For Click Post, dropping off packages in a postbox is the standard rule. Packages can be dropped off at the post office counter only if they meet one of three criteria—the postbox cannot be used because it is full or out of order, the drop-off volume is expected to exceed what can fit at once, or the postbox slot width is insufficient despite meeting standard dimensions—and the package thickness is 3 cm or less.
This drop-off method took effect on October 1, 2026. Japan Post's current service guide and counter drop-off exception conditions were verified on October 13, 2026. This article outlines how to identify the exceptions, how to choose a postbox, and what to do when packages cannot be brought to the counter.
Check Exception Conditions and the 3 cm Thickness Limit for Counters
Before taking packages to the counter, check both the reason why the package cannot be posted and its thickness after packing. Even if your situation fits one of the three exceptions, packages thicker than 3 cm cannot be dropped off at the counter.
Current Click Post service applies to packages sent nationwide for a flat rate of 240 yen (tax included), weighing up to 2 kg, with total dimensions within 60 cm and the longest side within 34 cm, provided they can actually be posted in a postbox. Minimum dimensions are 14 cm in length and 9 cm in width (for cylindrical packages: length of at least 14 cm and diameter of at least 3 cm). For detailed terms, check Japan Post's service guide.
The exceptions permitting counter drop-off are listed as the following three in Japan Post's notice dated August 21, 2026:
- The postbox cannot be used because it is full, out of order, or otherwise unavailable
- The volume to be dropped off is expected to exceed what can fit into the postbox at once
- The package satisfies the limits of total dimensions within 60 cm and longest side within 34 cm, but cannot be posted because the postbox slot width is insufficient
Even when one of these conditions applies, packages accepted at the counter are strictly limited to 3 cm or less in thickness. Conversely, this does not mean packages thicker than 3 cm can never be sent via Click Post. A thickness of 3 cm is merely an approximate guideline for what fits into ordinary post office collection boxes, and slot dimensions vary by postbox.
Identify Why the Package Cannot Be Posted
If you take a package to a postbox and it does not fit, first identify whether the cause is a full/broken postbox, volume, or slot width. Depending on the cause, whether you should look for another postbox or use a counter exception will differ.
The Postbox Is Full or Out of Order
If the slot is full and packages cannot be inserted, or if there is an out-of-order or suspended-service notice, your situation qualifies as an exception for counter drop-off. If another postbox is available, check its location and slot type in Japan Post's guidance. When using the counter, the package thickness must also be 3 cm or less.
Dropping Off a Volume That Cannot Be Posted at Once
Dropping off a volume expected to exceed what can fit into a postbox at once is also included among the exceptions permitting counter drop-off. However, Japan Post's guidance does not provide specific criteria for volume. If it is difficult to determine whether your shipment qualifies, consult the post office you plan to use in advance, letting them know the shipping volume and package thickness.
If you can split the drop-off across multiple postboxes, distributing the shipment is another option. When using the counter, verify that each package you submit is 3 cm or less in thickness.
Postbox Slot Width Is Insufficient Despite Standard Dimensions
If a package satisfies the limits of total dimensions within 60 cm and longest side within 34 cm, but does not fit because the postbox slot width is too narrow, it qualifies for the counter exception. However, packages that can be dropped off at the counter must be 3 cm thick or less. Do not take packages thicker than 3 cm to the counter; instead, look for a usable postbox slot, or reconsider your packaging or shipping method.
Check the Slot of the Postbox You Plan to Use
Packages cannot necessarily be shipped via Click Post based solely on numerical dimensional limits. It is also required that they can actually be posted in the postbox you use.
Japan Post indicates that the approximate thickness that can be posted into ordinary postboxes is 3 cm, and that slot sizes vary by postbox. While there are large-slot postboxes that can accommodate mail and packages up to 7 cm thick, Click Post packages cannot be dropped off in the right-side slot when facing the postbox. Verify postbox locations and slot types through official guidance such as the Post Office, ATM, and Postbox Search.
Rather than forcing a package into a slot it does not fit, handle the situation in the following order:
- Remeasure outer dimensions after packing. Measure the three dimensions and total weight of the package after packing and sealing, rather than the product alone or inner box dimensions. Confirm that total dimensions are within 60 cm, the longest side is within 34 cm, and weight is within 2 kg. For measurement methods, refer to Checking New Size Limits and Packaging.
- Check postboxes with different slot sizes. Look up locations via Japan Post's official guidance and verify whether the package fits into the slot you actually plan to use. If using a large-slot postbox, be careful not to use the slot from which Click Post cannot be posted.
- Check whether your situation meets a counter exception. If your situation falls under a full/broken postbox, drop-off volume, or slot width, and package thickness is 3 cm or less, you can consider counter drop-off.
- Reconsider the shipping method if neither postbox drop-off nor counter drop-off is viable. Check whether adjusting the packaging allows you to meet the criteria; if difficult, choose an alternative service that matches the package dimensions, weight, and compensation needs.
Quick Reference Table Before Taking Packages to the Counter
Combine the reason the package cannot be posted with its thickness after packing to determine your next action.
| Reason Package Cannot Be Posted | Thickness After Packing | Assessment | Next Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postbox is full or out of order | 3 cm or less | Qualifies for counter exception | Consider counter drop-off. If another postbox is available, check that as well |
| Postbox is full or out of order | Over 3 cm | Exceeds thickness limit for counter exception | Check for another postbox slot, or repack / reconsider shipping method |
| Volume cannot be posted at once | 3 cm or less | May qualify for counter exception | Confirm volume handling with post office. Consider splitting shipments |
| Volume cannot be posted at once | Includes packages over 3 cm | Packages over 3 cm ineligible for counter | Separate from packages 3 cm or less; handle thicker packages separately |
| Postbox slot width is insufficient | 3 cm or less | Qualifies for counter exception | Consider counter drop-off, or check another postbox slot |
| Postbox slot width is insufficient | Over 3 cm | Exceeds thickness limit for counter exception | Check for another postbox slot, or repack / reconsider shipping method |
| Unsure of reason | Any thickness | Check postbox and size conditions | Consult Japan Post's official guidance and local post office |
Even if a package qualifies for a counter exception under this table, it must separately satisfy Click Post requirements for dimensions, weight, and contents. A thickness of 3 cm is the maximum limit for counter drop-off; if posting in a postbox, check the slot you plan to use and official guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drop off packages thicker than 3 cm at the counter when shipping in bulk?
No, you cannot. While shipping large quantities may qualify as an exception for using the counter, packages accepted at the counter are strictly limited to 3 cm or less in thickness. For packages exceeding 3 cm in thickness, check whether they can be posted in the postbox you plan to use, and if they do not fit, consider repacking or choosing an alternative shipping method.
Has counter acceptance for Click Post been completely discontinued?
It is not completely discontinued. You can use the counter if your situation meets one of the following criteria: the postbox cannot be used because it is full or out of order, you are dropping off a volume expected to exceed what can be posted at once, or the postbox slot width is too narrow despite the package meeting standard dimensional limits. However, packages accepted at the counter are limited to those 3 cm thick or less.
Can Click Post packages be dropped off in any postbox?
Because postbox slot sizes vary depending on the postbox, packages cannot necessarily be dropped off in every postbox. Check postbox locations and slot types via Japan Post's official guidance, and choose a postbox where your package can actually be posted. Even for large-slot postboxes accommodating items up to 7 cm thick, Click Post packages cannot be dropped off in the right-side slot when facing the postbox.
What should I check before taking packages to the counter?
First, check whether your situation qualifies under one of the exceptions: a full or out-of-order postbox, drop-off volume, or insufficient slot width. Next, measure your package to confirm that its thickness after packing is 3 cm or less. Consult your local post office in advance regarding counter drop-off procedures, and do not bring packages thicker than 3 cm to the counter.
Can packages thicker than 3 cm not be sent via Click Post?
A thickness of 3 cm is an approximate guideline for what fits into ordinary postboxes, not a uniform thickness cap for Click Post as a whole. Postbox slot sizes vary across collection boxes, and some large-slot postboxes exist. However, qualifying for a counter drop-off exception requires a thickness of 3 cm or less. Check whether the package fits into the slot you plan to use, and if it does not, consider repacking or using an alternative shipping method.
Summary
Counter drop-off is permitted only when a package meets one of the exceptions—a full or out-of-order postbox, drop-off volume, or insufficient slot width—and is 3 cm or less in thickness. Current Click Post operations require postbox drop-off as the standard rule, and actual slot sizes depend on the specific facility. Check Japan Post's postbox search and current guidance, and consult the post office you plan to use before taking packages to the counter.
Conditions verified on: October 13, 2026. Source references are Japan Post's Click Post Guide and Counter Drop-off Exception Conditions.
Related articles: Checking New Click Post Size Limits and Packaging, Shopify × Click Post Shipping Guide, Click Post Fulfillment Efficiency Tool
