Japan Luggage Forwarding Explained: How Takkyubin Works

A practical guide to luggage forwarding in Japan: hotel-to-hotel delivery, airport delivery, Yamato TA-Q-BIN, convenience-store drop-off, Airbnb limitations, timing, prices and what not to pack.

Updated August 27, 2026 · Delivery times and prices can vary by route

When luggage forwarding is worth paying for

I would seriously consider it when your itinerary includes large suitcases, crowded train transfers, stairs, children, a one-night stop between longer stays, or a Shinkansen journey where you simply do not want to manage big baggage.

JNTO recommends luggage delivery for travelers with large bags, families with small children and visitors who want to start sightseeing immediately after arriving.

1. Hotel to hotel is the easiest use case

JNTO says most major hotels can arrange luggage delivery between hotels. Bring the suitcase to the front desk, provide the next property's details, complete the shipping paperwork and pay the fee.

When possible, confirm that the receiving hotel can accept luggage before sending it.

2. Airport to hotel is also common

Narita, Haneda and Kansai International Airport all offer luggage-delivery services. Instead of dragging a large suitcase onto the first train of the trip, you can send it onward and travel with a smaller day bag.

Ask the counter for the expected arrival date and keep anything you need before then with you.

3. Hotel to airport can make the final day easier

Sending luggage toward the airport in advance can free your final day from hauling a suitcase around the city.

Airport delivery usually needs extra lead time, so ask the hotel or carrier how early the suitcase must be sent for your flight.

4. Yamato's network covers all of Japan

Yamato states that its TA-Q-BIN network covers 100% of Japan and handled about 2.3 billion parcels in FY2025. It is a normal domestic logistics system, not a niche tourist-only service.

5. Convenience stores can sometimes be used as drop-off points

JNTO notes that travelers who are not staying at a large hotel may still be able to send luggage from a designated convenience store. Not every store provides every service, so check the specific location.

6. Airbnb and vacation rentals need extra planning

Yamato states that pickup and delivery are not available for Airbnb or similar accommodation without reception-desk staff.

For an unstaffed property, Yamato advises using a nearby sales office or supported drop-off point, and arranging pickup at a Yamato office when necessary.

7. Delivery is not always same-day

On many ordinary routes, next-day delivery is common, but distance, acceptance time, islands, mountain areas, traffic and other conditions can change the schedule.

Never forward the only clothes you own for tomorrow without checking the expected arrival date.

8. The price depends on size and route

There is no single tourist suitcase price. Yamato calculates domestic TA-Q-BIN rates using parcel size and delivery area.

As a reference point, Yamato's current same-prefecture standard rates begin around ¥790 for size 60 and rise with size. Cross-region suitcase pricing will be different, so confirm the actual rate when sending.

9. Know what size means

Delivery services classify baggage using the combined outside dimensions and weight. JNTO notes common tourist luggage-delivery limitations such as around 160 linear centimeters and roughly 25–30 kg for some services, although exact limits vary by carrier.

10. Do not put essential valuables in the forwarded bag

Keep your passport, wallet, medication, important electronics and anything you absolutely need before the delivery date with you.

JNTO also notes that carriers may refuse valuables, fragile items, fresh products, liquids and hazardous materials depending on the service.

11. Put one change of clothes in your day bag

Even when everything runs normally, your suitcase may intentionally arrive a day after you do. Pack your day bag as though the forwarded suitcase does not exist until the expected delivery date.

12. Use forwarding strategically, not for every single move

You do not need to ship a suitcase every time you change accommodation. It is most valuable when it removes a genuinely awkward section of the trip.

For example, on Tokyo → one night in Hakone → Kyoto, you can investigate sending the main suitcase from Tokyo directly to Kyoto and taking a small overnight bag to Hakone.

13. Coin lockers are the alternative when you need hours, not days

If you only need to store a bag for a few hours, forwarding may be unnecessary. JNTO says coin lockers are common at stations and tourist facilities, with many typical lockers around ¥300–¥600 depending on size.

Busy locations can fill quickly, especially larger lockers.

14. Luggage storage counters solve a different problem

Storage keeps the bag in the same location for later collection. Forwarding moves it to your next destination. Decide which problem you are actually trying to solve.

15. Track the shipment

JNTO notes that luggage-delivery services commonly provide shipment tracking. Keep your receipt or tracking number until the suitcase is safely back in your hands.

16. Ask hotel staff when you are confused

This is one of the services where asking the front desk is often faster than researching every detail yourself. Hotel staff regularly deal with luggage shipping and can tell you whether your destination can be served and when you need to send the bag.

Delivery areas, counter hours, accepted baggage, rates and lead times can change. Confirm the current conditions with the carrier or hotel before sending luggage.