I discovered this neat service around a month before my first trip to Japan, so I took the chance to try it out. It was a pain researching about every step of the process, so I compiled it here for you guys!

Why Use This Service?

I've been using this service in my past three trips to Japan, and I believe more visitors should make the best of it!

Go Through Your Shopping List Quick

If you have several items you want to buy while in Japan, you can already buy some of them through Amazon and save time browsing through shops.

Less Effort, More Sightseeing! (And Even More Shopping)

Having less items to carry for the day lets you do your sightseeing freely and save your feet. And if you're feeling a little light, go ahead and shop a little more.

Puts Konbini in Convenience

Convenience stores are everywhere in Japan! You got 7–11, Lawson, FamilyMart, MiniStop, and more from Hokkaido to Okinawa.

10-Day Holding Period

Konbini that offer this service can hold your package up to 10 days after it's delivered. After 10 days, it's automatically refunded and returned.

With this, you could order a week ahead of your trip, and pick it up at your convenience, as long as it's within the holding period.

Free*

The service is free if you're paying for your order through Credit Card. Cash on Delivery payments have a flat-rate handling fee of ¥324. Still relatively cheap, especially if you squeeze a gazillion items in one order.

Getting Around Amazon.jp

If you're worried about the language barrier on Amazon Japan's website, don't fret. You can already view most parts of the website in English just by clicking 'In English' at the top of the homepage.

Placing an Order

It's basically the same as any other Amazon website: you add stuff to your cart, view your cart, and check-out. Nothing different here.

Checking Out

Selecting A Konbini to Deliver To

Now, here's where things get a little different. You'll be asked for a Shipping Address, but we're going for the convenience store pickup, so you'll be using the 'Search for a new store address' form. You can use the hotel's address or zip code, and you'll be able to see a map of the nearest konbini.

I stayed at Omori Tokyu Inn, so I looked up its address, and found the zip code (143–0016), so I punched those numbers and here's what I got:

My hotel's right in Omori Station, so I chose ローソン大森駅西口 (Lawson Omori Station West Exit). Pretty easy to find on the map. A quick copy-paste to Google gave me these results:

You'll need Google Maps' help for cross-checking. Do check out the area in Street View so you'll know how the store looks like as well.

When you've decided on a store, click on 'Ship to this Store'.

Now, for some items, you'll notice an error saying it can't ship to the convenience store. This is usually because the item is an Amazon Marketplace item that doesn't accept konbini pickup. If this happens to you, you can try a different merchant.

Selecting a Shipping & Delivery Method

This one is pretty much up to you, but if you have Amazon Prime or the item is available for free Expedited Shipping, you can go for it! I went for Standard Shipping, which takes about 2–4 days to be delivered.

Selecting a Payment Method

For this, I'll only go through Credit Card or Cash on Delivery.

Credit card payments on Amazon Japan are handled a little differently than what we're used to. All they'll need is your card number, and billing information. That's it, no verification codes. Weird, I know.

Cash on Delivery (COD) payments mean you'll pay in cash at the konbini clerk when you pick up your package. This includes a handling fee of ¥324.

The Waiting Game

Once you're ready, you can submit the order and emails will be sent to you periodically. These emails will be in Japanese, but Google Translate is your friend.

You can figure out the status of your order depending on the sender of each email you receive from Amazon Japan:

• [email protected] → RECEIVED Has Order No. 注文番号
• [email protected] → SHIPPED Has Tracking No. お問い合わせ番号
• [email protected] → DELIVERED Has Tracking No. お問い合わせ番号 and Authentication No. 認証番号

You can also view the status in English at the website using the order number included or through Your Orders page.

When you get the delivery email, be sure to take note of the Tracking No. お問い合わせ番号 and Authentication No. 認証番号, which you will need to claim your package.

Picking Up the Package

In picking up a package, the general idea is that you'll be using a terminal to print out a receipt, and bring it to the clerk to claim (and pay if you're using COD).

Using the Terminals

You'll be using a touchscreen terminal called Loppi (Lawson) or FamiPort (FamilyMart). Have your Tracking Number (お問い合わせ番号) and Authentication Number (認証番号) ready.

Step 1: Click the Button

Step 2: Punch the Numbers

You'll be asked to input the Tracking Number (お問い合わせ番号) then the Authentication Number (認証番号).

Step 3: Print the Receipt

After punching the numbers, there should be a confirmation screen with your name and order details. A receipt should be printed.

Step 4: Go the Register

Bring the receipt to the register. The clerk will look for your packages, scan your receipt, look for your packages, ask for payment (if COD), and may ask for a signature.

And that's it! You got your package! If you need more information, here's the store pickup guide by Amazon Japan.

Alternative Method: The (Magic) Lawson Barcode

Out of all the convenience stores, Lawson is the only that that offers a barcode that lets you skip having to punch buttons at the Loppi and printing a payment coupon. It's included in the email sent to you.

Here's how it looks like:

You can print this barcode or show it on your phone, and go straight to Step 4 above. It's that easy.

I hope this guide is helpful to you guys who are planning to go to Japan and save some time in shopping by ordering them online. It's a pretty unique experience, so try it out at least once!