Japan’s Luggage Delivery Services: A How-to Guide
Wondering why you get awkward looks when heaving your luggage down escalators, on subways, and along sidewalks? 🧳
Notice that local folks seem to get around without the need to shlep their suitcases?
Here's the secret nobody is telling you…
👉 Japanese ship their bags, not shlep them.
Instead of taking your bags on public transport and shinkansens, ship them from your hotel to the airport (or your next domestic destination) using a service like JAL ABC or Yamato Transport. ✨
Ready to get to your next destination in Japan without having to bother with bullet train luggage space limits?
(Trust us, you don't want to experience crowded public transport in Japan while lugging around a 30 kg item.)
Here’s the TLDR version for sending your bags before you need them to arrive:
Send suitcases via your hotel’s front desk, or
Send suitcases via a convenience store.
Drop off your bags, usually before 5 pm.
They will arrive the very next day in most places.
Let’s look at the steps for each method.
Method 1: Sending suitcases via your hotel’s front desk
Most hotel reception desks will handle sending your luggage to your next hotel or destination.
The majority of hotels in Japan are registered with either Yamato Transport’s luggage delivery service (aka, Ta-Q-bin or takkyubin, also known for their black cat logo) or JAL ABC’s luggage delivery service.
The steps are the same for either service provider.
Go to the hotel’s front desk and request luggage delivery service.
You will be presented with a form to fill out.
Write your destination address on the form/waybill.
Receive your luggage at your next location on your specified day.
If your hotel is not registered with either luggage forwarding provider, you can skip on ahead to Method #2: Sending suitcases via convenience stores.
Do hotels provide same-day luggage delivery services?
No. Generally speaking, expect next-day delivery when asking your hotel to arrange luggage forwarding for you.
Method 2: Sending suitcases via convenience stores
This next method is great for anyone who is staying at an Airbnb or a smaller hotel chain that doesn't offer Yamato Transport’s or JAL ABC's luggage forwarding service.
Simply drop your luggage off at one of the following convenience stores to get Yamato. Yamato Transport will then pick up your luggage from the convenience store.
7-Eleven
Family Mart
New Days
Daily Yamazaki
Poplar
You can also use Yamato Transport’s counter location tool to find the nearest convenience store to your hotel. Turn on Google Chrome’s browser translation. Then filter by station, facility, address, or postal code. And select the pink icon for luggage drop-offs.
Locate the closest convenience store to your hotel.
Bring your suitcases to the convenience store.
Fill out the form/waybill.
Pay the fees.
Receive your luggage at your next destination on the day you specified.
Maximum size for 1 luggage piece via Yamato Transport luggage forwarding is 160cm and up to 25kg.
How to fill out a convenience store luggage delivery form
Yamato Transport (takyubin) forms can be filled out in English.
Here’s an example of what they look like plus how to fill them out.
In the To section, add the postcode, telephone number, and the destination address of where you want your luggage to be sent. For example, your next hotel, etc.
In the From section, list your current address (your hotel or other accommodation you are presently staying at).
In the upper right corner, お届け（お受け取り）希望日, write the day you would like the luggage to arrive and select the time.
In the section お届け（お受け取り）希望日 時間帯, place a checkmark in the box indicating what time you want your luggage to arrive.
If you aren’t sure or aren’t particular about when it arrives, select 指定無し.
In the Contents (Fragile / Perishable) section, write down what is inside your luggage, particularly if there is anything fragile and you want your luggage handled with care.
Do convenience stores registered with Yamato Transport provide same-day luggage delivery services?
According to Yamato Transport’s site, if the sending and receiving locations are within the same region and you drop off your luggage first thing in the morning, it’s possible that the luggage will arrive on the same day.
However, since not all regions can provide this service, they advise that you call their service center to find out about your specific sending/receiving destination.
Frequently asked questions
How reliable is luggage forwarding in Japan?
Luggage forwarding services in Japan, such as takkyubin, are generally reliable. However, if you choose to ship your bags to your departure airport, ensure you specify the correct terminal and flight number on the takkyubin form to avoid any issues.
How much does it cost to forward luggage in Japan?
The cost of forwarding luggage in Japan typically ranges from ¥2,400 to ¥3,000.
How do I book a luggage transport in Japan?
To book luggage transport in Japan, visit a JAL ABC or Yamato Transport counter at the airport. Simply provide the hotel address on a waybill, pay the shipping fees, and your request will be accepted.
Is same-day luggage delivery for Japan possible?
Same-day luggage delivery in Japan is available from airports to hotels within the same region and from Yamato Transport hand’s free luggage counters located inside major train stations. Please see our article on Yamato Transport’s airport luggage delivery service and JAL ABC’s luggage delivery service.
Do all hotels in Japan offer luggage forwarding?
Most hotels and ryokans in Japan offer luggage forwarding services. Companies like Kuroneko Yamato provide this service as well, making it convenient for travelers.
In closing
So there you have it, a guide to stress-free travel through Japan! Here are some other articles you might be interested in:
Before you go, check out our directory of English-speaking services in Japan!
Tomoko Matsuoka is a contributing editor and writer for MailMate, Shoeboxed, and a number of online resource libraries. She writes guides on life in Japan and covers Japanese business news, digitalization, and productivity tools and software.
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