Luggage Shipping in Japan 🧳
- Apr 6, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Sending your luggage in Japan can significantly upgrade your trip.
How does it work?
Go to your hotel reception or any convenience store
Tell the staff you’d like to send a suitcase / package
Fill out a shipping form with the destination details
Pay based on the size of the luggage and distance
Your luggage will arrive within a few hours to 2–3 days, depending on distance and demand. In most cases, it arrives the next day, so it’s best to send it in the morning on the day before check-out to ensure it reaches your next destination on time.
There are several nationwide door-to-door delivery companies, but the most well-known by far is Yamato Transport - also known as “the company with the cat carrying a kitten” logo.
And if all that isn’t enough - you can also schedule the delivery date and time. So if for some reason you want your luggage to arrive in 3 days instead of the next day, that’s completely possible (up to about one week). The luggage will be stored by the delivery company and sent whenever you choose. Express delivery is also available for an additional fee.
How much does it cost? 💰
The cost depends on the type, size, weight of the luggage, and of course the distance.
Here are rough prices for a standard suitcase (under 25 kg), just to give you a general idea:
Route | Estimated Price | In USD |
Within Tokyo | ¥2,100 | ~$14 USD |
Tokyo → Osaka / Kyoto | ¥2,200 | ~$15 USD |
Tokyo → Kyushu | ¥2,500 | ~$17 USD |
Tokyo → Hokkaido | ¥2,500 | ~$17 USD |
Tokyo → Okinawa | ¥4,200 | ~$28 USD |
Tokyo → Narita Airport | ¥2,800 | ~$19 USD |
Osaka / Kyoto → Kansai Airport | ¥2,800 | ~$19 USD |
Pro Tip 🌟
Most travelers find this service so convenient that they end up using it throughout the entire trip. It’s recommended to place an AirTag / SmartTag in at least one suitcase, so you can quickly check from your phone whether your luggage has already arrived at the hotel.
