Luggage Delivery & Baggage Forwarding in Japan
People often ask us about baggage when visiting Japan.
Our first answer is always, “travel light!”
But of course, some travelers to Japan do this with greater ease than others.
For many people, the reality of a Japan trip involves checked baggage on the airlines, translating to bags that have to be lugged through a city and onto / off of trains and/or buses.
A useful service for travelers is luggage delivery, also known as baggage forwarding (takkyubin). This service allows travelers in Japan to send bags ahead to the next hotel, freeing you up to travel light, which can be a huge relief – especially when navigating smaller trains, rural areas or multi-city itineraries.
While Japan’s luggage delivery system is widely reliable, it is not perfect. There are occasional delays and other hiccups, and the experience can vary depending on timing, location and individual travel plans. In this article, we’ll go over the advantages, potential downsides and best practices to make the most of luggage forwarding in Japan.
When & Why Luggage Forwarding Might Make Sense
The main reason to use luggage forwarding is to avoid hauling heavy bags on Japan’s efficient but sometimes cramped train system.
While the Shinkansen (bullet train) does have luggage compartments for larger suitcases (reserved in advance), regional trains and buses do not always have the same space available. If you’re carrying large check-in-sized bags, navigating smaller train routes can be challenging.
A good example of when luggage forwarding is useful is a common itinerary like:
Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto
If you're spending time in Hakone before heading to Kyoto, carrying large suitcases onto the Romancecar (from Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto) or onto local trains/buses in the Hakone region can be cumbersome.
Instead, you might find it easier to travel with just an overnight bag and send your main luggage from your Tokyo hotel directly to your Kyoto hotel. This way, you can explore Hakone comfortably without worrying about space for your suitcase on the bus or train.
Luggage forwarding can also come in handy for travelers visiting Kyushu, Hokkaido or other regions where frequent train transfers and smaller local trains make handling large suitcases impractical.
How Luggage Delivery & Baggage Forwarding in Japan Works
Most hotels in Japan can assist with luggage forwarding through Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) or Sagawa Express. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to arrange for your luggage to be forwarded:
Talk to your hotel concierge or front desk – Ask them about luggage forwarding and the available pickup schedules. Hotels in major cities are generally familiar with the process and can provide you with the necessary forms.
Fill out the delivery form – You’ll need to indicate your next hotel’s name, address, and check-in date. The staff may assist you with this if you’re unsure.
Prepare your bag for pickup – The hotel staff will inform you of the deadline to drop off your luggage. Typically, you should give them your suitcase by early morning (around 8-10 AM) the day before you want it to arrive at the next destination. Or possibly two days before, such as when visiting Hakoke in between.
Pay the fee – The cost varies depending on the size of your bag and the distance. Generally, sending a suitcase between major cities costs 3,500-5,000 yen ($25-$40 USD).
Pick up your bag at your next hotel – If all goes smoothly, your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next hotel’s front desk upon arrival.
For example, if today is Friday and you plan to travel from Tokyo to Hakone on Monday and then to Kyoto on Tuesday, you should arrange for your bag to be picked up at your Tokyo hotel on Sunday morning, with delivery scheduled for Tuesday morning in Kyoto.
If you are opting for the luggage forwarding service, something we’d suggest looking into is placing your bag in an outer layer — either a shrink-wrap system (which some hotels provide) or a separate, large plastic bag or box that the suitcase goes into. This can help prevent the suitcase from getting torn, opened or otherwise damaged.
Baggage Forwarding Limitations & Things to Keep in Mind
While luggage forwarding in Japan is highly reliable, there are a few important caveats:
It’s not instant. Your luggage typically takes at least 24 hours to arrive. If you’re traveling on a tight schedule and need your bag sooner, this might not be the best option.
Delays can happen. Although rare, luggage has occasionally arrived late due to bad weather, high demand, or processing delays.
Damaged bags or missing items. While not very common, some travelers have reported minor damage to their suitcases or missing items — similar to what can happen when checking in luggage at an airport.
Not always possible for same-day transfers. If you are traveling between cities in a single day and need access to your bag immediately upon arrival, luggage forwarding won’t work.
In short, this is a good system on the whole, but not perfect. If you can’t travel light (carry-on), this might be the next best thing. Just plan ahead and know how the baggage forwarding system works.
What If the Hotel Staff Doesn’t Offer Baggage Forwarding or Luggage Delivery Service?
Not every hotel in Japan (especially smaller, independently run inns or budget accommodations) offers direct luggage forwarding assistance. Most mid-range to upscale hotels (including business hotels) will know how to handle Yamato’s TA-Q-BIN service and can help you fill out the forms at the front desk. But if you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t offer this, you still have options:
1. Ask the front desk anyway
Even if they don’t advertise it, some places will still help you send a bag. It’s always worth asking politely:
「宅急便（たくきゅうびん）で荷物を送りたいんですが、お願いできますか？」
(“I'd like to send my luggage by takkyubin, could you help me?”)
2. Try a nearby convenience store
Many convenience stores (especially 7-Eleven, FamilyMart & Lawson) offer luggage forwarding via Yamato (TA-Q-BIN). But not every location does. Look for a TA-Q-BIN sign near the register or ask the staff:
「このお店でヤマトの宅急便、送れますか？」
(“Can I send Yamato takkyubin from this store?”)
If the answer is yes, the staff will provide you with the form to fill out and accept your luggage. If not, they might direct you to a nearby store that does.
3. Find a Yamato service center or drop-off location
Yamato has dedicated service counters across Japan, including in major train stations and standalone storefronts:
https://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/ytc/en/send/services/takkyubin/
If you’re not confident with Japanese, ask a hotel staff member to help you locate the closest drop-off point, or use Google Maps to search “ヤマト運輸 営業所” (Yamato Transport Service Center).
Alternative Strategies for Managing Luggage in Japan
If luggage forwarding doesn’t fit your travel plans, let’s talk about these alternative options:
Travel Light
The best way to avoid baggage issues is to pack only carry-on luggage. If possible, bring only a cabin-sized suitcase and a backpack, which will fit in overhead racks on Shinkansen and regional trains.
If you plan on shopping, look into buying an additional suitcase in Japan toward the end of your trip (they’re often cheaper than buying one abroad) and using it as checked baggage for your flight home.
Reserve Luggage Space on the Shinkansen
If you must bring a large suitcase, train travelers can reserve a seat with “Oversized Baggage Area” or “Oversized Baggage Compartment” on Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen routes.
This option is best for travelers with luggage larger than 160 cm (combined dimensions of height + width + depth).
Use Train Station Coin Lockers
Many major train stations offer coin lockers where you can temporarily store your luggage. However, larger lockers can be limited in availability, especially in busy stations like Tokyo or Kyoto.
Airport Luggage Delivery
If you want to travel completely bag-free in your last few days, look into sending your suitcase from your hotel to the airport for pickup before your departure flight.
But having said all that… well, you know what we’re going to say, right? Travel light!
Ideal Japan Travel Solution: Pack Light & Experience Freedom
If we could give just one piece of packing advice for Japan, it would be this: the less you bring, the more you’ll enjoy.
Yes, there’s a luggage delivery system. Yes, it works most of the time. But the absolute best travel experiences in Japan? The odds favor folks with carry-on bags.
Japan is built for traveling close to the ground. Narrow staircases, tight station corridors, small elevators, platforms with no escalators, rural trains with limited storage … none of these are particularly friendly to big rolling suitcases. Neither are ryokan rooms with tatami mats, or the charming but tiny hotel rooms in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
But when you’re traveling light, you’re free.
You can hop on a local train without worrying about suitcase space
You can walk 15 minutes from the station to your hotel without breaking a sweat
You can change plans on the fly, add a stop, or take a detour… no problem
You're not tied down
We’ve seen many people try to “anchor” themselves in just one or two hotels, using those as a base, simply because the idea of moving luggage around feels too annoying.
That’s understandable, but it can also lead to missing out.
Japan is rich in regional culture, scenery and experiences, and you’ll get much more out of your Japan trip if you’re free to move from place to place easily.
If you’re still in the planning stages, think about coming to Japan with just a carry-on. And then, toward the end of your trip – when you’re back in Tokyo or Osaka (ahead of your international flight) and ready to shop – buy a suitcase. They’re usually cheaper here anyway.
Fill it with souvenirs, check it for the flight home, and go back with not just memories, but also a much smoother travel experience under your belt.
Luggage Forwarding in Japan: A Nice Plan B
Luggage forwarding in Japan is a fantastic service for many travelers, particularly those navigating multiple cities with large bags. While it’s not a perfect system, it’s highly efficient and often makes travel far more comfortable.
For those who can pack light, avoiding the need for luggage forwarding altogether might be the best option. But for travelers who prefer the convenience of having their bags shipped ahead, understanding the process and planning accordingly will ensure the best experience.
If you’re booking an itinerary with us and wondering whether luggage forwarding makes sense for your trip, just ask! We’ll help you decide the best strategy for a smooth and hassle-free journey through Japan.