Yamato’s Luggage Transfer Service : Travel Hands-Free and Heavy-Luggage-Free in Japan

Planning a trip to Japan can be exhilarating, but maneuvering through bustling streets and using public transportation while carrying heavy luggage can be an intimidating and stressful experience, especially if it is your very first time in Japan.

Luckily, there is a simple solution that can make your travels a breeze – Yamato Transport’s luggage forwarding service! Ideal for those who wish to move around without carrying heavy bags, with ease and comfort.

We will talk about how Yamato’s service works, how it can enhance your journey to Japan, and how you can use this service easily from the airport, your hotel room, or at most convenience stores in Japan. So, let’s dive in and see how we can travel like a local with the assistance of Yamato Transport’s luggage forwarding service!

What Is Yamato Transport Ta-Q-BIN?

Yamato Transport is a company in Japan that helps people deliver goods from one place to another. They offer a service that’s especially useful for travelers who want to travel light and not carry their heavy bags around with them everywhere, from the airport to crowded train stations to Japanese bustling streets – their Luggage Forwarding Service (Ta-Q-Bin, or also called ‘Takkyubin’).

Using Yamato Transport Ta-Q-BIN (whose logo is a black cat), which is located in major train stations, hotels, or at convenience stores, you can easily and conveniently send your bags directly to your destination, like your hotel, the airport, another hotel in a different area, etc., without having to carry them there yourself.

This eliminates the hassle and stress of hauling luggage through crowded train stations or streets, or if you travel with young kids and don’t have enough hands for your luggage.

Why Use Yamato Transport Luggage Forwarding Service (Ta-Q-BIN, or Takkyubin)?

• Lugging heavy suitcases around busy stations and crowded Japan street is stressful

• It takes time to have to constantly look for escalators and elevators to use while dragging heavy suitcases through train stations

• Sometimes there is not enough room inside the trains for all of your luggage, especially during rush hours or busy travel seasons, when everywhere is crowded.

• Traveling with heavy ski equipments, golf bags, or bulky items? Yamato Transport can help you forward it straight to your hotel or resort and travel hands-free without you breaking a sweat.

• Yamato offers very flexible services, with a wide and accessible network at various locations like airports, hotels, convenience stores, and Yamato counters at major train stations across Japan.

• Their service is simple and easy to use : Fill out a form with your info, pay the delivery fee, hand over your luggage to Yamato, and voila, you are good to go!

• Reiable and speedy delivery : If you drop off your bags in the morning, and the desired destination is in the same city, most likely it will arrive the same day. Otherwise, the delivery happens the next day. If the destination is in a different city, it might take 2 days to get there. Either way, their service is very efficient and quick.

• It saves you time, and give you peace of mind and more time to explore and enjoy your vacation

Who Should Use Yamato Transport’s Luggage Forwarding/Transfer Service?

• Any traveler in Japan who wants to travel more comfortably and efficiently without the burden of carrying heavy bags

• Those who have a lot of luggage who plan to stay in multiple destinations during their trip

• Families having their hands full with young children

• Travelers who want to avoid the hassle of navigating public transportation with bulky suitcases.

• Travelers with bulky and heavy equipments like ski gears, golf bag, musical instruments, etc.

Overall, anyone looking for a convenient and stress-free travel experience in Japan can benefit from using Yamato Transport’s luggage forwarding service.

What Kind of Luggage Transfer or Forwarding Does Yamato Transport Offer?

• Airport-to-hotel luggage delivery

• Hotel-to-airport luggage delivery

• Hotel-to-hotel luggage delivery (in same city or different cities)

• From any 2 locations in most areas of Japan, where Yamato operates in

Where Does Yamato Transport Operate In?

Yamato Transport has a wide network of delivery services and counters throughout the country, which allows them to offer services to people living or traveling in almost every part of Japan.

Whether you’re in a big city like Tokyo or a small town in the countryside, you can take advantage of Yamato’s services to transport your luggage or goods to your desired destination.

You can find a Yamato counter in major train stations across Japan. They also partner with most hotels and convenience stores, which makes them easily accessible throughout Japan.

Here is a list of regions and cities where Yamato has their official counter in :

To see actual address, hours of operation, and services offered at each counter, click here to visit the official Yamato Transport website where specific counters info are available.

What Are Yamato Transport’s Operating Hours?

All counters are open 365 days a year, from 8 AM to 8 PM (hours might vary by location).

To locate a Yamato counter in Japan and their specific operating hours and available services, go to the Locations section on Yamato’s official website here.

Below are the location, operating hours, and services offered at the Tokyo and Osaka counters :

How Much Does It Cost to Forward My Luggage?

The cost depends on your luggage size, weight, distance of travel, and how many pieces of luggage you are forwarding. Generally, it costs about 2,000 yen per a checked-bag size luggage.

If you want to accurately calculate your cost, go to the Luggage Forwarding Fee Calculator at Yamato official website here, and enter luggage details and travel info to get the most accurate fees.

Forwarding Luggages within Tokyo Area

In general, it costs around 1,800 to 2,310 yen to transport 1 piece of luggage from one place or hotel in Tokyo to another place or hotels also in Tokyo, depending on the size and weight of the luggage. So keep this info in mind when planning your trip.

How to Measure My Luggage Size?

Your luggage size = (Length + Width + Height) of your luggage in centimeters. That number will help you figure out your luggage size on Yamato’s website.

Show Me Some Examples!

Depending on size, weight, how many pieces of luggage, where, and how far you are sending your luggage to and from, go to Yamato’s Luggage Forwarding Fee Calculator here, and choose the applicable option :

Example 1 : To Move 1 Suitcase from a Hotel in Tokyo to Narita Airport, and Suitcase has Length + Width + Height = 135 cm

You will choose ‘From = Kanto area’, ‘To = Kanto area’, ‘Send To Airport’ option, which takes about 2 days for delivery, and ‘Luggage Size = 140’ (means total luggage dimensions are up to 140 cm).

Looking at the chart, your total fee for your 1 suit case is 2,849 yen (if paid by card), or 2,850 yen (if paid by cash).

Example 2 : To Move 1 Bag from a Hotel in Tokyo to another Hotel in Tokyo, and Bag has Length + Width + Height = 110 cm, and total weight is below 15 Kg

You will choose ‘From = Kanto area’, ‘To = Kanto area’, ‘General Parcels’ option, which takes 1 day for delivery, and ‘Luggage Size = 120’ (means total luggage dimensions are up to 120 cm, and total weight is below 15 Kg).

Looking at the chart, your total fee for your 1 bag is 1,848 yen (if paid by card), or 1,850 yen (if paid by cash).

Example 3 : To Move 2 Suitcases from a Tokyo Hotel to Another Hotel in Kyoto City, and Each Suitcase has Length + Width + Height = 140 cm, each weights up to 20 Kg

You will choose ‘From = Kanto area (Tokyo)’, ‘To = Kansai area (Kyoto)’, ‘General Parcels’ option, which takes about 1 day for delivery, and ‘Luggage Size = 140’ (means total luggage dimensions are up to 140 cm).

Looking at the chart, your total fee for your 1 suit case is 2,310 yen. As you are forwarding 2 suitcases of the similar size, your total fees = 2,310 x 2 = 4,620 yen total.

How Do I Use Yamato Transport to Deliver My Luggage to My Next Destination?

See the simple and easy 4-step guide on how to use luggage forwarding service in the image below :

Step 1 : Go to an actual Yamato Transport counter at a train station (location addresses can be found at the Counter Locations section on their official website here) or online

You can also go to any convenience store with the Yamato sign on the store (black cat logo) and have them help you forward your luggage as well.

Step 2 : Fill out a form, indicating your pickup and delivery locations, your phone number, the size and weight of your luggage, and your preferred delivery date. The cost of the service is generally based on the size and weight of your luggage, as well as the distance between pickup and delivery locations.

Step 3 : Pay the fees, and receive a pink receipt as proof of your bag, and be on your way.

Yamato will take your bag and deliver it to your destination within 1-2 days, depending on the time. you drop off your bags, and the distance of travel.

Tip : Most hotels partner with Yamato or a similar luggage forwarding service, so you could just take your luggages to the hotel reception area and ask them to help you with the whole process. You will pay the hotel the fees, and they will take care of everything for you.

How Long Does It Take for My Luggage to Be Delivered at My Destination?

How long really depends on your original bag drop-off time and the distance of travel.

• If you drop off your bag in Tokyo before Yamato’s last pick-up of the day (the cut-off time), it should take about 1 day for your bag to arrive at your destination. So if you drop it off in Tokyo at 10 AM, most likely it will be delivered by 6 PM the next day in your Kyoto hotel.

• If you drop off your bag after the last pick-up of the day (the cut-off time), it might take 2 days for it to arrive at your destination. So if your bag drop-off is at 5 PM today and the cut-off time is 4 PM, then the bag will be delivered at your destination in Kyoto by 6 PM about 2 days from today.

• If the 2 locations for drop-off and delivery are in the same city, and you drop off your bags early before 11 AM, it could arrive the SAME DAY

• If the 2 locations are in different cities, it might take the next day or 2 days later for Yamato to deliver your bag.

So make sure to plan in advance, drop off luggage early in the day, and ask for specific time frame from staff.

Also, it is important to pack an overnight bag in case your luggage arrives later than planned, and you need to make do without it for a day or so.

Where Do I Go to Drop Off My Luggage to Yamato Transport?

Hotels

This is the best and most convenient option. Most hotels partner with Yamato Transport (or a similar luggage service provider), so just ask the hotel reception desk to help you with luggage transfer service.

They will measure and tag your bags, and fill out the necessary forms for you. Then you will pay the hotel directly, and receive a pink receipt (proof of bag transfer) from them.

You are now good to go. The hotel will contact Yamato and take care of the rest for you.

Airports

There is a Yamato Baggage Delivery Service counter at Narita and Haneda airport, where you can go to drop off or pick up your luggage for your trip. Check the Narita Airport or Haneda Airport website here for the operating hours and services at the counters.

Most counters open 365 days a year, from 8 AM in the morning to 9 PM at night.

Yamato Counters in Train Stations

Check out the above sections ‘Where Does Yamato Operate In?’ and ‘When Are Yamato Transport’s Operating Hours?’ above for all info regarding counter locations.

If you are in Tokyo, Yamato has their Baggage Service Counter at Tokyo Station (by the Marunouchi North exit).

Convenience Stores

Most convenience stores like Family Mart or Seven Eleven (7-11) partner with Yamato Transport. So if your hotel does not partner with Yamato, you could still easily find a convenience store and drop off or pick up your luggage there, if that option is easiest for you.

Note that convenience stores don’t offer Same-day delivery option like some other locations.

If you happen to book an AirBnBs or apartment rental, Yamato might not deliver there, as it is not guaranteed that someone will be available to sign for the delivery. Thus, you might need to use a convenience store nearby to transfer or pick up your baggage.

What Info Do I Need In Order to Fill Out the Luggage Forwarding Form?

1 . Luggage Size and Weight

• Your luggage size = (Length + Width + Height) of your luggage, in centimeters.

• Luggage weight = in Kg

2 . Delivery Address and Who Receives the Luggage

• Check with your next hotel or accommodation to make sure they will be OK with taking and storing your baggage for you.

• If renting an AirBnB or apartment, make sure you will be there at time of delivery, or if the host or apartment staff will be OK with receiving it on your behalf.

• Also check with your luggage delivery service to make sure other people are allowed to receive your bag on your behalf.

3 . A Contact Phone Number

• A phone number is required for delivery, and it is best to have a Japanese phone number to avoid confusion.

• If you are staying at a hotel, you can put down the hotel phone number on the form.

• If you are staying at an AirBnB, make sure to check with your host if it is OK to use their phone number for the delivery.

• If you have a travel SIM card r a Japanese SIM card with voice calling enabled, you could use it as well.

4 . Delivery Date

• Typically, this is the day after you hand off your luggage to Yamato, or the day after that. If you have a specific delivery date in mind, put that down on the form.

• Make sure delivery date is at least 1 day after you drop off your luggage at the counter, unless the origin and destination are in the same city. Check with staff if Same-day Service option is available for your case.

• To prevent arising issues due to delivery delay, which is rare but not unheard of, pack an overnight bag with your essentials and 1-2 changes of clothes, so you will be set and have what you need until your bulk of luggage is delivered later.

• If you expect your luggage to arrive at the destination hotel earlier than you would for a few days, don’t forget to communicate with the hotel staff, so that they are aware of the situation, and store it for you until you arrive days later.

Where Do I Locate a Yamato Transport Ta-Q-BIN at the Airport?

• Narita Airport : To find Yamato Ta-Q-Bin location, operating hours, and services at Narita Airport, visit Narita Airport’s Baggage Delivery Service info here.

• Haneda Airport : To find Yamato Ta-Q-Bin location, operating hours, and services at Haneda Airport, visit Haneda Airport’s Baggage Delivery Service info here.

Is Same-Day Delivery Service Available at All Locations?

No. Same-day Delivery option is only available at specific counters, so make sure you check counter location and service info at Yamato’s official website here to make sure Same-day Delivery option is available where you drop off luggage.

• If your drop-off and pick-up locations are in the same city, and you drop off your bags before the cut-off time, there is a high probability that the bags will arrive the same-day.

• It is also possible to deliver luggage from airport to hotels (or other places) in the same day, so check with staff at the service counter at airport if you need yours the same day.

• Same-day Delivery is not available for both drop-off and pick-ups at convenience stores, so if you really need it delivered on the same day, go to a Yamato service counter at a train station and go early (before the cut-off time) to get it delivered quicker.

When Should I Send Luggages to the Airport for My Upcoming Flight?

If you plan to transfer your luggage from your hotel to the airport for your flight, and travel to the airport hands-free, it is best to send off your luggage 2 or 3 days before your flight date.

According to policies, you luggage need to be delivered to the airport the day before your flight, and you will come to the airport counter to pick it up on the day of.

Because of this, make sure you know the cut-off time, and d your bags early enough. You don’t want to get to the airport to find your luggage is not there yet, and potentially miss your flight (or your bags).

Are There Any Restrictions When Using Yamato Transport’s Luggage Delivery Service (Ta-Q-Bin)?

• Check luggage size limit and weight limit

• Check if there is any luggage quantity limit per person

• Check to make sure there are no sensitive or dangerous items inside luggage

• Check on insurance limit provided per bag, and whether it is sufficient

If I Have Any Questions or Concerns, How Do I Contact Customer Service?

Customer service (English-speaking staff included) can be reached by both phone or online (email). Operating hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM every day, 365 days a year.

• By phone (for English speaking staff) : 0120-17-9625 (Toll Free) / From overseas +81-3-6757-1061

• Online (email) : Send your questions by filling out their online form here, and provide your email address, to get response from Yamato staff quickly.

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travel!

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