The Ultimate Japan Travel Hack

# The Ultimate Japan Travel Hack: How to Pick Up Amazon Japan Orders at the Convenience Store

Let’s be real—you didn’t fly all the way to Japan to sit in your hotel room waiting for a delivery driver. You want to be out eating ramen, exploring shrines, and shopping your heart out!

But what happens when you urgently need a new camera battery, forgot your favorite skincare product, or want to buy exclusive Japanese snacks in bulk without hunting them down in stores? Enter the greatest travel hack of all time: **ordering from Amazon Japan and picking it up at a local convenience store (conbini).**

Japan’s convenience stores—like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson—are legendary. Not only do they serve incredible egg sandwiches, but they also act as your personal post office.

Here is your step-by-step, savvy guide to mastering Amazon Japan conbini pickups as a tourist.

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## Step 1: Set Up Amazon Japan in English

First things first: your regular Amazon account (from the US, UK, Australia, etc.) won’t work in Japan. You need to create an **Amazon.co.jp** account. Fortunately, you can navigate the entire site in perfect English.

### How to Switch the Language to English

* **On Desktop:** Look at the top menu bar, right next to the search bar. You’ll see a Japanese flag icon. Click it, select **”English – EN”**, and hit “Save Changes.”

* **On Mobile App:** Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) at the bottom right. Scroll down to **”Settings”**, tap **”Country & Language”**, and change the language to English.

*Pro-tip: You can use the exact same email address you use for your home-country Amazon account to register for your Japan account.*

## Step 2: Choosing a Convenience Store for Delivery

Once your cart is loaded up with Japanese KitKats and electronics, it’s time to check out. Instead of sending the package to your hotel (which can be a hassle if the front desk won’t hold packages), you will send it to a nearby conbini.

### The Step-by-Step Checkout Process

1.  Proceed to **Checkout**.

2.  When asked for a shipping address, do *not* enter your hotel address. Instead, look for the option that says **”Search for a Pickup Location”** or **”Or pick up from an Amazon Locker or convenience store.”**

3.  Enter the **zip code** or the **address** of your hotel/Airbnb into the search bar.

4.  A map and list of nearby locations will appear. You will see plenty of 7-Elevens, FamilyMarts, and Lawsons.

5.  Select the store closest to you by clicking **”Ship to this address.”**

6.  Complete your payment using your regular foreign credit card.

## Step 3: Wait for the Magic Email

Once your package arrives at the convenience store, Amazon will send you an email with the subject line: **”Your package is ready for pickup.”** **Do not go to the store before you get this email!** The store staff cannot help you until the package has officially been checked into their system.

This email will contain a **barcode** or a set of **pickup numbers** (an Authentication Key and a Tracking Number). Don’t delete this email; you need it for the final step.

## Step 4: Picking Up Your Package

The pickup process varies slightly depending on which convenience store chain you chose.

### Picking up at 7-Eleven

This is the easiest option!

* Open your Amazon pickup email.

* Click the link to display your **barcode**.

* Walk up to the cashier, show them the barcode on your phone screen, and they will scan it.

* They will disappear into the back room and return with your box. Easy!

### Picking up at Lawson or FamilyMart

* Many Lawson and FamilyMart locations now use the exact same **barcode scanning system** at the register as 7-Eleven.

* **If they don’t:** You might need to use the multimedia kiosk in the store (Loppi for Lawson, FamiPort for FamilyMart). You simply tap the screen, find the “Receive Package” (受取) button, punch in the two numbers from your Amazon email, and the machine will print a receipt. Hand that receipt to the cashier.

## Useful Japanese Phrases for the Counter

While many convenience store workers in major tourist areas speak a little English, speaking a few words of Japanese will win you major respect and make the transaction smoother!

| English Meaning | Japanese Phrase (Romaji) | Pronunciation Guide |

| :— | :— | :— |

| “I’d like to pick up my Amazon package.” | Amazon no nimotsu o uketoritai desu. | Ah-mah-zon no nee-moat-soo oh oo-keh-toe-ree-tie dess. |

| “Here is the barcode.” | Baakoodo wa koko desu. | Bar-code-oh wa koh-koh dess. |

| “Thank you!” | Arigatou gozaimasu! | Ah-ree-gah-toe go-zigh-mass! |

| “I don’t need a bag.” | Fukuro wa irimasen. | Foo-koo-row wa ee-ree-mah-sen. |

## Savvy Pro-Tips for Tourists

* **Size Matters:** Convenience stores will only accept packages that meet certain size and weight limits. If you are buying a giant suitcase or a heavy rice cooker, the conbini option will be grayed out at checkout.

* **The Clock is Ticking:** You usually have **3 to 7 days** to pick up your package once it arrives. If you miss the window, it gets returned to Amazon and you will be refunded.

* **Check the Name:** Make sure the name on your Amazon account matches the name you use in real life, just in case the cashier asks to see your ID (though this is very rare if you have the barcode).

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**Ready to start shopping?** Now that you know how to master the conbini delivery system, it’s time to figure out what to buy! Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming guide: **”The Best Souvenirs to Buy on Amazon Japan (That You Can’t Find in Stores).”** Coming soon!