Dragging big suitcases through Japan's train stations and stairs — especially with kids — gets old fast, and you can't check into your hotel the second you land. That's where luggage forwarding (Japan's famous takkyubin delivery, or "hands-free travel") comes in: send your bags from the airport to your hotel, hotel to hotel, or hotel to the airport, and explore empty-handed. Here's how it works, the main options, how to compare them, and how the coverage works.
Disclosure: This page contains an affiliate link. If you book through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it doesn't affect the advice here.
What luggage forwarding does
- Airport → hotel: drop your bags on arrival and go explore; they arrive at your hotel same-day or next-day.
- Hotel → hotel: moving cities? Send your suitcase ahead to the next hotel and travel light on the transfer day.
- Hotel → airport: send bags ahead before you fly home so your last day isn't spent hauling luggage.
The main options
These are common examples (not a full list, and not an endorsement) — pick by what fits your route:
| Type | What to know |
|---|---|
| Japanese couriers (e.g. Yamato Transport / TA-Q-BIN, Japan Post Yu-Pack) | Nationwide, with delivery counters at major airports (or ask your hotel to send). Priced by size and distance; there are size/weight limits, and valuables, fragile items and dangerous goods (lighters, power banks) aren't accepted. |
| Tourist-focused services (e.g. Airporter) | Built for visitors — often English booking and same-day delivery in select cities/areas. Coverage is limited to specific regions (check before booking). |
| Online platforms (e.g. KKday) | Book in English online with clear pricing — handy if you'd rather arrange it before you go than sort it out at a counter. |
| Coin lockers / left luggage | Not forwarding — a short-term storage alternative (station lockers, luggage-hold desks) for a few hours. |
Book Japan luggage delivery online
KKday lists airport↔hotel and hotel↔hotel luggage delivery in Japan, booked in English with upfront pricing — compare routes and prices before you travel.
Browse luggage delivery on KKday
How to choose
- Coverage area — is your airport and hotel within its pickup/drop-off zone? (Some tourist services only cover certain cities or wards.)
- Timing — same-day or next-day? Same-day has a pickup cut-off, so a late-arriving flight may only make next-day.
- Price — usually by size (sum of dimensions) and distance or piece; estimate before you go.
- Size & weight limits — oversized or heavy bags may exceed limits; weigh yours (a luggage scale helps).
- Language & booking — English booking/support is reassuring the first time.
- Coverage/liability — the big one; see below.
Coverage & liability (read this)
- There are payout limits — compensation is capped by the carrier's terms, not unlimited; mind high-value items.
- Commonly excluded — things like handle/wheel wear, and knock-on costs (accommodation, flights) from a delay, are usually not covered.
- Don't send passports, cash, valuables, fragile items, power banks / lithium batteries, or perishables — carry those yourself.
- Keep proof — hang on to the receipt/tracking slip and photograph your bag before handing it over.
- Extra peace of mind — check whether your travel insurance covers baggage delay/loss (per its terms).
Before you use it
- Keep day-of items on you Bags arrive later, so pack documents, meds, a change of clothes, chargers and kids' essentials in your carry-on.
- Confirm zone & timing Check your airport/hotel are covered and the same-day cut-off.
- Book ahead Same-day slots and peak seasons fill up — reserve online if you can.
- Check size & weight Avoid exceeding limits or a higher-than-expected fee.
- Get the address right Hotel name, address, check-in date and booking name must be correct so the bag (and hotel) can receive it.
Japan luggage forwarding FAQ
Will my bag reach the hotel the same day?
Often yes in major cities, but same-day service has a pickup cut-off. A late-arriving flight may only make next-day delivery, so check the cut-off and coverage if you're relying on same-day.
What can't I send?
Typically passports, cash, valuables, fragile items, power banks/lithium batteries and perishables. Keep those — and anything you need that day — in your carry-on.
Is it insured if my bag is damaged or lost?
Carriers offer compensation up to a capped limit, but often exclude handle/wheel wear and delay-related costs like hotels or flights. Read the terms, photograph your bag and keep the receipt; your travel insurance's baggage cover may add protection.
How much does it cost?
Usually priced by bag size and distance (bigger costs more). It varies by provider and route, so check the official price table and budget for it in advance.
Courier or a tourist service — which is better?
Local couriers (like Yamato) cover the whole country with lots of options but lean Japanese-language; tourist services or online platforms (Airporter, KKday) often offer English booking and same-day delivery but cover fewer areas. Choose by whether you value nationwide reach or English convenience.
General information about luggage forwarding in Japan, not a recommendation or guarantee of any specific provider. Coverage areas, prices, timing and liability terms vary by company and change over time — always confirm the details with the provider before booking, and never send valuables or lithium batteries.