Luggage Delivery in Japan: How to Send Bags Between Hotels & Airports
komatsuna_adminTraveling around Japan with a large suitcase can be exhausting. Whether you are taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, navigating busy train stations, or sightseeing after checking out of your hotel, heavy luggage can make your trip less enjoyable.
For practical advice on navigating stations and rail journeys, see our How to Use Trains in Japan guide.
Fortunately, Japan has convenient luggage delivery services that allow travelers to send suitcases between hotels, from airports to accommodations, and from hotels to airports.
These services are often called luggage delivery or luggage forwarding in English. In Japan, you may also hear the term takkyubin, particularly when referring to Yamato Transport's TA-Q-BIN service.
This guide explains how luggage delivery in Japan works, how to send your suitcase, what it costs, how long delivery takes, and what to check before using the service.
1. What Is Luggage Delivery in Japan?
Japan has an extensive parcel delivery network that can transport luggage to designated addresses. Visitors can use these services to send suitcases ahead to their next hotel instead of carrying them on trains and buses.
For example, imagine this itinerary:
- Days 1–3: Stay at a hotel in Tokyo.
- Day 4: Travel to Kyoto and enjoy sightseeing.
- Days 4–6: Stay at a hotel in Kyoto.
By arranging luggage forwarding from your Tokyo hotel to your Kyoto hotel, you may be able to travel with only a small day bag.
Important: Your suitcase may not arrive on the same day you send it. Check the estimated delivery date and arrange shipping early enough for your itinerary.
2. Which Luggage Delivery Companies Can You Use?
Two major delivery companies in Japan are Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express.
Yamato Transport
Yamato Transport is a major Japanese delivery company recognized by its black cat logo. Its well-known delivery service is called TA-Q-BIN (Takkyubin).
Yamato offers domestic parcel delivery and airport luggage delivery services, making it a useful option for international travelers.
Official website: Yamato Transport (English)
Sagawa Express
Sagawa Express is another major delivery company operating throughout Japan. Its Hands-Free Travel services include luggage delivery and temporary storage at participating locations.
Official website: Sagawa Express Hands-Free Travel
Available services, drop-off locations, delivery areas, and deadlines differ by company. Always check the conditions for the specific service you plan to use.
3. How to Send Luggage From One Hotel to Another
Hotel-to-hotel luggage forwarding is particularly useful when visiting several Japanese cities.
Step 1: Ask Your Current Hotel
Start by asking the front desk whether they can arrange luggage delivery to your next accommodation.
You can say:
“Can I send my suitcase to my next hotel?”
Many hotels can help with the process, but not every accommodation offers luggage shipping services.
Step 2: Confirm That Your Next Hotel Accepts Deliveries
Before sending your suitcase, confirm that your destination hotel can receive and hold it until you arrive.
This is especially important for self-check-in accommodations, vacation rentals, and apartment-style properties without a staffed reception desk.
If nobody is available to receive the luggage, delivery may not be possible.
Step 3: Fill Out the Shipping Form
A shipping form, also called a waybill, usually requires information such as:
- Destination hotel's name, address, postal code, and telephone number
- Your name as shown on the hotel reservation
- Your planned check-in date
- Sender's name and contact information
- Requested delivery date, if available
- A description of the contents, such as a suitcase containing clothing
Using the same name as your hotel reservation helps the receiving hotel identify your luggage.
If you are unsure how to complete the form, ask the hotel staff or delivery counter for assistance.
Step 4: Pay and Keep Your Receipt
After paying the shipping fee, keep your receipt or shipping confirmation. It may contain a tracking number that allows you to check your luggage's delivery status.
Do not discard the receipt until you have received your suitcase.
Step 5: Collect Your Luggage at the Next Hotel
When you arrive at your next hotel, ask the reception staff whether your luggage has arrived.
“Has my suitcase arrived?”
If it has not arrived, check the tracking information and contact the delivery company if necessary.
4. Luggage Delivery Between Airports and Hotels
From the Airport to Your Hotel
At participating airports, you can arrange to have your suitcase delivered to your hotel from a luggage delivery counter.
This can make your first train or bus journey in Japan much easier, especially if you have several bags.
However, delivery times depend on the airport, destination, service, and drop-off deadline. Do not assume your luggage will arrive at your hotel on the same day.
From Your Hotel to the Airport
You may also be able to send luggage to your departure airport before flying home.
For example, Yamato Transport's Airport TA-Q-BIN generally requires luggage to be sent at least two days before departure, or three days in some areas. The exact deadline depends on the shipping location.
Official information: Yamato Transport Airport TA-Q-BIN
You normally collect the suitcase at a designated airport delivery counter. This is not necessarily the same as your airline's check-in counter.
Check the collection location, opening hours, required documents, and shipping deadline well before your flight.
5. How Much Does Luggage Delivery Cost in Japan?
Luggage delivery prices depend on several factors:
- Suitcase dimensions
- Weight
- Shipping origin and destination
- Delivery service and speed
- Additional airport or handling fees
Parcel size is commonly measured using the combined length of the suitcase's three dimensions: height, width, and depth. Weight limits also apply.
As one example, Sagawa Express lists standard rates for its participating same-day hotel delivery service of approximately ¥1,520 for luggage up to 100 cm and 10 kg, and ¥2,440 for luggage up to 160 cm and 30 kg.
These are examples for a specific service, not nationwide prices for all hotel-to-hotel deliveries. Rates and size categories may vary by service center.
Official pricing information: Sagawa Express Hotel Delivery
For an accurate quote, check the delivery company's current rates using your actual departure point, destination, suitcase size, and weight.
6. How Long Does Luggage Forwarding Take?
Some domestic luggage deliveries can arrive the following day or within two days, depending on the route and service.
Long-distance routes, remote islands, Hokkaido, Okinawa, severe weather, and transportation disruptions may require additional time.
Do not send your suitcase on the morning of a hotel change and assume it will be waiting at your next hotel that evening.
Plan your luggage forwarding around the confirmed delivery date, not just your travel schedule.
Keep essential items with you, including your passport, medication, valuables, travel documents, chargers, and at least one change of clothes.
7. Is Same-Day Luggage Delivery Available?
Yes, but only through certain services and within specific areas.
For example, Sagawa Express offers same-day hotel delivery from participating service centers to eligible accommodations in areas including Tokyo's 23 wards, Urayasu City, and selected hotels in Kyoto and other supported destinations.
Some services require luggage to be dropped off before a morning cutoff, with delivery later in the afternoon or evening.
Availability depends on the service center, delivery area, participating hotel, and time of acceptance.
Official details: Sagawa Express Same-Day Hotel Delivery
Regular domestic parcel delivery does not automatically include same-day service. Confirm eligibility and deadlines before relying on it.
8. Can You Send a Suitcase From a Convenience Store?
Some convenience stores in Japan accept parcels for delivery. At participating locations, you may be able to send a suitcase using the store's supported delivery service.
However, not every convenience store accepts luggage, and size limits or service restrictions may apply. Airport delivery may have additional conditions.
If your hotel can arrange luggage shipping, asking the front desk is often the easiest starting point.
Convenience stores are also useful for everyday travel essentials. See our related guide: What to Buy at Japanese Convenience Stores.
9. What Should You Not Put in Shipped Luggage?
Before shipping your suitcase, check the delivery company's rules about prohibited and restricted items.
Items that require particular attention include:
- Passports, cash, important documents, and valuables
- Expensive jewelry and fragile belongings
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries
- Flammable sprays, fuel, and other dangerous goods
- Perishable food or items requiring temperature control
Restrictions vary by company, service, and transportation method. Not every item on this list is universally prohibited, but some may be refused or require special handling.
Keep valuables and travel essentials with you. If you are unsure whether an item can be shipped, ask the delivery company before sending it.
10. Luggage Delivery vs. Coin Lockers: Which Is Better?
Both options can make sightseeing easier, but they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Luggage Delivery | Coin Locker |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Moving luggage to another hotel or airport | Short-term storage |
| Collection point | Designated delivery destination | Usually the same location where you stored it |
| Timing | Depends on delivery schedule | Available during permitted access hours |
| Ideal situation | Traveling between cities | Several hours of sightseeing |
For a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto, luggage forwarding may be the more convenient option.
If you only need to store a bag for a few hours before returning to the same station, a coin locker may be more practical.
For more options, including station lockers and temporary storage services, read our Luggage Storage in Japan guide.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use luggage delivery in Japan without speaking Japanese?
Yes. Some delivery companies provide English-language websites and assistance. However, English support is not guaranteed at every hotel or counter. Having your destination hotel's address and reservation details ready on your phone can help.
Can I send luggage if I am not staying at a hotel?
Some services allow you to send luggage from a delivery company office or participating counter. If you are shipping to accommodation, confirm that the destination can receive your bag.
Can I track my suitcase?
Many delivery services provide parcel tracking using a waybill or tracking number. Keep your receipt until your suitcase arrives.
Is same-day luggage delivery available everywhere?
No. Same-day services are limited to eligible areas, service centers, accommodations, and acceptance times.
What should I do if my luggage is delayed?
Check the tracking information first. If necessary, contact the delivery company or the hotel that arranged the shipment. If you have a train journey or flight coming up, act early rather than waiting until the last moment.
12. Travel Light and Enjoy More of Japan
Japan's luggage delivery services can make traveling between cities much easier. Instead of carrying a heavy suitcase through crowded stations, you can explore with a smaller bag while your luggage travels separately.
Whether you choose Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express, or another available service, always confirm the price, delivery date, hotel acceptance policy, and collection arrangements before shipping.
With a little planning, luggage delivery in Japan—also known as luggage forwarding—can help you enjoy a lighter, more comfortable journey.
