the situation, and ask them to take action.

The package contained items that did not belong to me.

In that case, the rule is to immediately close the door and leave it as it is. Touching the contents or attempting to deliver them yourself is strictly prohibited. Report it to the management company immediately and ask for their instructions.

What if my belongings are stolen or damaged?

First, contact both the property management company and the delivery company you hired. If it's an electric box, you may be able to check the delivery history, which can be used as evidence. Also, if the item is damaged in a way that gives it commercial value or if it has been stolen, consider contacting the police.

Delivery boxes make life in Japan even more convenient. So, how can you find a property that includes a delivery box?

Real estate portal sites make it easy to search for properties with delivery lockers.

For example, Mooovin, a real estate portal site for foreigners, has a checkbox for "delivery lockers."

By checking that option and specifying other conditions, you should be able to find a property that suits you from among the listings for properties with delivery boxes.