Shopping on Amazon Japan Before Visiting Japan: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re traveling to Japan soon and wondering how to make your trip smoother, one powerful yet often overlooked tool is Amazon Japan.

Especially if you already know what you want to buy — whether it’s a specific travel item, Japanese gadget, or a local favorite — using Amazon Japan can save you the time and hassle of hunting it down in stores after you arrive. It’s a smart way to be prepared before you even set foot in the country.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how Amazon Japan differs from the U.S. version, how to register, ship items to your accommodation or a locker, and even how to use a free Prime trial — all in English!

Amazon Japan vs. Amazon US – What’s Different?

Before you start shopping, there are two important things to know:

２．Your Amazon US Account Won’t Work Here

Your Amazon.com login and password do not carry over to Amazon Japan.
You’ll need to create a new account specifically for Amazon Japan, even if you already have one in the U.S.

Getting Started: How to Create an Amazon Japan Account

Creating an Amazon Japan account may sound intimidating at first — especially if you’re worried about the language barrier or unfamiliar systems. But don’t worry! Here’s a clear, simple guide to help you through the process.

1. Visit the Right Website

   This is the official Amazon Japan website. You might notice that most of the page is in Japanese at first.

   You might also see a screen asking you to type in a few letters shown in an image — like this one:

   

   If this screen appears, don’t worry — it’s just a quick security check to keep your account safe.

   This is called a CAPTCHA, and it’s just Amazon’s way of checking that you’re a real person, not a robot.

   Just carefully type the letters you see into the box and click the yellow button to continue.
   If the letters are hard to read, you can click the blue link below the image to get a new one.

2. Switch the Language to English

   To make things easier, you can switch the website to English.
   Look at the top-right corner of the screen. Click the flag icon (or it may say “JP”).
   Choose “English – EN” from the dropdown menu.
   

   

   Note: Not all text will be translated, but menus and buttons will mostly be in English. You can also use Google Chrome with automatic translation to help with the rest.

3. Create Your Account

   Select “Start here” next to “New customer?”

   

   Fill in the following:

   • Your name (it can be in English)
   • Your email address
   • Create a password
   • Re-enter the password

   Click “Create your Amazon account“

   If you see a “Continue” button instead of “Create your Amazon account,” don’t worry – this usually means that Amazon will guide you through one or two extra steps to confirm your email address. You might receive a 6-digit code in your email. Just enter the code when asked, and your registration will continue. This is normal and part of Amazon’s security process to keep your account safe.

4. Add a Payment Method

   You can use most international credit cards.

   1. Go to “Accounts & Lists” > “Your Account”> “Payment Options”
   2. Add your card info (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
   3. You can leave the billing address as your U.S. address.

How to Ship Items to Your Hotel or an Amazon Locker in Japan

Once your account is ready, it’s time to shop and choose where to send your items.
Amazon Japan makes it easy to deliver packages directly to your hotel or to a nearby Amazon Locker (called “Amazon Hub Locker” in Japan).

Let’s look at both options and how to use them safely.

Option 1: Shipping to Your Hotel or Accommodation

What You Need:

• The full Japanese address of your hotel (usually available in your booking confirmation)
• Hotel’s phone number (optional)
• Your reservation name (important!)
• Your check-in date

Steps:

1. Go to “Accounts & Lists” > “Your Account”> “Your Addresses”
2. Click “Add Address”
3. Enter the hotel’s address in Japanese (you can copy & paste from the booking website)
4. In the “Name” field, write something like:
   Your Name / Guest arriving [Your Check-in Date]
   Example: John Smith / Guest arriving April 15

Tips:

• Contact the hotel in advance to let them know you’re expecting a package.
• Make sure the arrival date of the package is within 1–2 days of your check-in.
• Try to use Amazon Prime shipping for faster delivery.

Option 2: Using an Amazon Hub Locker (Amazon Box)

If you don’t want to bother the hotel staff — or if you’re staying in multiple places — an Amazon Locker is a great solution.

What is an Amazon Locker?

It’s a secure, self-service box where you can pick up your package using a code.
They are often located in:

• Convenience stores (like Family Mart)
• Train stations
• Shopping malls

How to Use It:

1. When you check out on Amazon Japan, go to the delivery address section
2. Click on “Search for a Pickup Location”
3. Type in the name of your city or station (e.g., Shinjuku, Kyoto Station)
4. Choose a nearby locker from the map/list
5. After purchase, Amazon will send you:
   • A pickup code
   • A QR code (if available)

When your item arrives:

• Go to the locker location
• Enter the code or scan the QR code
• The locker will open automatically

You usually have 3–4 days to pick up your item, so be sure to time your order right.

Amazon Japan

Preparing for a trip to Japan? Don’t waste time searching for things after you arrive — let Amazon Japan bring them to you.
With this guide, you can set up your account, ship to your hotel or a locker, and even explore Japanese products from the comfort of your home.

Ready to give Amazon Japan a try? Smart travel starts before you even pack your bags. Happy shopping and have a great trip to Japan!