How much does it cost to forward a suitcase in Japan?

As of June 2026, sending a normal suitcase between cities costs roughly 2,000 to 3,000 yen, depending on size and distance. Price is set by the bag's three-side total and weight. Longer distances, such as Tokyo to Kyushu, cost more. Check the carrier's size and price chart for the exact amount.

How long does luggage forwarding take?

As of June 2026, most deliveries within mainland Japan arrive the next day if you send the bag in the morning. Remote areas, the northern and southern islands, and busy holiday periods can take two days or more. Always send the bag at least one day before you need it.

Can I send luggage from the airport to my hotel?

Yes. Major airports have luggage forwarding counters in the arrivals area. You can send your bags to your hotel and travel into the city with just a small bag. You can also send bags from your last hotel to the airport before your flight, but allow extra time for that direction.

Where do I drop off and pick up the luggage?

You can drop off at most hotel front desks, convenience stores, and carrier service counters. Delivery is usually to your next hotel's front desk, which holds the bag until you check in. Tell your hotel in advance that a bag is arriving, and give your name and check-in date on the form.

Can I forward luggage to or from the airport on the same day as my flight?

It is risky. Same-day airport delivery is not guaranteed, and delays can mean your bag misses the flight. As of June 2026, send bags to the airport at least one full day ahead, or use airport-to-hotel forwarding on arrival when timing is less tight. Confirm cut-off times with the carrier.

Luggage Forwarding (Takkyubin): Send Bags Ahead in Japan

Should I forward my luggage or carry it?

Luggage forwarding, called takkyubin, sends your bag from one place to another so you travel light. It is popular for moving between cities, avoiding crowded trains, and skipping the Shinkansen size rule. Use this quick check.

Your situation	Forward or carry?
Moving hotels in different cities	Forward; arrive hands-free
Bag is over the 160cm Shinkansen limit	Forward; avoid the size rule
Arriving at the airport with heavy bags	Forward to your hotel from the airport
Staying in one hotel the whole trip	Carry; no need to forward
Need the bag the same day	Use day storage instead; forwarding takes a day

If you are changing cities or have a large bag, forwarding usually makes the trip smoother. If you need the items the same day, use a coin locker or luggage storage instead.

How do I send a bag, step by step?

The process is simple and staff often help foreign visitors. As of June 2026:

Choose a drop-off point: your hotel front desk, a convenience store, or a carrier service counter.
Get a shipping form and fill in the delivery address. For a hotel, write the hotel name, address, phone number, your name, and your check-in date.
Hand over the bag and pay. Payment is usually cash; some points accept cards or IC cards.
Keep the receipt. It has a tracking number so you can check progress.
Tell the receiving hotel that a bag is arriving in your name, so they hold it for you.

Drop the bag off in the morning if you want next-day delivery. Later drop-offs may ship the following day.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

Price depends on the bag’s three-side total (height plus width plus depth) and the distance. These are rough guides as of June 2026; check the carrier’s chart for exact figures.

Bag size (three-side total)	Rough cost, same region	Rough cost, long distance
Up to 80cm (small)	About 1,500 to 2,000 yen	About 2,000 to 2,500 yen
Up to 120cm (medium suitcase)	About 2,000 to 2,500 yen	About 2,500 to 3,500 yen
Up to 160cm (large suitcase)	About 2,500 to 3,000 yen	About 3,000 to 4,000 yen

Route type	Typical delivery time (as of June 2026)
Within the same city or region	Next day
Between major cities on the main islands	Next day
To or from remote areas or islands	Two days or more
During major holidays	Allow extra time

Send the bag at least one day before you need it. Do not rely on same-day delivery.

How does airport luggage forwarding work?

Major airports have forwarding counters in the arrivals hall. As of June 2026:

On arrival: drop your bags at the counter, send them to your hotel, and travel into the city with a small bag. This is low-risk because timing is flexible.
Before departure: send bags from your last hotel to the airport at least one full day ahead. Same-day airport delivery is not guaranteed and can miss your flight.

Confirm the carrier’s cut-off times. For the trip home, the safest plan is to send bags a day early or carry them yourself.

Reference: luggage forwarding at a glance

Item	Detail (as of June 2026)
Common name	Takkyubin (luggage forwarding)
Drop-off points	Hotels, convenience stores, carrier counters
Typical suitcase cost	About 2,000 to 3,000 yen
Typical delivery time	Next day within mainland Japan
Payment	Usually cash; some take cards
Tracking	Yes, via the receipt number
Best for	Moving cities, oversized bags, arriving hands-free

Prices, sizes, and delivery times can change. Check the carrier’s official information before you send a bag, and always allow a full extra day so your luggage arrives before you do.