How reliable is luggage forwarding in Japan?

Japan Luggage Forwarding Basics It is highly convenient, reliable, secure, and – notably, when it comes to Japan travel – very economical. There are several companies that offer the service, including Kuroneko Yamato, but travelers need not worry about choosing – most hotels and ryokans will take care of it for you.



Luggage forwarding in Japan, known as Takkyubin, is widely considered the most reliable and efficient delivery service in the world. Operated primarily by companies like Yamato Transport (identifiable by the "Black Cat" logo), the service allows you to send your suitcases from one hotel to another, or from the airport to your destination, for a very reasonable fee (usually $15–$25 per bag). In 2026, the service maintains a near 100% success rate for next-day delivery. You can arrange for a pick-up at the front desk of almost any hotel or at convenience stores like 7-Eleven. It is so reliable that many Japanese commuters use it to send their golf clubs or skis ahead to resorts. For tourists, it is a "game-changer" that allows you to navigate the busy Shinkansen and subway stations "hands-free" without struggling with large bags on escalators. Just be sure to send your bags by the morning deadline (usually 10:00 AM) to ensure they arrive at your next hotel by the time you check in the following afternoon.

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Make a request at a “Hands-Free Travel Service” counter located at the hotel reception. Write the address of the hotel you will be staying on a waybill and pay the shipping fees. The request is accepted. Enjoy traveling around Japan in comfort.

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If just want to simply store your luggage, you can easily use coin lockers of various sizes at most stations and tourist facilities in Japan. The cost varies on the size, but expect to pay between 300 and 600 yen.

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From Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto: 2600 yen. From Tokyo to Kyushu: 3000 yen. From Tokyo to Hokkaido: 3000 yen. From Tokyo to Okinawa: 4700 yen.

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You will need to collect your baggage upon entering Japan In compliance with the Customs Law, all passengers entering Japan must undergo a customs inspection. Therefore, all passengers entering Japan via Narita Airport in transit to domestic flights must collect their suitcases and other checked baggage.

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During rush hour in Japan, it is best to avoid traveling with a large suitcase if possible. However, if you must travel with a big suitcase, aim for the very front or back carriages, where there may be more space.

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If you prefer keeping your luggage with you at all times, check with your hotel. Most hotels provide luggage storage services, allowing you to leave your bags with them before check-in or after check-out. It's a convenient option if you want to explore the city without being weighed down by your luggage.

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In addition, security screening is conducted on checked baggage to ensure that there are no explosives or other items that are prohibited from being transported on the aircraft. In other words, is knives, air guns, and other such items can be used as weapons, they cannot be brought on board the aircraft.

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