Traveling through Japan with kids becomes so much easier when you use Japan luggage delivery services, one of the country’s most helpful travel conveniences for families. Whether you’re moving between Tokyo and Kyoto, navigating subways with a stroller, or catching the Shinkansen, luggage transfer, also known as takuhaibin in Japan, lets you ship your suitcases ahead so you can travel hands-free. Families planning multi-city trips often rely on Japan luggage forwarding to skip hauling heavy bags through stations, while parents researching luggage delivery cost quickly learn how affordable and stress-free it really is. In this guide, we break down exactly how Japan’s luggage delivery services work, why they’re a game changer for family travel, and how to use them confidently on your next adventure.
To make the most of your family adventure, you can start planning with our Planning a Family Trip to Japan guide, which walks you through routes, timing, and what to expect with kids. If you’re navigating Japan’s train system, our Japan Train Tips for Families article explains how to choose the easiest options for little travelers. And before hopping on the bullet train, be sure to read Shinkansen With Kids so your family is fully prepared for smooth, stress-free travel days. To see how everything fits together across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, use our Japan 2-Week Itinerary with Kids as your starting point.
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What Is Japan’s Luggage Delivery Service (Takuhaibin)?
Japan’s luggage delivery service, known as takuhaibin, is a nationwide system that lets travelers ship suitcases, strollers, and even sports gear directly between hotels, train stations, airports, and homes across Japan. Instead of carrying heavy bags through busy stations or onto the Shinkansen, you hand your luggage to a counter (often inside your hotel lobby), fill out a quick form, and it’s delivered safely to your next destination, usually within same-day or next-day timing. Many families also find that luggage delivery pairs perfectly with the strategies we share in our Traveling Japan With Noisy Kids guide, which helps parents manage busy travel days with calmer, happier children.
The most well-known provider is Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Black Cat), but airports and hotels also partner with companies like JAL ABC and Sagawa Express. These services are incredibly reliable, affordable, and widely trusted by families, business travelers, and locals alike.
For families traveling with kids, Japan’s luggage delivery service removes one of the biggest sources of travel stress, letting parents navigate stations, transfers, and sightseeing hands-free while knowing their bags will arrive securely at their next stop.
How Japan’s Luggage Transfer Service Works for Travelers
Japan’s luggage delivery system is designed to make travel days flow smoothly, especially for families managing little travelers. Instead of focusing on paperwork or logistics, the process feels more like handing off a responsibility. You drop your bags at a hotel desk, airport counter, or convenience store, confirm the destination, and the staff take care of the rest. A quick handoff, a receipt, and your suitcase begins its separate journey while you begin yours, lighter, faster, and without the usual travel-day friction.
Most families use takuhaibin on days that involve movement, long Shinkansen rides, transfers through major stations, or city-to-city transitions between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Providers like Yamato (Kuroneko), JAL ABC, and Sagawa Express have streamlined the process so thoroughly that parents barely think about it after drop-off. Kids can explore stations freely, parents can focus on navigation instead of luggage, and getting from Point A to Point B feels calmer.
For parents, the biggest benefit is predictability: your luggage will arrive within the scheduled window, allowing your family to move freely, explore comfortably, and check in at a relaxed pace without juggling heavy bags.
Why Japan’s Luggage Delivery Service Is a Game Changer for Families with Kids
For families traveling across Japan, luggage delivery isn’t just convenient, it’s transformative. Moving between hotels, train stations, and attractions becomes dramatically easier when you’re not hauling suitcases, diaper bags, and strollers through crowds. Instead of juggling bags on platforms or squeezing oversized luggage onto the Shinkansen, parents can focus entirely on helping kids navigate the day with comfort, safety, and energy.
Because takuhaibin removes the physical burden of luggage, it also reduces the emotional load of travel. Kids walk more freely, parents feel less rushed, and everyone arrives at the next destination in a calmer, happier mood. Long walking days, tight transfers, and multi-city itineraries suddenly feel manageable, even enjoyable. Many families say it’s one of the best decisions they made for their trip.
Parent Insight: Luggage delivery shifts the rhythm of family travel. When parents aren’t weighed down by bags, they can walk at kid-speed, react to spontaneous moments, and stay fully present. Less carrying means more connecting, and that’s where the most memorable family moments happen.
Types of Japan Luggage Delivery and Takuhaibin Services
Japan offers several types of luggage transfer services, all designed to make travel smoother, but each works a little differently depending on where you’re sending your bags. The most popular option is hotel-to-hotel delivery, where your luggage is picked up directly from your current hotel and arrives at your next accommodation later the same day or the following morning. This is the option most families use when traveling between cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima.
Another widely used service is airport delivery, available at major hubs like Narita, Haneda, and Kansai International Airport. Companies such as JAL ABC, Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Black Cat), and Sagawa Express offer counters inside the terminal, allowing you to ship bags directly to your hotel or send your luggage back to the airport before your flight home. This is especially helpful for flight days when families want to enjoy the city hands-free before heading to the airport. If you’re flying into Tokyo, our Haneda Airport to Tokyo With Kids guide and Narita Airport to Tokyo With Kids guide explain exactly what to expect when arriving with little travelers.
For even more flexibility, many convenience stores, particularly 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, partner with Yamato to provide convenience store drop-off luggage delivery, making it easy for parents to send bags from neighborhood shops. No matter which service you choose, all major providers are known for their reliability, predictable delivery windows, and exceptional handling standards, giving parents confidence that their luggage will arrive exactly where it needs to be.
Cost of Luggage Delivery in Japan
The cost of luggage delivery in Japan is surprisingly affordable, especially considering how much time and energy it saves families traveling with kids. Most standard suitcases cost ¥1,000–¥3,000 to send between cities, depending on size and distance. Shorter transfers, like within the same region, fall on the lower end of the range, while cross-country routes or oversized items (such as strollers or ski bags) may cost a bit more. These rates include door-to-door service, tracking, and guaranteed delivery windows, making it one of the best-value conveniences in Japan.
Airport delivery typically costs around ¥1,500–¥3,500 per bag, depending on whether you’re shipping from airport to hotel or from hotel to airport. For families arriving on long flights, this small cost often pays for itself immediately: no carrying heavy luggage onto trains, no juggling bags with kids in tow, and no rushing to find elevators in busy stations.
Because pricing is standardized across major providers like Yamato Transport (Kuroneko), JAL ABC, and Sagawa Express, parents can confidently budget for luggage forwarding in advance. The service is designed to be accessible, transparent, and family-friendly, a rare travel luxury that doesn’t feel like one.
How Long Does Luggage Delivery Take in Japan?
Most luggage delivery in Japan arrives the next day, but routes between major cities often offer same-day delivery depending on distance and drop-off time. For example, sending a suitcase from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka can sometimes arrive by late afternoon if it’s handed over early in the morning, while longer routes, such as Hokkaido, Kyushu, or Okinawa, typically require 24–48 hours.
Airport transfers follow a similar rhythm. Shipping luggage from airport to hotel usually delivers on the same day, while sending bags from hotel to airport requires sending them one day before your flight to guarantee on-time arrival at check-in. Providers like Yamato Transport and JAL ABC publish clear cutoff times, making it easy for parents to plan around delivery schedules.
For families traveling with kids, this predictable timing is incredibly helpful. You can enjoy a full sightseeing day without carrying luggage, knowing your bags will be waiting at your next hotel, or ready for pickup at the airport, exactly when you need them.
Where to Send Your Luggage in Japan (Airports, Hotels, Stations, Convenience Stores)
One of the biggest advantages of Japan’s luggage delivery service is how many places you can send your bags. Families aren’t limited to hotel-to-hotel transfers, you can forward luggage between airports, train stations, convenience stores, and even specific delivery counters in major cities. This flexibility makes it easy to design smooth travel days that match your itinerary and your kids’ energy levels.
Hotels That Support Luggage Delivery in Japan
Nearly all hotels in Japan, from large chains to small ryokan, partner with companies like Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) and Sagawa Express. You simply drop your bags at the front desk, fill out a short form, and they handle the rest. Your luggage will be delivered directly to your next hotel, even if it’s in another region.
Airport Luggage Delivery Services (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu)
Major airports have dedicated luggage delivery counters, allowing you to ship bags from the airport to your hotel on arrival, or from your hotel back to the airport before departure. Popular providers include JAL ABC, Yamato, and Sagawa, all known for reliable windowed delivery.
Luggage Drop-Off Counters at Major Train Stations
Some large stations offer takuhaibin counters where you can drop off or collect luggage, including hubs like Tokyo Station, Kyoto Station, Osaka Station, and Sapporo Station. This is especially helpful for families heading directly to sightseeing before checking into their hotel.
If you’re exploring Japan’s major cities, our Tokyo With Kids, Kyoto With Kids, and Osaka With Kids guides offer parent-focused tips for enjoying each area without the stress of juggling large suitcases.
Convenience Store Luggage Delivery (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson)
Many convenience stores act as drop-off points for Yamato Transport, making it easy to send luggage even if you’re staying in an apartment, guesthouse, or Airbnb-style accommodation.
Wherever your itinerary takes you, major airports, city hotels, small ryokan, or family-friendly neighborhoods, luggage delivery is almost always within reach, giving parents maximum flexibility and a far more relaxed travel day.
Step-by-Step: How to Send Your Luggage in Japan
Sending luggage through Japan’s takuhaibin service is quick and effortless. Here’s the simple version families actually need.
- Drop your bags at a counter: Go to your hotel front desk, an airport luggage counter, a train station delivery desk, or a convenience store partnered with Yamato (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson).
- Confirm the delivery slip: Staff fill out most of the form for you, you simply confirm your next hotel or airport, your name, and your delivery date/time.
- Choose your delivery timing: Most routes are next-day. Some major city routes offer same-day if you drop bags off early in the morning.
- Pay and receive your tracking receipt: You’ll get a barcode slip with tracking info. Typical cost is ¥1,000–¥3,000 per suitcase.
- Pick up your luggage at your destination: Your bags will be waiting at your next hotel’s front desk or at an airport delivery counter, no hauling required.
Why Families Love Using Luggage Delivery in Japan
- No dragging suitcases through busy stations
- No lifting heavy bags onto trains
- No juggling luggage + stroller + tired kids
- Just smooth, hands-free travel days
Best Situations to Use Luggage Delivery in Japan (Especially for Families)
Japan’s luggage delivery service is useful on any trip, but some moments make it especially valuable for families. These are the days when forwarding your bags turns a stressful travel stretch into an easy, hands-free one.
1. Shinkansen Travel Days (Best Time to Use Luggage Delivery)
Bullet train stations move fast, luggage space is limited, and boarding with kids can feel chaotic. Sending bags ahead means you only manage a backpack, not multiple suitcases, strollers, and snacks.
2. Long Walking Days Between Hotels (Hands-Free Travel)
Switching hotels often means long walks through stations or busy streets. With no heavy bags to drag, families can stop for food, explore a park, or wander at kid-speed until check-in.
3. Airport to Hotel (Arrival Day Luggage Delivery)
After a long international flight, luggage delivery removes the hardest part: carrying heavy suitcases onto trains or through unfamiliar stations. Your bags meet you at the hotel while you focus on settling in.
4. Hotel to Airport (Departure Day Luggage Delivery)
One of the most loved uses for families. Send bags the day before and enjoy your entire final day hands-free, no navigating rush hour with suitcases, no hauling luggage with exhausted kids.
5. Using Luggage Delivery When Staying in Airbnbs or Small Inns
Narrow hallways, steep staircases, or buildings with no elevators make large suitcases tricky. Convenience stores nearby (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) offer easy drop-off for Yamato deliveries.
6. Traveling with Strollers or Toddlers (Why Luggage Delivery Helps)
When you’re already juggling a stroller, a toddler, and backpacks, luggage delivery removes the biggest stressor. Parents can hold hands, move slowly, and focus on keeping kids comfortable, not on managing heavy bags.
Luggage Delivery vs. Carrying Bags on the Shinkansen With Kids (Which Is Easier?)
Traveling on the Shinkansen with kids is one of the highlights of visiting Japan, but carrying large suitcases onto the train can quickly turn an exciting day into a stressful one. While it is possible to bring luggage on the Shinkansen, families often find it challenging, especially during busy seasons or when traveling with strollers, toddlers, or multiple bags.
Why Carrying Luggage on the Shinkansen Is Difficult With Kids
- Limited luggage space: Overhead racks only fit smaller suitcases, and large bags require a reserved oversized-luggage seat.
- Crowded platforms: Navigating busy stations with kids and suitcases is overwhelming.
- Fast boarding times: Families must board quickly, making it difficult to lift large bags safely.
- Stroller juggling: Managing a stroller and multiple bags at once can feel impossible.
Even experienced travelers find the combination of kids + luggage + bullet trains stressful.
For more tips on navigating long-distance travel with little ones, our Shinkansen With Kids guide breaks down how to board, store bags, and keep children comfortable on Japan’s fastest trains.
Why Luggage Delivery Is the Easier Option for Families
Using Japan’s luggage delivery service means:
- No carrying large suitcases onto the train
- No squeezing bags into limited storage compartments
- No worrying about arriving early to reserve oversized-luggage seats
- No balancing kids and heavy bags while boarding
- Freedom to enjoy the ride, snack, explore, or simply relax
Parents can focus on the fun part, watching Mt. Fuji out the window, playing train games, or letting kids enjoy their Shinkansen “bento moment.”
Which Option Is Best for Families Traveling in Japan?
For most families with kids under 12, luggage forwarding is the clear winner. It eliminates physical strain, reduces stress during transfers, and gives children a safer, calmer experience on the bullet train.
The Shinkansen is unforgettable, and it’s far more enjoyable when your only bags are a backpack and a snack bag.
Tips for Using Japan’s Luggage Delivery Service (Family-Friendly Advice)
Using Japan’s luggage transfer service is already simple, but a few smart tips can make the experience even smoother for families traveling with kids. These small adjustments help you avoid common mistakes, plan confidently, and enjoy hands-free travel days without worrying about where your bags are or when they’ll arrive.
- Send bags early: Morning cutoff times (often before 10:00 AM) determine same-day or next-day delivery. Hand luggage to your hotel right after breakfast.
- Pack a kid-friendly day bag: Snacks, water, a change of clothes, small toys, and any essentials you’ll need before check-in.
- Label your luggage: Add a tag with your name, phone number, and next hotel (extra helpful on multi-city trips).
- Check your hotel’s delivery schedule: Some front desks only accept shipments at certain times.
- Use convenience stores when not staying in hotels: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson partner with Yamato for easy drop-off.
- Keep your tracking receipt: You’ll need the barcode if you want to check arrival status.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Try sending your luggage the night before a big travel day, then wake up to a “no-luggage morning.” It feels like starting a new mission where backpacks are power-ups and you can walk freely without carrying anything heavy!
Parents who want to keep travel costs under control can also explore our Japan Budget Family Travel Tips guide for smart ways to balance comfort and affordability.
FAQs: Japan Luggage Delivery and Transfer Services
Looking for answers about Japan luggage delivery, takuhaibin, luggage transfer cost, and how to send bags between hotels or airports in Japan? These parent-focused FAQs cover everything families commonly search for, helping you travel confidently and hands-free with kids.
A: Japan’s luggage delivery service, called takuhaibin, is a nationwide system that lets travelers ship suitcases, strollers, and bags between hotels, airports, and train stations. Instead of carrying heavy luggage, families hand their bags to a counter and they are delivered safely and reliably to the next destination, often same-day or next-day.
A: To use Japan’s luggage transfer service, you drop your bags at a hotel desk, airport counter, or convenience store, fill out a short form, choose your delivery time, and receive a tracking receipt. Companies like Yamato (Kuroneko) transport your luggage door-to-door, making travel hands-free and stress-free, especially for families with kids.
A: The cost of luggage delivery in Japan typically ranges from ¥1,000–¥3,000 per suitcase, depending on size and distance. Airport-to-hotel delivery usually costs a little more. For most families, the price is well worth it for the convenience of avoiding heavy bags on trains and during city transfers.
A: Most luggage deliveries in Japan arrive the next day, while major city routes (like Tokyo to/from Kyoto or Osaka) sometimes offer same-day service if bags are sent early. Longer distances, such as Hokkaido, Kyushu, or Okinawa, may take 24–48 hours. Delivery timing is very reliable, making it easy for families to plan ahead.
A: Yes, Japan’s luggage delivery service is known for being extremely safe and dependable. Companies like Yamato (Kuroneko) and JAL ABC use barcode tracking, secure handling, and guaranteed delivery windows. Bags almost always arrive precisely when expected, giving parents peace of mind during busy travel days.
A: Absolutely. Major airports like Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Chubu have counters where you can send luggage directly to your hotel. This is one of the easiest options for families after a long flight, no hauling heavy bags through trains, no navigating crowds, just a smooth, hands-free arrival.
A: Yes. Most hotels in Japan can send your luggage directly to the airport using services like Yamato (Kuroneko) or JAL ABC. Parents usually send bags one day before their flight to guarantee on-time delivery. This lets families enjoy their final day hands-free, without dragging suitcases through stations.
A: Yes, many families use luggage delivery specifically for Shinkansen days. Bullet trains have limited luggage space, and boarding with kids, strollers, and large bags can be stressful. Sending your suitcases ahead means you only carry a small backpack, making Shinkansen travel much easier and safer for children.
A: Absolutely. Japan’s takuhaibin system allows you to send luggage between hotels anywhere in the country, including long-distance routes like Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka to Hiroshima, or Sapporo to Tokyo. Delivery is fast, predictable, and highly reliable, making multi-city family trips far smoother.
A: You can drop off luggage at hotel front desks, airport delivery counters, major train stations, and many convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson. Hotels are the easiest option for families, while convenience stores are ideal for guests staying in Airbnbs or small inns.
A: Yes. Many convenience stores partner with Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) to offer easy luggage drop-off. Parents can hand over bags at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson and have them delivered to their next hotel or airport. This is especially helpful when staying in non-hotel accommodations.
A: For most families, luggage delivery is absolutely worth it. It removes the stress of carrying heavy bags through crowded stations, juggling suitcases with strollers, or managing luggage on the Shinkansen. Parents can focus on comfort, safety, and enjoying the day, making travel much smoother and more enjoyable.
To continue planning your adventure, you can browse our Japan Family-Friendly Travel Hub, which brings all our city guides, tips, and family travel insights into one easy place.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
