⚠️ Important Precautions Before Using Amazon Japan
⚠️ Introduction
This page outlines important information that foreign visitors should know when using Amazon Japan. It is designed to help even those who are not fluent in Japanese shop with confidence and avoid common issues.
📦 Delivery Precautions
The displayed "Estimated Delivery Date" is not guaranteed. Delays may occur due to weather, traffic, or national holidays.
If delivering to a hotel or vacation rental, check in advance if they can accept packages. Be sure to include the "Guest Name" and "Check-in Date" to increase successful delivery.
Missing room numbers or guest details, and using Cash on Delivery (COD), can lead to rejected or returned packages.
If you want to ensure successful delivery, consider using convenience store pickup or Amazon Hub Lockers.
📍 Pickup Methods & Storage Periods
Pickup Method
Description
Storage Period
Accommodation (Hotel / Airbnb)
Front desk or host may receive packages. Prior confirmation is recommended.
During stay (until check-out date)
Convenience Store (Lawson, Ministop)
Available 24 hours. No ID required. Show barcode for pickup.
3–4 days (including arrival day)
Convenience Store (FamilyMart)
Requires operation on in-store terminal (FamiPort). Enter pickup code.
Usually 4 days
Amazon Hub Locker
Unmanned lockers. Enter passcode to unlock and retrieve.
3 days (no extensions)
Amazon Hub Counter
Staffed counter. ID may be required depending on location.
7–14 days (varies by facility)
PUDO Locker
Unmanned lockers. Scan barcode to pick up.
4 days
📘 Key Tips for Delivery & Troubleshooting
Possible Delivery Delays: May be caused by typhoons, earthquakes, traffic disruptions, or long holidays.
Example for Hotel Address: Include the hotel name, "Front Desk", guest name, and check-in date.
Example: 〒100-0000 Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku 〇〇 1-2-3 ◯◯ Hotel, Attn: Front Desk, Mr. Taro Yamada (Check-in: July 10)
COD not available: Cash on Delivery is generally not accepted at hotels or vacation rentals. Use pre-payment (credit card or gift card).
If Unavailable or Returned: A missed delivery notice will be left. Follow the instructions to request redelivery. Hotels may hold packages at the front desk during your stay.
Using Amazon Hub & Convenience Store Pickup: Lockers require a passcode; convenience stores require either a barcode or pickup code. Be careful of expiration dates.
✈️ About International Shipping
This site focuses on how to order and receive items within Japan. However, here is some reference info about international shipping:
Some products on Amazon Japan can be shipped overseas using Amazon Global service.
Many items (e.g., food, medicine, lithium batteries, aerosols) are not eligible. Check before purchase.
Marketplace seller items are often not available for international delivery.
Shipping fees and import taxes vary by country. Amazon Prime benefits apply only in Japan.
Receiving products during your stay in Japan is often cheaper and more reliable than international shipping.
💳 Payment Methods
Amazon Japan accepts a variety of payment options. Below is a summary of the available methods, their features, benefits, and things to watch out for.
💳 Credit Card
How: Visa, MasterCard, Amex, JCB. Enter card number and expiration.
✅ Benefits: Instant payment, secure, trackable
⚠️ Caution: Some foreign cards may fail or require 3D Secure
💳 Debit Card
How: Used like a credit card. Withdraws immediately from your bank.
✅ Benefits: Easy management, no screening
⚠️ Caution: Not all cards work, refunds may be slow
💳 Prepaid Card
How: Use Visa/Master-branded prepaid cards at checkout.
✅ Benefits: No credit check, helps control budget
⚠️ Caution: Some may fail or be rejected due to address mismatch
🎁 Amazon Gift Card
How: Redeem code into your Amazon account. Auto-applies at checkout.
✅ Benefits: No need for a card, can buy with cash
⚠️ Caution: Non-refundable once charged
🏪 Convenience Store Payment
How: Receive payment code, pay with cash at store or terminal
✅ Benefits: Cash friendly, no card needed
⚠️ Caution: Must pay on time before shipping proceeds
📱 PayPay / au PAY / d Payment
How: Link digital wallet to your Amazon account
✅ Benefits: Fast mobile checkout, earns points
⚠️ Caution: Not accepted for all items; use backup if needed
📘 Detailed Tips for Each Payment Method
Registering a credit card: Go to Account Settings → “Payment Methods” → “Add a Card”. Enter your card details.
3D Secure Authentication: Some cards require online identity verification \(e\.g\. one-time passcode\)\. Without it, payment may be declined\.
Using gift cards: Buy at convenience stores or online → Enter code in your account → Amount auto-applies at checkout\.
Convenience store payment process: After order, get payment code → Take it to store → Pay in cash → Amazon ships item after payment is confirmed\.
Smartphone payments: Select PayPay etc\. → Login and approve via the app → Payment complete\. Make sure your balance is sufficient\.
⚠️ Note: Do not select Cash on Delivery when shipping to hotels or guesthouses, as they typically refuse such deliveries. Use prepaid methods instead.
🔁 Returns & Cancellations
You can return most items within a certain period after delivery. However, food and opened products may not be returnable.
Return shipping costs may be the buyer's responsibility depending on the reason.
You can cancel an order only if it hasn’t been shipped yet. If already shipped, you’ll need to initiate a return process.
📘 Rules & Procedures for Returns and Cancellations
Return procedure: Go to your order history → Click “Return” on the item → Select a reason and proceed with the return.
Items that cannot be returned: Food, hygiene products, opened software, limited-time sale items, etc.
How to return: Use the designated carrier and method. Original packaging or careful wrapping may be required.
Refund timing: Once Amazon confirms receipt, your payment method will be refunded within a few days.
Foreign credit cards: You may incur exchange rate differences (between charge and refund dates).
When you can cancel: If the item is still “not shipped”, you can cancel from your order history immediately.
If already shipped: Accept the package, then initiate a return. A refund will be processed after return.
Note: Marketplace sellers and discounted items may have different return policies. Please confirm before purchasing.
🚚 Shipping Fees & Prime Info
Beware of "shipping fee scam" products with very low prices and high shipping (e.g. 99 yen item + 2,980 yen shipping).
Items with the Amazon Prime mark often offer free and faster shipping.
Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial, which can be useful during your stay in Japan. You can cancel before returning home.
📘 Details on Shipping Fees and Prime Membership
Standard Shipping: Depends on the seller or carrier. Always check the final amount at checkout.
Prime Member Benefits: Free shipping on eligible items, plus access to faster options like same-day or scheduled delivery at no extra charge.
Free Trial Registration: Select "Try 30-day Free Trial" on the product page or homepage and follow the registration steps.
Trial Warning: If not canceled, it automatically renews as a paid plan. Set a reminder for your cancellation date if using short-term.
How to Cancel: Go to your account → "Manage Prime Membership" → "End Membership" (few steps required).
Detecting Shipping Scams: If an item price is extremely low but shipping is very high, check the total in your cart before buying.
Note: Even Prime items may be delayed depending on the seller. Always check seller ratings and shipping source information.
💬 FAQ & Customer Service
Item not arrived? Check the order status in your purchase history. Contact Amazon or request redelivery if needed.
Accidental order? If the item hasn’t shipped, you can cancel from your order history. If shipped, follow return procedures.
Can I contact support in English or Thai? Yes. In the customer chat, write “I would like to speak in English” or “ฉันต้องการพูดภาษาไทย”.
Support Options: Chat (automated + human), callback request, or email (depending on case).
Tips for Smooth Inquiries: Prepare your order number, a short summary of the issue, and your desired resolution.
✅ Summary & Links
Thank you for reading this far!
With the tips on this page, you should be able to use Amazon Japan with more confidence.
✅ Quick Recap:
・Use prepaid payment methods (credit card or gift card)
・Include your accommodation name and dates in the delivery address
・Order early in case of delays (weather, holidays, etc.)