What is Takkyubin and Why Should You Use It?
Takkyubin (also known as TA-Q-BIN) is Japan's ubiquitous door-to-door luggage delivery service. It allows you to send suitcases from your hotel, airport, or a convenience store directly to your next accommodation, enabling you to travel light and hands-free across Japan's often crowded train stations.
Instead of wrestling large bags onto the Shinkansen or searching endlessly for coin lockers, you can hand your luggage to a clerk and have it arrive at your destination the next day. This service is particularly useful when moving between cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, or when navigating complex transit hubs like Shinjuku Station. The service is reliable, affordable, and used by almost every hotel and convenience store in the country.
Where Can You Send Luggage From and To?
You can drop off luggage at almost any hotel front desk, Yamato Transport service centers (look for the black cat logo), or major convenience stores (konbini) like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. At a konbini, simply bring your suitcase to the counter and say 'Takkyubin onegaishimasu' (Luggage forwarding, please).
The most common destinations are hotels and airports. When sending to a hotel, the staff will receive it and store it for you until check-in. If sending to an airport (like Narita or Haneda) for your flight home, you must drop it off at least 2-3 days in advance. Note that sending luggage TO a private Airbnb or apartment rental can be tricky unless the host specifically consents to receive it, as couriers often require a signature.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Takkyubin Form
Filling out the form is the most intimidating part for non-Japanese speakers, but English forms are widely available at airports and major hotels in 2026. If you only have a Japanese form, here is how to complete the key sections:
1. Sender Information (On Ue): Write your name, phone number, and current hotel address.
2. Receiver Information (Atena / On Shita): Write the name and address of your destination hotel. Include the hotel's phone number—this is crucial for the courier to coordinate delivery.
3. Date (Nengappi): Write the desired delivery date. Remember, standard delivery is usually 'Next Day' (plus one day). If you send it Monday morning, write Tuesday's date.
4. Contents (Naiyou): Check 'Suitcase' (Ryokou-kase) or list specific items like clothes.
5. Number of Bags (Kosuu): Write the number of pieces.
After filling it out, the staff will weigh the bag, calculate the price, and stick a waybill on your luggage. Keep your copy of the receipt; it has a tracking number.
Costs, Sizes, and Delivery Times in 2026
Pricing is determined by the size of your bag and the distance traveled. As of 2026, standard prices for sending a large check-in suitcase (approx. 160cm total dimensions) between Tokyo and Osaka typically range from 2,000 to 2,500 JPY. Sending the same bag from Tokyo to Okinawa or Hokkaido may cost closer to 3,000–3,500 JPY.
Delivery times are generally one night for domestic destinations (e.g., send Monday, arrive Tuesday). However, remote areas like Hokkaido or Kyushu may take an extra day. Airport deliveries require a buffer of at least 2 days. Important restrictions: Bags exceeding 30kg or total dimensions over 160cm (Height + Width + Depth) may be rejected or classified as 'Large Special' goods, so measure your luggage before heading to the counter.
Pro Tips for International Travelers
Always pack a small overnight bag with pajamas, toiletries, and a change of clothes. Since Takkyubin is almost always a next-day service, you will be without your main suitcase for one night.
If you are traveling light and want to maximize your hands-free time, consider booking local experiences through platforms like Viator or MagicalTrip for food tours. You can also save on in-city activities by using the code JPINCITY1 (10% off, expires 2026-05-01) when booking on Klook, allowing you to explore without dragging heavy bags through crowded areas like Shibuya or Gion.
Sending Luggage Internationally from Japan
For travelers ending their trip and wanting to send souvenirs or luggage home, international shipping is available. Yamato Transport offers international courier services to many countries. This is an excellent option if you have bought too many souvenirs or want to avoid checking bags at the airport.
Specialized services also exist for specific routes. For example, travelers heading to Hong Kong can use specific luggage delivery services to ship bags directly from their hotel in Japan to their home in HK, simplifying the departure process significantly.