Does ZOZOTOWN Offer International Shipping?

By Shopaholic James / Last modified on December 13, 2023

ZOZOTOWN, a prominent Japanese online fashion retailer, does not offer international shipping. This means that customers outside Japan are currently unable to order directly from their extensive collection of fashion and lifestyle products. Additionally, it’s important to note that ZOZOTOWN’s website is primarily in Japanese, which may require international shoppers to use translation tools like Google Translate to navigate the site and find products.

One way to order from there would be to use a package forwarding service such as Forward2me. Forward2me will provide you with a shipping address in Japan where they will receive you order and then forward it onto you wherever you are in the world.

Steps to Use a Forwarding Service from Japan

  1. Find a Reliable Forwarding Service: First, you need to identify a package forwarding service that operates in Japan. Services like Tenso or Forward2me are known for offering such services from Japan.
  2. Sign Up for an Account: Once you’ve chosen a service, sign up for an account on their website. During registration, you will be provided with a local Japanese address. This address will be used for shipping your orders within Japan.
  3. Shop at Japanese Online Stores: Shop at your preferred Japanese online stores, such as ZOZOTOWN, and use the Japanese address provided by the forwarding service as your delivery address. Ensure that the name on the order matches the name used for the forwarding service account.
  4. Notify the Forwarding Service: Some services require you to notify them or fill out a form once you’ve placed an order. This typically involves providing details about the package such as the tracking number, the store you’ve ordered from, and the items ordered.
  5. Consolidation and Repackaging (if needed): Once your package arrives at the forwarding service’s warehouse in Japan, you can opt for services like consolidation (combining multiple packages into one) or repackaging to reduce shipping costs.
  6. Choose International Shipping Method: The forwarding service will then offer you various international shipping options. Select the one that best suits your budget and delivery time preferences.
  7. Pay for International Shipping: Pay the forwarding service for the international shipping cost. This cost will depend on the shipping method, package weight, and dimensions.
  8. Customs and Import Duties: Be prepared to handle customs and import duties when the package arrives in your country. The forwarding service might provide some assistance or advice, but the responsibility lies with you, the recipient.
  9. Receive Your Package: After the package clears customs, it will be delivered to your address outside Japan.

Important Considerations

  • Service Availability: Ensure the forwarding service operates in Japan and check if they have restrictions on the type of goods they can forward.
  • Shipping Costs: International shipping can be expensive, especially from Japan. Check the rates and consider them in your overall budget.
  • Customs Regulations: Familiarize yourself with your country’s customs regulations regarding imports from Japan to avoid unexpected fees or legal issues.
  • Prohibited Items: Be aware of any items that are prohibited from being shipped internationally.
  • Insurance and Tracking: Opt for insurance and tracking for added security, especially for valuable items.

Using a package forwarding service from Japan requires careful planning, but it can be an effective way to shop from Japanese stores that don’t offer international shipping directly.

Navigating ZOZOTOWN for Non-Japanese Speakers

For those interested in browsing ZOZOTOWN but who do not speak Japanese, here are some tips:

  • Use Google Translate: You can use Google Translate or a similar translation tool to translate the website into your preferred language. This can be done through the Google Translate website or by using the translation feature in many modern web browsers.
  • Browser Extensions: Consider using a browser extension that automatically translates web pages.

Alternative Options for International Shoppers

Since ZOZOTOWN does not ship internationally, international customers looking for Japanese fashion might consider other options:

  1. Look for Local Importers: Some local boutiques or online stores might import Japanese fashion and offer it in your country.
  2. Use Proxy Services: There are services that act as intermediaries, purchasing items from Japanese stores like ZOZOTOWN and then shipping them internationally.
  3. Global Japanese Retailers: Some Japanese brands available on ZOZOTOWN may have international shipping options from their own websites or operate through global platforms.

About ZOZOTOWN

ZOZOTOWN is one of Japan’s largest online fashion retailers, known for its wide selection of brands and styles. It caters primarily to the domestic market, offering the latest trends in Japanese fashion:

  • Extensive Brand Selection: ZOZOTOWN features a diverse range of Japanese and international fashion brands.
  • Fashion Forward: The platform is known for its up-to-date collections, appealing to a fashion-conscious audience.
  • User Experience: While the site is in Japanese, it offers a streamlined shopping experience with a focus on customer satisfaction within Japan.

For those outside Japan, while direct shopping from ZOZOTOWN may not be feasible due to the lack of international shipping and language barriers, there are alternative ways to explore and purchase Japanese fashion.