Luggage Forwarding in Japan (Takkyubin): The Complete Guide
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
How to ship your luggage between hotels, to the airport, or across Japan — the secret that makes traveling without a suitcase possible.
How to ship your luggage between hotels, to the airport, or across Japan — the secret that makes traveling without a suitcase possible.
What Is Takkyubin?
Takkyubin (宅急便) is Japan's luggage delivery service. For ¥1,500–3,000, you can ship a suitcase from your hotel to your next destination — or directly to the airport. It's one of Japan's most useful travel hacks.
How It Works
Step 1: Pack Your Bag
Leave your luggage at the hotel front desk, or drop it at a convenience store.
Step 2: Fill in the Shipping Label
- Write your destination address (next hotel, airport, or home)
- Write your pickup date (next day or later)
- The hotel staff will help you fill this in
Step 3: Pay
- ¥1,500–3,000 per bag (depending on size and distance)
- Pay at the hotel, convenience store, or via the delivery company's app
Step 4: Travel Light
Your bag arrives at the destination by the next day (or your specified date).
Delivery Companies
| Company | Japanese Name | Where to Ship |
|---|---|---|
| Yamato Transport | ヤマト運輸 | Everywhere in Japan |
| Sagawa Express | 佐川急便 | Everywhere in Japan |
| Japan Post | 日本郵便 | Everywhere, including overseas |
Yamato Transport (Kuroneko — the black cat logo) is the most common and traveler-friendly.
Where to Drop Off
| Location | How | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel front desk | Leave bag, staff handles everything | During check-in/check-out |
| Convenience store | Bring bag + fill in label | 7 AM – 11 PM |
| Yamato office | Drop off in person | Business hours |
| Airport | Drop off at counter | Before your flight |
Cost by Size
| Bag Size | Dimensions | Cost (domestic) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 60cm total | ¥1,500 |
| Medium | 60–80cm total | ¥2,000 |
| Large | 80–120cm total | ¥2,500 |
| Extra large | Over 120cm total | ¥3,000 |
| Golf/ski equipment | Special handling | ¥3,000–5,000 |
Popular Use Cases
Hotel to Hotel
The most common use. Ship your luggage ahead and travel with just a daypack.
Example itinerary:
- Day 1–3: Tokyo (ship luggage to Kyoto hotel on Day 3)
- Day 3: Travel to Kyoto with just a backpack
- Day 4: Luggage waiting at Kyoto hotel
Hotel to Airport
Ship your luggage to the airport the day before your flight.
- Drop off at hotel by noon on the day before departure
- Luggage arrives at airport baggage service counter
- Pick up on departure day (go directly to check-in)
- Available at: Narita, Haneda, Kansai airports
Airport to Hotel
If you arrive tired and don't want to haul luggage on the train:
- Use the airport baggage delivery counter
- Luggage delivered to your hotel by the next day
- Travel from airport with just a carry-on
Airport to Airport
Connecting through multiple cities? Ship luggage directly to your departure airport.
How to Arrange at a Hotel
- Tell the front desk: "Takkyubin wo okuritai" (I want to send luggage)
- Fill in the shipping label (hotel staff will help)
- Specify the delivery date
- Pay (cash or credit card)
- Leave your bag at the desk
Most hotels are very familiar with this and will handle everything for you.
How to Arrange at a Convenience Store
- Bring your packed bag to a 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson
- Ask for a shipping label (送り状 — okurijō)
- Fill in the destination and your details
- Pay at the register
- Leave the bag
Tip: Convenience stores are great for last-minute shipping. Many close at 11 PM.
International Shipping
You can ship luggage overseas via Japan Post EMS:
| Destination | Cost | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | ¥10,000–20,000 | 5–10 days |
| Europe | ¥10,000–25,000 | 5–10 days |
| Asia | ¥5,000–15,000 | 3–7 days |
| Australia | ¥8,000–18,000 | 5–10 days |
Tip: If you're buying a lot of souvenirs, shipping a box home via EMS is often cheaper than paying overweight airline baggage fees.
Tips
- Ship 1 day in advance — Standard delivery is next-day for most domestic routes
- Weekend delivery costs extra — plan around weekdays
- Track your package via the Yamato or Sagawa websites
- Keep the receipt — you'll need the tracking number
- Fragile items — mark the box as "fragile" (壊れ物 — kowaremono)
- Hotel concierge — can arrange everything, including filling in the label
- Some hotels charge a handling fee — ¥200–500 on top of shipping cost
When NOT to Use Takkyubin
- Same-day delivery — Not available (next-day at earliest)
- Remote islands — Okinawa's outer islands may take 2–3 days
- Heavy items — Over 25kg may incur extra charges
- Valuables — Don't ship jewelry, cash, or electronics (no insurance for these)
Stay Connected in Japan
Yesim eSIMs work on arrival — no physical SIM needed. Japan data plans from $5.