My first trip to Japan was for work. I was scheduled to do deliver a three-day training program in Atsugi. I decided to extend my trip by a few days to do a little sightseeing in Tokyo and Osaka. However, I didn’t want to drag my large suitcase for the sightseeing segment as it was only a four-day fun tour. I figured light and flexible was the way to go.
Dragging a suitcase around is hard work, especially in Japan. These two words will transform your Japanese travel experience: Luggage Forwarding.
Japan runs off smaller spaces. This reality hits especially hard in tourist meccas like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Trains, shops and even sidewalks can make navigating difficult for both you and everyone around you. Even taking the Shinkansen with big bags require extra steps in the process to ensure you have space for your bag.
Dragging a large suitcase around Japan is not just inconvenient – it’s exhausting!
Whenever I travel to Japan, I do bring a large, half-filled suitcase, but once I land, it never travels with me but rather meets me at hotels every few days along the way. I travel with my camera bag, and a smallish backpack. I pay a luggage forwarding service to ship my bag to a future destination. It’s easy, reasonably priced and makes life so much easier.
As LEA’s (Life Experienced Adults.), we should know when to work smarter instead of harder.
How it works:
- Drop off: Super easy. Just drop off your suitcase at your hotel front desk, a convivence store (7-11, Family Mart, or Lawsons) or visit a courier service point. Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express are the two major services. Most of my experience has been with Yamato. Yuka has more experience with Sagawa.
- Process: Complete the waybill with your destination, including the name and address of your next hotel or airport. My first time doing this I was really concerned as the document is in Japanese. Don’t freak out! Your hotel and most 7-11’s will walk you through this. It probably won’t be graceful, but your bag will go where it is supposed to.
- Timing: If you drop off a bag by noon, it usually will arrive the next day. If it’s a long distance or remote location, it may take two-days. I usually ship my suitcase to where I will be in three or four days. In the meantime, I am free to roam with my small bag.
- Both services accept suitcases, golf bags and ski equipment.
Need to Know:
Weight/size limits: Max weight is generally around 25kg or 55lbs with total dimensions (height+width+depth) of 160cm or 63 inches.
Payment is made at the time of drop off.
I have used this service many times and have not seen any issue. Always delivered, always on the promised day. This practice reduces stress and literally takes a load off.
BONUS TIP: I mentioned I bring a half-full suitcase. Japan is a gifting society and since I have many Japanese friends in the United States, I have many gifts to bring back. This way the space is there for them, as well as the goodies I bring home for myself.
