How to ship luggage? Three routes explained

Changing hotels in Japan is a lot easier when you ship your luggage instead of dragging a 29" suitcase around. But what actually happens at the counter, how to communicate, which form to fill out, how much it costs — it's daunting the first time. This guide breaks each of the three routes into "what to prepare → what to do on site → what to do if you get stuck." Follow it step by step and you'll be fine.

Quick pick · Which route is right for you?

One-minute check based on where you are and where you're going next.

Just landed, heading to the hotel

Airport counter (easiest — strongly recommended for beginners)

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In the city / hotel, want to forward to your next hotel

Drop off at a branch office (cheapest)

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Checking out today, too tired to carry luggage

Hotel front desk forwarding (least effort)

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Heading home — want to go to the airport hands-free

See airport counter → departure-day section

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Detailed walkthrough · three routes

Tap a card below for the full steps, Japanese phrases for on-site use, and common-snag fixes.

① Airport counter

Hand luggage off at the airport on arrival or departure day. Yamato Kuroneko and JAL ABC counters handle everything on the spot, with staff helping you fill out the form. Friendliest option for beginners.

💴 From ¥1,800⏱ Next-day afternoonBeginner-friendly

See the full walkthrough →

② Drop off at branch

Bring your luggage yourself to the nearest Yamato / Sagawa branch. Cheapest option — a ¥100 "drop-off discount" applies. You fill out the airway bill yourself or use the official app to prefill, so a little Japanese helps.

💴 From ¥1,500⏱ Next daySome Japanese

See the full walkthrough →

③ Hotel front desk forwarding

On checkout day, hand your luggage to the front desk — the hotel arranges a partner courier. Least effort, but not every hotel does this. Budget hotels and capsule hotels often refuse, so check before you book.

💴 From ¥2,000⏱ Next-day afternoonBeginner-friendly

See the full walkthrough →

Shared across all three routes · What to prepare before you leave

1
Hotel address in Japanese
Look up the Japanese version in your booking confirmation email (hotel name in kanji + prefecture + city/ward + address + 7-digit postal code). Or search the hotel on Google Maps and copy the Japanese address. Print it or save a screenshot.
2
Hotel phone number
In your booking email. Format: +81-3-XXXX-XXXX or 03-XXXX-XXXX. The counter will put it on the airway bill so the courier can call the hotel if anything goes wrong.
3
Passport
Yamato's official policy requires ID when picking up at the airport counter. Not strictly required for hotel forwarding or branch drop-off, but it's still a good idea to carry it.
4
Japanese yen cash (¥5,000–10,000)
Hotels and small branches often only take cash. Airport counters and large branches do accept cards, but having cash ready is safest. A large suitcase typically costs ¥1,500–4,000.
5
Suitcase cover (optional)
Yamato officially recommends a cover to reduce scratches. Airport convenience stores and Don Quijote sell them for about ¥1,000–2,000. You can skip it, but scratches are on you.

不用日文寄行李

ヤマト QR · App 預填送り状

手機填寄件單 → 拿 QR Code → 帶行李去営業所 / PUDO / 7-11 / ファミマ一掃即寄。省 ¥160 / 件(持込割 ¥100 + デジタル割 ¥60)。

看教學 →

Done reading? Try the estimator

Head back to /quote, enter your origin and destination, and compare real fares from all three couriers.

Back to the estimator →

Sources (verified April 2026)

Links verified on the date above. Fares, transit times, and counter locations can change — follow the on-site signage.