Takuhaibin (宅配便) is a type of popular door-to-door parcel delivery service in Japan. While takuhaibin may be used interchangeably with Takkyubin, the latter actually refers to a specific service and is trademarked by Yamato Transport. 

Over the years, Takkyubin has become a generic term to refer to takuhaibin, and locals may use it even when using a different service provider. Yamato Transport started offering luggage forwarding in Japan in the 1970s, and it still remains the market leader. 

Competitors Sagawa Express and Japan Post are also common choices for customers shipping luggage in Japan. Locals regularly use takuhaibin for business trips and sending souvenirs home while traveling, while international visitors often depend on takuhaibin to avoid carrying heavy luggage on public transport instead of using storage lockers.

Using a luggage delivery service in Japan is easy to organize and offers several benefits.

Enjoy More Freedom on the Shinkansen

Riding the Shinkansen (bullet train) with large luggage can be a challenge. On the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, bags with three dimensions totalling 161 – 250 cm (64 – 98 inches) are considered oversized.

If your luggage fits that criteria, you’ll need to reserve a seat with an oversized baggage space behind it (at no extra charge). But using takuhaibin delivery services allows you to take a normal seat on the Shinkansen instead.

Navigate Buses and Trains with Ease

Many local buses and trains are too crowded for travelers to carry or roll large suitcases. Some services may even prohibit luggage of a certain size.

Coin-operated storage lockers at train stations and other transport hubs are limited too. At busy times, you may struggle to find one that’s free. But by using luggage forwarding in Japan, you can avoid the stress of missing buses or trains.

Explore Traditional Japanese Areas Unburdened

Many of Japan’s more traditional areas, such as Takayama, Kanazawa, and Kyoto, have cobbled streets and areas with small steps. These sites are fantastic to explore, but carrying or rolling large luggage with you may take some of the fun out of your experience.

Ship your luggage to your hotel or rental instead and enjoy wandering Japan’s most traditional areas without hassle.

Avoid Storage Issues at Your Hotel

Hotels and other accommodation businesses may not allow you to store luggage before you check in or after you check out. By shipping your bags to and from the airport, you can specify a time slot for your luggage to arrive.

You need to complete several simple steps to use a Japan luggage delivery service during your vacation.

・Find a drop-off point: Choose the right airport, hotel front desk, or convenience store to drop your bags.

・Fill out the slip: Verify your name, the destination address, and the delivery date. Staff at your drop-off point may complete the slip for you, though we recommend using Google Translate to better understand the text.

・Pick a delivery date: The majority of services shipping luggage in Japan deliver the next day. But same-day delivery may be available depending on the drop-off time. Prices typically range from around ¥1,600 to ¥4,000, depending on size, destination, and what company you use — check the website for your chosen luggage delivery service for an accurate quote before you travel. 

・Keep your copy of the slip: After paying, keep a copy of the slip with you. Slips show tracking numbers, which you’ll need to monitor your luggage’s movements. We recommend taking a photo of it too.

・Pack a day bag: Make sure you carry travel essentials in a rucksack or duffel bag in case your luggage delivery is delayed.

You can choose from several drop-off points for luggage forwarding in Japan. Your hotel’s front desk is the easiest option, as the staff can handle the paperwork for you.

But you can also drop your bags at konbini (convenience stores) instead, such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. Konbini are everywhere in Japan, though staff may struggle to communicate with English-speaking travelers.

Finally, airport counters can take your luggage when you first arrive in Japan. They typically have English-speaking staff ready to help.

・Never send valuables, such as money, passports, or electronics, in your luggage. Keep them in your rucksack instead.
・Research what you can’t send in a Japan luggage delivery service, such as hazardous materials or live animals.
・Check weight and size limits to make sure your luggage meets the service provider’s rules.
・Confirm that your hotel or other accommodation provider accepts luggage delivery. Some smaller businesses can’t store luggage before you check in, and others may need your reservation number to be on the delivery slip.
・Confirm the delivery address and specify a time slot for your luggage to arrive — most services offer morning, afternoon, and evening windows.
・Consider the time required for luggage forwarding in Japan. Sending bags to Hokkaido or Okinawa, for instance, will take more time than shipping to the mainland Honshu area.

When you visit Japan, using takuhaibin delivery services can help you save time and avoid the stress of carrying heavy luggage. But choose a service provider before you fly to Japan — don’t wait until you arrive.

Book your accommodation well in advance of your trip too. Machiya Inns & Hotels offers traditional Japanese-style accommodation and boutique hotels in Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Takayama — three of Japan’s most rewarding cities to explore on foot, and exactly the kind of places where traveling light makes all the difference.