Shipping policy
At JAPONISTA™, each order is treated as a curated acquisition. Our fulfillment process is intentionally careful, designed to preserve the integrity, rarity, and value of every vintage or collectible piece shipped from Japan.
Shipping Flow & Processing Timeline:
Handling Period — 7–12 Business Days
Once your order is received, it enters our handling window. During this time, we coordinate with our warehouse and storage partners to:
- Retrieve your item from climate-controlled storage
- Perform a final condition check
- Apply museum-grade protective packaging
- Prepare export documentation for international dispatch
We aim to dispatch earlier whenever possible, but this 7–12 business day window ensures every piece is packed securely and responsibly.
Japan Post Dispatch — Additional 4–10 Days
After packaging, your parcel is transferred to Japan Post for export clearance. Once cleared, EMS (Express Mail Service) typically takes 4–10 additional days to arrive in your country.
Total Estimated Time: 11–22 Days
Please allow 11–22 days (for standard small items) in total from the date your order is placed. International logistics, customs inspection, peak seasons, or carrier delays may occasionally extend this window. These conditions are outside our control, but we monitor every shipment closely.
*For larger item/s (especially antiques, furnitures, statues, framed art, etc) which require special handling and attention, the handling period extends as we put generous efforts in making sure that everything is safe and meets our high standards of packaging prior to release to the corresponding carriers or shipping brokers we work with.
International Shipping & Import Duties (For Japan Post EMS Exemptions)
To ensure a smooth and reliable delivery experience, in cases, when Japan Post EMS is not possible only - we carefully select the most suitable shipping method based on your order.
For many shipments, import duties and taxes are prepaid in advance (Delivered Duty Paid), allowing your item to arrive without unexpected fees or delays.
In certain cases, depending on destination country regulations or item type, duties may be assessed upon arrival.
Our team continuously monitors international shipping requirements and works closely with trusted logistics partners to ensure full compliance and safe delivery worldwide.
From Our Vault in Japan to Your Wardrobe / Collection
Here is a simple overview of how your curated piece travels from our storage vaults in Japan to your home.
Damages, Issues & Inspection Upon Delivery
We take the safety of your items seriously. However, in the rare case of damages during transit, the following steps ensure proper investigation and eligibility for carrier insurance coverage.
Step 1 — Document the Condition
Upon delivery, please:
- Photograph the outer packaging from multiple angles, clearly showing any dents, tears, punctures, or compression.
- Photograph the item inside and any visible damage.
- Keep all packaging materials until the claim is fully resolved.
Detailed visual evidence is essential for Japan Post’s insurance review.
Step 2 — File a Local Damage Report
Before contacting us, please:
- Visit or contact your local postal office or delivery carrier immediately.
- Request the official Damage Report Form and file a claim with them directly.
- Submit all photos and evidence to the carrier as part of your report.
This step is mandatory. Please avoid mentioning or implying any fault on the part of JAPONISTA™ — carriers must classify the damage as an in-transit incident.
Step 3 — Notify Us
After filing the carrier report, email us with:
- A detailed description of the incident
- Photos of the item and packaging
- If possible, a PDF copy of the Damage Report from the postal office or carrier
We will support you throughout the claim process and coordinate on your behalf with Japan Post.
Insurance Review & Compensation Timeline
Japan Post’s insurance review typically takes 1–3 months, depending on the case complexity and international routing.
Once Japan Post completes their evaluation, we will notify you immediately of:
- Approval status
- Compensation details
- Next steps regarding your item or refund
We are committed to transparency and will guide you through every stage until the matter is fully resolved.
Shipping & Delivery FAQ
Most orders are fulfilled within 11–22 days from the date of purchase. This includes our 7–12 business days handling period for curation and packaging, plus an additional 4–20 days for international delivery via Japan Post EMS. Customs, peak seasons, or carrier delays may occasionally extend this window.
Why does handling take 7–12 business days?JAPONISTA™ operates like a small museum, not a fast-fashion warehouse. Each piece is retrieved from storage, inspected, and packaged with museum-grade care. The 7–12 business days window allows us to coordinate with our warehouse and logistics partners and prepare export documentation properly.
Which shipping service do you use?We primarily ship with Japan Post EMS (Express Mail Service) for reliable, trackable international shipping. In special cases, we may use an equivalent express courier, but you will always receive a tracking number.
Will I receive a tracking number and packaging photos?Yes. Once your parcel is handed over to Japan Post, you will receive your tracking number(s), packaging photos, and a confirmation email summarizing your parcel’s status. This allows you to see exactly how your item was packed and follow its journey.
Are customs fees and import duties included?No. Customs fees, taxes, and import duties are determined by your country’s regulations and are not included in our product prices or shipping fees. You may be asked to pay these charges directly to customs or the courier in your country.
What should I do if my parcel arrives damaged or I receive the wrong item?Please photograph the box, packaging, and item immediately, then file a Damage Report with your local post office or carrier and submit your photos as evidence. After that, email us with the details, photos, and if possible a PDF copy of the report so we can support you during the insurance process.
Why do I need to file a Damage Report with my local post office?Japan Post and most postal systems require that any in-transit damage is documented in the destination country. Without this local Damage Report, insurance claims may be rejected. This step protects you and allows us to properly advocate on your behalf.
How long do insurance claims with Japan Post take?Insurance reviews typically take 1–3 months, depending on the case and routing. Once Japan Post informs us of the outcome, we will contact you with the decision and the next steps regarding compensation or resolution.
My tracking hasn’t updated for several days. Is this normal?Tracking can pause during export handling, customs inspection, or transfer between postal systems. If there is no visible movement for more than 10–14 days, please contact us with your tracking number and we will help investigate.
How do you pack fragile or collectible items?All items are packed with museum-grade intent using layered protection, cushioning, and secure outer boxes suitable for international travel. For particularly delicate or high-value pieces, we add extra reinforcement to minimize risk during transit.
Final Notes
Every JAPONISTA™ shipment is handled with care and intention. Our goal is to ensure your curated piece reaches you safely and beautifully — and when unexpected issues arise, we collaborate closely with carriers to protect your purchase.
If you have any questions about timelines, customs, packing, or claims, our concierge team is always ready to assist. Please contact us here.
Last Update: April 14, 2026