Many international visitors come to Japan excited to shop.
Traditional crafts, the latest electronics, delicious Hokkaido sweets, winter clothing, ski gear—Japan offers countless tempting items. It’s no surprise that many travelers end up buying more than they expected.
But after the shopping comes a serious question:
How can you send everything home? Recently, more and more visitors to Japan have found themselves struggling to ship their purchases overseas.
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The Real Reason Shipping Is So Difficult
The biggest obstacle is not language. It’s not even complicated paperwork.
The real issue is this: Most visitors do not have a residential address in Japan.
1.The “No Sender Address” Problem
When sending a package internationally from Japan (via post office or courier), you must write a sender’s address in Japan on the shipping label.
For travelers, this creates a major challenge:
- You usually cannot use your hotel’s address.
Many hotels and accommodations do not allow guests to use their address as a shipping sender address due to return risks or liability concerns. - No address means no shipment.
If a package cannot be delivered overseas, it must be returned to the sender’s Japanese address. Without a valid return address, shipping may be refused altogether.
In other words, without a Japanese address, many visitors are unable to ship their purchases at all.
2.Complicated Customs Forms
International shipping also requires a customs declaration (invoice). You must accurately enter:
- Detailed description of items
- Materials
- Quantity
- Value
For travelers unfamiliar with the process, especially in a foreign country, this can be overwhelming.
The Solution: ShipStation
To solve the “no address, no shipping” problem, a new international shipping device called ShipStation has been developed. ShipStation was created by ShipMate Co., Ltd., a Sapporo-based startup company with the mission of eliminating the hassle of international shipping.
What Is ShipStation?
ShipStation is a dedicated international shipping terminal designed specifically for visitors to Japan.
✔ No Japanese Address Required
The system is built for travelers, allowing you to complete legitimate shipping procedures even if you do not have a residential address in Japan.
✔ Easy Smartphone Operation
You enter your shipping information directly on your smartphone by following simple on-screen instructions. Even complicated customs forms become much easier.
✔ Travel Light
You can send heavy souvenirs, winter coats, or ski gear immediately and continue sightseeing without carrying bulky luggage.
Services currently operating near the Sapporo Clock Tower
ShipStation is currently installed at:
NAKAHARA DENKI Free Information Gallery (NDFIG)
The gallery is operated by Nakahara Denki Shokai Co., Ltd. and is located just steps away from the famous Sapporo Clock Tower in central Sapporo.
This space is more than just a shipping point. It also:
- Provides tourist information
- Exhibits Art Brut (art by artists with disabilities) from Hokkaido
- Supports young and emerging artists
- Serves as a welcoming community gallery
By introducing ShipStation, the gallery aims to improve convenience for international visitors and contribute to making Hokkaido a more comfortable global tourism destination.
Location Information
NAKAHARA DENKI Free Information Gallery (NDFIG)
Address：Kita 2-jo Nishi 2-chome 29-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo (Just behind the Sapporo Clock Tower)
Open：Weekdays 10:00–18:00
Closed on weekends and public holidays
If You’re Visiting Sapporo
If you:
- Bought too many souvenirs
- Have bulky winter gear
- Were refused shipping by your hotel
- Feel unsure about international shipping procedures
Visit NDFIG and use ShipStation.
Send your packages home easily—and enjoy the rest of your trip in Japan light and stress-free.
