Luggage forwarding in Japan: travel hands-free to your hotel
- japansophy
- Oct 6
- 6 min read
Dragging a suitcase through crowded stations, weaving through narrow streets, and clattering over train platforms — sound familiar?
Japan has a simple, brilliant solution: luggage forwarding (takkyūbin 宅急便). It’s a service that lets you send your suitcase directly from the airport to your hotel, from hotel to hotel, or even back to the airport at the end of your trip — so you can travel hands-free.
How great would it be to jump on the Shinkansen with just a small day pack? Imagine leaving the airport and being able to go out exploring right away while your luggage is delivered to your hotel for you! Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, how much it costs, where to book it, and why you’ll love it.
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(9) FAQ
What is luggage forwarding in Japan?
Luggage forwarding — you'll also hear the specific services being called TA-Q-BIN or Hands-Free Travel — is a delivery service that transports your bags across Japan. You’ll see counters for it in every major airport, at most hotels, and even at some convenience stores.
You simply hand over your suitcase, fill in a short form, pay the fee, and pick up your luggage at your destination the next day.
It’s the ultimate travel hack for those who want to enjoy Japan’s trains, temples, and towns without a 20-kilo suitcase tagging along.
What companies offer the service?
Japan’s luggage delivery system is famously efficient and trustworthy. Several companies handle it — here are the main ones:
How much does luggage forwarding cost?
Prices vary according to the size and weight of your luggage, the distance involved (starting and end point) and whether you want same-day or next-day delivery. "Size" is the dimensions of your bag or case (length + width + depth) up to a maximum of 200 cm. Cases can be a maximum of 30 kgs. Delivery to or from an airport is generally more expensive because it will involve an airport handling fee.
Generally, you can expect next-day delivery between the airport (or the train station, in the case of Kyoto) and your hotel in the same city to cost 3000-3800 yen* for a 160 cm case weighing 20-25 kgs. Same-day delivery will cost around 1000 yen* more (if available at all). Next day delivery of the same-size suitcase from Tokyo to Osaka will cost around 3200 yen*.
*prices as at October 2025 and subject to change
How long does luggage delivery in Japan take?
Most deliveries are completed overnight. If you drop off your bag before the daily cut-off (around noon), it’ll usually arrive the next day. Same-day delivery is possible in some areas (e.g., Narita ↔ Tokyo). For delivery over greater distances (e.g., Tokyo → Hokkaido or Okinawa), you'll be without your case for two days in most cases. Delivery to the airports can take two days or more, so be sure to plan in advance and confirm the delivery date with the courier to make sure your luggage is there on time.
At airports, services like JAL ABC and Yamato let you specify a time slot for delivery to your hotel, so you can plan your check-in around it.
How do I organise luggage forwarding in Japan?
At your hotel
Most hotels (even small ryokan) can arrange it. Just ask at reception — they’ll provide the form, calculate the cost, and hand your bag to the courier.
At the airport
Look for counters labeled “Baggage Delivery” or “TA-Q-BIN.” You’ll find them in the arrivals area of Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, and many regional airports.
At convenience stores
Some branches of 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson have Yamato counters. Look for the black cat symbol. Not all handle airport deliveries so check in advance.
At courier offices
You can also drop bags directly at Yamato or Sagawa service centers in major cities.
Online
Services like ShipGo allow you to arrange luggage forwarding before you even leave on your Japan trip. You can also book luggage forwarding service through Klook.
Restrictions & important details
Airbnbs / private homes: Many couriers deliver only to registered hotels or addresses that can receive and store luggage. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, confirm with your host before shipping that they will be there to receive your luggage. You'll also need the precise address of your accommodation (it's more difficult for the delivery company to find a private house than a hotel) and the telephone number of your Airbnb host as the recipient. If delivery of your luggage to your Airbnb isn't possible, you can arrange to have it delivered to the nearest convenience store or courier office.
Size limit: Check the maximum dimensions and weight limits with your chosen courier. Some only handle bags of up to 200cm and 25 kgs.
Prohibited items: No liquids, perishables, or fragile goods.
Label carefully: Include your name, hotel name, and check-in date so the hotel can identify your luggage.
Keep the receipt: You’ll get a tracking number you can check online.
Cut-off times: Check beforehand what time you need to have your bags ready for pick-up. Some companies insist on pick-up before noon for next-day delivery.
How does luggage forwarding in Japan work?
Go to a counter (airport, hotel, convenience store, etc.).
Fill in the form with your name, destination, hotel details, and arrival date.
Pay the fee - cash or card depending on location.
Hand over your suitcase (they’ll measure and tag it).
Keep your receipt - this is your tracking slip.
Relax! Your bag will be waiting when you arrive.
What are the pros and cons of forwarding my luggage?
The pros are clear:
You can travel light and won't have to worry about lugging your bags through stations, up and down stairs, on to trains/buses. This is especially the case for families, maybe with small children, buggies, etc., and for those travelling with several suitcases.
You can save time having to dump your bags at your hotel and can head out on your sightseeing adventure straight from the airport.
Convenience and flexibility: you can actually enjoy the train ride from A to B and make spontaneous stops, if you feel like it, without having to find somewhere to leave your bags.
Delivery is reliable, punctual and secure.
There are a few things you should keep in mind, though:
You'll have to be very organised with your packing and make sure you have everything you need to keep you going (nightwear, change of clothes, toiletries, medication, etc.) in a small day bag, since it could be the next afternoon or later before your luggage is delivered.
Delivery to an airport can take 2-3 days, so you'll have to do without your cases for that length of time at the end of your holiday and give yourself enough time to collect them in the airport before your flight.
While the price for one bag is quite reasonable, the costs can add up for more than one bag or for a family. It may be more expensive in the end than taking a taxi.
Pro tips
Always confirm your hotel check-in date and note it on the form.
Check that your hotel will accept your luggage and hold it for you before you arrive.
For early flights, send luggage to the airport at least two days before departure and allow yourself enough time to pick it up before check-in.
Keep essentials (passport, medication, chargers) in a carry-on.
FAQ
Can I send my luggage from the airport to my hotel?
Yes — services like Yamato (TA-Q-BIN) and JAL ABC let you send your bag from the airport arrivals counter directly to your hotel.
How long does it take for luggage to arrive?
Usually 24 hours within most of Japan. Remote areas or long routes can take up to two days.
Can I send luggage to an Airbnb?
Only if your host agrees to receive it. Most companies require the destination to have staff present to accept and sign for delivery, so you must ensure that your host will be there when your luggage arrives.
Can I track my luggage?
Yes — all services provide a tracking number so you can check the delivery status online.
Will the delivery service hold my luggage for me?
You can choose the date of delivery, as long as this is within 7 days of the date on which you handover your luggage to the delivery service. This means that you could send your bags from Tokyo to your hotel in Osaka on a Tuesday, travel to and stay two nights in Kyoto and have the bags delivered to your Osaka hotel on the Friday.
Have you used a luggage forwarding service before or are planning to use one for your next trip? Let us know in the comments how your experience was or if you have any questions about whether this service is right for your and your trip.