Travelling in Japan is magical — from the neon glow of Shibuya to the quiet shrines of Kyoto — but carrying your luggage on crowded trains is… not. That’s where Japan’s luggage forwarding services, known locally as takkyubin (宅急便), save the day.
This guide will show you exactly how luggage delivery works in Japan, how much it costs in 2025, the best companies, and insider tips — so you can travel lighter and happier.
Plan Your Trip with
My Favourite Resources
– Best Accommodation Site: Booking.com
– Top tours + attraction tickets here: Klook.com
– Purchase travel insurance here: SafetyWing
Why Use Luggage Forwarding in Japan?
Dragging a 20 kg suitcase through Shinjuku Station during rush hour is a rite of passage you don’t need. Most trains have no large luggage storage, and escalators aren’t always available.
Using takkyubin service in Japan means:
- Freedom to explore right after landing — no hotel drop-off first
- Stress-free transfers between cities without heavy bags
- Door-to-door service from airport to hotel or hotel to hotel
- Affordable prices compared to taxis or private transfers
💡 Pro Tip: Always pack a small overnight bag in case your luggage arrives the next day.
How Luggage Delivery Works in Japan
Step 1 – Choose a service provider
You can find luggage forwarding counters at airports, hotels, and convenience stores like FamilyMart or 7-Eleven.
Step 2 – Fill out the delivery form
Provide your name, delivery address, hotel phone number, and preferred delivery date/time.
Step 3 – Pay the fee
Charges depend on luggage size, weight, and distance.
Step 4 – Travel light
Your bag will arrive later the same day or the next day, depending on the route.
Best Luggage Delivery Services in Japan (2025)
| Yamato TA-Q-BIN (Black Cat) | Nationwide flexibility | ¥2,300 ($19–21 USD) | 200 cm / 30 kg | Yes (some routes) | Yes |
| JAL ABC | Cheapest airport transfers | ¥1,200 ($10 USD) | 260 cm / 50 kg | Limited | Yes |
| LuggAgent (via Klook) | Tourist-friendly online booking | ¥3,000 ($25 USD) | 180 cm / 32 kg | Yes | Yes |
| Sagawa Express | Budget hotel delivery | ¥1,400 ($11 USD) | 160 cm / 30 kg | Yes | Partial |
*Approximate per bag, may vary by route & size.
Yamato TA-Q-BIN (Black Cat) – The Classic Choice
- Nationwide network: Send to hotels, homes, airports, and convenience stores
- Same-day available: Short routes like Narita to Tokyo if dropped off early
- English booking: Counters at airports, hotels, and convenience stores
- Cost: $17–21 USD for most domestic routes
- Bonus: Includes up to ¥300,000 insurance
JAL ABC – Budget-Friendly Airport Transfers
- Great for: Airport ↔ hotel delivery
- Same-day: Limited
- Cost: From ~$10 USD for small luggage
- Booking: Online or at airport counters
LuggAgent – Easy Online Booking
- Same-day guarantee from Narita or Haneda to Tokyo hotels
- Booking: 100% in English via Klook
- Cost: ~$25 USD per bag (min. 2 bags)
Book Narita/Haneda Airport ↔ Tokyo delivery with LuggAgent
Get your baggage transported from Narita or Haneda Airport to your Tokyo lodging.
Click the link HERE.
Sagawa Express – Cheapest Same-Day Hotel Delivery
- Cost: ~$11 USD per bag
- Same-day: From Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Bus Terminal, Haneda Airport
- Extra: Offers short-term luggage storage
Example: Narita Airport to Kyoto Without Carrying Your Bags
- Drop off your suitcase at the Yamato counter in Narita Arrivals.
- Fill out the form for your Kyoto hotel, request next-day delivery.
- Pay ~¥2,700 (~$18 USD).
- Hop on the Narita Express → Shinkansen with only a backpack.
- Arrive in Kyoto ready to explore — your luggage arrives at the hotel tomorrow.
FAQs – Japan Luggage Delivery Services
Q: Can I send luggage to an Airbnb?
A: Usually no — must be a staffed reception or luggage desk.
Q: How much is luggage forwarding in Japan?
A: Around $10–$48 USD depending on distance, size, and speed.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Extremely. Japan’s courier services are famously reliable.
Fun Travel Uses for Luggage Forwarding
- Shopping sprees: Send your haul from Osaka straight to the airport.
- Onsen getaways: Travel light with just a small overnight bag.
- Cycling or hiking trips: Forward your big bag to the next city.
- Disney days: Drop off luggage at your Tokyo hotel while you play.
Final Tips for Takkyubin Service in Japan
- Book same-day in advance during peak seasons (e.g., cherry blossom season, Golden Week).
- Measure and weigh your bag before drop-off.
- Use your hotel’s phone number for the form if you don’t have a Japanese SIM.
- Photograph your bag in case you need to describe it.
Bottom line: Luggage forwarding in Japan isn’t just a convenience — it’s the smartest way to see the country without dragging your bags through the world’s busiest train stations.
How’s your Japan trip planning coming along? If it’s your first time travelling to Japan, don’t miss my top tips for a week in Tokyo and advice on the best and worst locations to base yourself in Tokyo regarding accommodation. If you’re a matcha fan like me, I recommend venturing into the countryside to Uji, Japan’s matcha capital, where you will get to ride a local train toward the green tea fields.
Book Your Japan Trip with
My Favourite Travel Resources
– Top Accommodation Site: Trip.com
– Book your flights here: Cheapoair.com
– Purchase travel insurance here: SafetyWing
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また次回 (Mata jikai) – Until next time,
♥ Agni
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