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How Redelivery Works for Large Items in Japan

How Redelivery Works for Large Items in Japan (Furniture, Appliances, Oversized Parcels) – 2025 Guide

Large deliveries in Japan—like refrigerators, washing machines, furniture, or big home electronics—use a different system from normal parcels. This often surprises newcomers, because the usual 不在票 (fuzaihyo) process doesn’t always apply, and many carriers require special scheduling or phone confirmation.

If you’ve ever missed a large-item delivery or weren’t sure how to arrange redelivery, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to rebook it smoothly. If you’re still setting up your apartment, our guide on renting an apartment in Japan may also help with the early steps of getting settled.

Why Large Items Use a Different Redelivery System

Large items in Japan require more coordination because they often involve:

  • Two delivery staff instead of one
  • Special equipment (dollies, straps, lifts)
  • Time-specific building access rules
  • Installation work (washing machine, AC units, gas appliances)
  • Removal of old appliances (recycling)

Because of this, carriers cannot simply “drop by again later” the same way they do with small parcels. Redelivery is usually by appointment only.

1. Yamato Home Convenience (ヤマトホームコンビニエンス)

Many large appliances and furniture items are delivered by Yamato Home Convenience, which operates separately from Kuroneko’s regular parcel service.

How Redelivery Works

Redelivery must be arranged by phone. You cannot use the normal Yamato online redelivery form.

  • Call the number printed on your notice slip
  • Provide your inquiry number
  • Choose an available date and time window

Redelivery windows are usually:

  • Morning (午前)
  • 13:00–15:00
  • 15:00–17:00
  • 17:00–19:00 (depends on region)

Official page: Yamato Home Convenience

Important Notes

  • You must be home for the full delivery window.
  • If installation is required (washing machine, dryer), you may need to confirm plumbing readiness.
  • Redelivery is usually free unless a special service was requested.

2. Sagawa Large-Size Delivery Service (飛脚ラージサイズ便)

Sagawa handles many oversized items, especially furniture and electronics ordered online.

How Redelivery Works

Like Yamato, Sagawa requires a phone appointment for large items. Their automated redelivery system is only for small parcels.

  • Call the center listed on the notice slip
  • Provide your tracking number
  • Choose a redelivery slot (options vary by region)

Official page: Sagawa Large-Size Delivery

Building Restrictions

Some apartments require:

  • Advance notice for large deliveries
  • Use of service elevators
  • Delivery during designated hours only

If this applies to your building, Sagawa may ask you to confirm approved delivery times.

3. Japan Post “Yu-Pack Large” (ゆうパック・大型)

Japan Post rarely delivers very large items, but some oversized parcels do go through Yu-Pack Large.

How Redelivery Works

The process depends on the size:

  • Medium-large parcels: You can request redelivery online using the normal system.
  • Very large or heavy items: Some post offices require phone scheduling or in-person pickup.

Redelivery page: Japan Post Redelivery (English)

When Pickup Is Required

Japan Post may ask you to pick up the item if:

  • Your building has no elevator
  • The package exceeds carrying limits for one person
  • Stairs are too narrow

In these cases, you may need to bring ID and arrange transportation.

Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them

“They came but I wasn’t home.”

This is very common. Simply call the number on the slip. Most large-item redelivery cannot be booked online.

“My building requires morning deliveries only.”

Tell the carrier when you call. They will check availability for your building’s rules.

“The installers said my washing machine hoses don’t fit.”

This happens often in older apartments. Carriers may reschedule once you purchase the correct connector. Hardware stores like Kojima or Yodobashi carry them.

“They refused delivery because the hallway was too narrow.”

Unfortunately, this does happen. Most companies offer a return-to-sender or a paid “re-delivery with special handling” option.

How to Avoid Redelivery Problems

  • Check your building’s delivery rules before scheduling
  • Make sure your phone number is correct on the order
  • Choose a window when you’re certain you’ll be home
  • If receiving appliances, confirm water/gas hookups in advance

If you're managing other household logistics, our guide on understanding monthly utility bills in Japan may also help with budgeting.

Conclusion

Large-item redelivery works differently from normal parcels because it often involves installation, multiple staff, or special equipment. Once you know that phone scheduling is the standard, the process becomes much easier. Just call the number on your notice slip, choose a time window that works for you, and your delivery will be rescheduled without much trouble.

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