Japan’s takkyubin (TA-Q-BIN) system is an extremely convenient door-to-door luggage delivery service that allows you to send suitcases between airports, hotels, homes, and other destinations. It helps you travel hands‑free, avoid carrying heavy bags through stations, and enjoy a more comfortable trip.
Why Takkyubin Is Useful
- Travel hands‑free: No need to carry heavy suitcases through crowded stations or stairs.
- Door-to-door delivery: Send luggage from airport → hotel, hotel → hotel, or hotel → airport.
- Affordable: Typically around 1,000–3,000 yen depending on size and distance.
- Reliable & nationwide: Available throughout Japan, with English support in many locations.
Common Use Cases
- After arriving at the airport, send your luggage directly to your hotel and start sightseeing immediately.
- When moving between cities (e.g., Tokyo → Kyoto), travel with only a small bag.
- Send luggage from your hotel to the airport on your departure day.
- Ship sports equipment such as skis or golf bags directly to resorts.
How to Use Takkyubin (Simple 4-Step Guide)
1. Where to Send Your Luggage
You can drop off or arrange pick‑up at:
- Hotel front desks (the easiest method)
- Airport takkyubin counters
- Convenience stores (7‑Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson)
- Takkyubin service centers
2. Fill Out the Shipping Form
You will provide:
- Destination address (hotel name, address, telephone number)
- Your full name (the same as your hotel reservation)
- Desired delivery date/time
- Your contact information
Hotel staff often assist and many counters have English support.
3. Pay the Fee
Cost depends on:
- Luggage size
- Weight
- Distance
Payment:
- Cash widely accepted
- Credit cards accepted at many convenience stores and counters
Typical cost: 1,000–3,000 yen per suitcase
4. Pick Up Your Luggage
Delivery speed:
- Next‑day delivery is standard
- Same‑day possible for short distances
- 2+ days for long distances like Hokkaido or Okinawa
Where to receive:
- Hotel: Pick up at the front desk
- Airport: Pick up at the takkyubin counter
📏 Size & Weight Limits
Most takkyubin services follow these guidelines:
- Maximum combined dimensions: up to around 160–200 cm
- Maximum weight: about 30 kg
Certain services offer options for refrigerated, frozen, or special‑care items.
✈️ Using Takkyubin at Airports
Takkyubin counters are available at major international airports such as:
- Narita Airport
- Haneda Airport
- Kansai International Airport
- Chubu Centrair Airport
You can:
- Send your luggage directly to your hotel upon arrival.
- Drop off luggage at the hotel → airport on your departure day.
This allows you to enjoy your first and last days in Japan completely hands‑free.
💡 Traveler Tips
- If sending luggage before hotel check‑in, confirm in advance that the hotel can accept deliveries.
- Do not send valuables, fragile items, passports, or electronics.
- Plan extra time for deliveries to remote regions (e.g., Hokkaido, Okinawa).
- Keep your tracking number for checking delivery status.
🐱 Major Service Providers
| Company | Features |
|---|---|
| Yamato Transport (Black Cat / TA-Q-BIN) | Most widely used; English counters; accepts delivery at hotels & convenience stores |
| Sagawa Express | Offers “hands‑free travel” services and handles sports gear |
| JAL ABC | Strong at airport‑hotel luggage delivery; ideal for air travelers |
📝 Summary
Takkyubin is one of Japan’s greatest travel conveniences.
It offers:
- Hands‑free travel
- Low cost
- High reliability
- Nationwide coverage
- Airport and hotel integration
For international visitors, it dramatically improves comfort, mobility, and the overall travel experience.
If you want your Japan trip to be smoother and easier, takkyubin is one of the best services to use.
You can find more details and support on the Yamato Transport English website -> Traveling to Japan | YAMATO TRANSPORT GLOBAL
