Arriving in Japan after a long-haul flight is so exciting. But dragging a 25kg suitcase through a busy train station is less so.
Then add a few flights of stairs, very crowded carriages and small accommodation to the mix, and traveling with lots of luggage can quickly become stress no one wants - or needs - to deal with.
In Japan, the handy solution is known as takkyubin. It's a luggage forwarding system that lets you send your suitcase straight to your next hotel or destination. It's particularly useful if you're planning to visit several cities.
But what if your checked bag doesn't arrive at all? Here's everything you need to know about luggage forwarding as well as some practical, actionable advice on what to do in the event your bags don't make your arrival airport on time.
Why Use Luggage Forwarding in Japan?
Japan has an excellent public transport network, but getting around with a large suitcase really isn't always easy. This is because stations can be busy - with tens of billions of passengers using Japanese trains each year. On top of this, some older buildings have limited elevator access and hotel rooms are often much smaller than you might expect.
Luggage forwarding definitely takes some of the stress out of traveling. Instead of hauling your suitcase around, you're able to send it directly to your next hotel and explore with a smaller bag.
It's especially useful if you're traveling between cities, planning a day of sightseeing before checking in or catching the Shinkansen (bullet train).
How Does Takkyubin Work?
Takkyubin is a domestic courier service that transports luggage and parcels around Japan. Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express are two of the main providers.
If you're flying into Japan, look for luggage forwarding counters in the arrivals areas at Narita, Haneda and Kansai International Airport. You can arrange delivery there before heading into the city. Many hotels also offer the service through reception, but this is definitely worth checking in advance.
The process is straightforward. You simply take your suitcase to a participating counter, provide your destination details and then pay the delivery charge. You'll usually need to have the hotel's name, address, telephone number and your expected check-in date handy.
How Much Does Luggage Forwarding Cost?
Prices vary, but as a rough guide, you can expect to pay around ¥3,000-¥3,700 to send a standard large suitcase between destinations.
Let's look at an example: Yamato Transport lists rates of ¥3,160 for luggage delivery from Tokyo to Kyoto and ¥3,020 from Kyoto to Osaka for luggage measuring up to 160 cm in total dimensions. Prices include tax, but they will also vary depending on the route and service.
It's worth checking your suitcase dimensions before booking. Yamato Transport accepts luggage weighing up to 30kg, with a maximum combined measurement of 200cm. However, prices increase with suitcase size, so a smaller case can work out cheaper.
Next-day delivery is available on many popular routes, although it isn't guaranteed everywhere, so be mindful of this. Remote destinations or busy travel periods can all affect arrival times of your luggage delivery.
Check the estimated delivery date before handing over your suitcase; you'll also want to make sure your hotel can accept it.
What If Your Checked Bag Doesn't Arrive?
Luggage forwarding is great when your suitcase arrives safely, but it won't help if the airline loses it before you reach Japan. In the unfortunate event your checked bag is missing when you land, head straight to the airline's baggage service desk before leaving the arrivals hall.
Staff there will ask for your baggage tag, flight details and a description of your suitcase. They'll usually create a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or else provide you with an equivalent reference number. It's important that you keep this safe, as you'll need it to follow up on the missing bag.
Ask how the airline will arrange delivery if your suitcase is found. Also, keep your boarding pass, baggage receipt and any correspondence, too. If you need to buy essential items while waiting, hold on to the receipts.
Japan is a party to the Montreal Convention, which sets out airline liability rules for many international journeys. It means you may be entitled to compensation if your checked baggage is delayed, damaged or lost.
AirAdvisor, one of the leading flight and baggage compensation companies, explains what the airline owes you for a lost bag and can help you understand your rights, check whether you're eligible for compensation and make a claim against the airline on your behalf.
For international journeys covered by the Montreal Convention, the limit is 1,519 SDR per passenger, which works out at around $2,000; however this figure changes daily depending on exchange rates. (This figure also represents maximum liability rather than guaranteed compensation.)
It's vital to report any damage to your luggage within 7 days and a delay within 21 days of getting the bag back; after 21 days a missing bag counts as lost.
What Should You Keep With You?
You should definitely keep hold of some essentials instead of packing everything into your suitcase. A small overnight bag is ideal for carrying anything you might need before your luggage catches up.
Your passport, travel documents, medication, phone chargers, valuables and important electronics should always stay with you. A change of clothes and basic toiletries are also worth packing, especially if your suitcase won't arrive until the following day.
It's also important to check your accommodation's delivery arrangements. Not every hotel or guesthouse can accept luggage before check-in, especially smaller properties or those that are unmanned. Confirm this before arranging the courier.
Make Your Journey Easier With a Backup Plan
Luggage forwarding is a great, simple way to make traveling around Japan more comfortable with less time dragging heavy suitcases through stations and more freedom to enjoy the journey.
Just plan deliveries ahead, check that your hotel can receive your bags and keep your essentials close. A little preparation can save you a lot of hassle later.
