How to Travel Japan Light with Luggage Delivery Service

Luggage-Free Travel in Japan: Everything You Need to Know About Yamato Transport

Japan is a travel dream—spotless trains, efficient systems, beautiful destinations—but the one challenge most travelers face? Luggage. Japan’s public transportation is incredible, but not made for hauling massive suitcases through crowded train stations or squeezing them into tiny hotel rooms.

Whether you're a snowboarder headed to Hokkaido with a duffel of gear, or a theme park fanatic who just had to buy every plushie in Super Nintendo World (we’ve been there), lugging those bags across the country is less than ideal.

But here’s the insider hack: Yamato Transport’s Takuhaibin (luggage forwarding) service. Also known as Kuroneko, or “black cat,” this delivery service is the ultimate way to travel light while still bringing everything you need.

Let’s break down how it works—and why it’s a total game-changer.

What Is Takuhaibin (Luggage Forwarding)?

Takuhaibin is a genius Japanese delivery system that lets you send your luggage or parcels anywhere in the country—from hotel to hotel, airport to Airbnb, or even to a convenience store. Instead of juggling suitcases through the subway, you ship them directly to your next stop. It’s that simple.

Top providers include:

• Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) – Our #1 pick
• Sagawa Express

Both are excellent, but Kuroneko wins for a few key reasons:

• English website and hotline
• Available in most accommodations
• Excellent service and reliability

Why Use Kuroneko?

Here’s what makes Kuroneko a traveler’s best friend:

Stress-Free Transit

You drop your bags off (or have them picked up) and poof—they arrive at your next hotel, lined up neatly like little luggage soldiers. You get to ride the train, bus, or walk the city with just your daypack.

Perfect Timing

You can choose the exact delivery date and time window. Going to Tokyo for a few days before heading south? Have your suitcase skip Tokyo and show up in Kyoto when you do.

Cost-Effective

When you compare Kuroneko’s rates to the ever-increasing cost of airline baggage fees—not to mention the physical stress—this service is a steal. Prices vary based on distance and weight, but it generally ranges between ¥1,500 and ¥3,000 ($10–$25 USD).

Gentle with Your Gear

No more busted suitcase wheels! Kuroneko handles your luggage with real care. They’ve even been known to wrap the wheels of suitcases with cardboard for extra protection. That’s service.

Specialized Gear Services

Got skis? Golf clubs? Oversized cosplay props? Kuroneko has shipping services tailored just for those items.

How to Use Kuroneko

Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. At a Hotel

Ask the front desk if they offer Kuroneko service. Most do! They’ll help fill out the Waybill (shipping form) or give you an English one. Your bags will be picked up directly from the lobby.

2. At an Airbnb

Check ahead if your Airbnb allows deliveries. Many don’t, but sometimes a polite message explaining your situation works wonders. If not, you can:

• Send your bag to the nearest Kuroneko office for pickup
• Use a convenience store like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart that partners with Kuroneko

3. Direct Drop-Off

If all else fails, find a Kuroneko office and drop off your luggage yourself. Staff are super helpful, and Google Translate can get you through any language gaps.

Filling Out the Waybill (Shipping Form)

This can feel intimidating, especially if it’s in Japanese. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Receiver name and address (your next hotel or destination)
• Receiver phone number (hotel's number is fine)
• Sender information (often the same as the receiver—you!)
• Contents description (e.g., clothes, toiletries)
• Desired delivery date and time window (optional, but recommended)

Pro tip: Keep Google Translate's camera feature on hand. It’s perfect for translating the form on the spot.

Pricing Guide (Rough Estimates)

The cost of using Yamato Transport's Kuroneko luggage forwarding service in Japan depends on two main factors: the size and weight of your luggage, and the distance it’s being shipped. Here's a rough idea to help you budget:

If you're sending a standard 10 kg suitcase from Tokyo to Kyoto, expect to pay around ¥1,500 to ¥2,000 (roughly $10–$13 USD). For a heavier 30 kg suitcase on the same route, prices typically range between ¥2,500 to ¥3,000 ($17–$20 USD).

For longer routes, such as Tokyo to Hokkaido, the price increases slightly. A 10 kg suitcase could cost around ¥1,800 to ¥2,200, while a 30 kg bag might cost anywhere from ¥2,800 to ¥3,500, depending on exact size and shipping preferences.

Kuroneko also calculates costs based on the combined dimensions (length + width + height), and there’s a max limit of 30 kg in weight and 200 cm in total dimensions for most standard shipments.

While pricing can vary a little, it’s still a super affordable and stress-saving alternative compared to airline baggage fees or trying to haul everything yourself through Japan’s busy stations.

Important Tips & Caveats (Expanded)

1. Ship at least 2 days in advance, especially if sending to an airport.
Kuroneko recommends shipping your luggage at least two days ahead of time, particularly for airport deliveries. This ensures your bags arrive before your flight and avoids any last-minute stress.

2. Contact your accommodation before sending—someone must be there to receive it!
Whether it's a hotel or guesthouse, make sure staff can accept your luggage upon arrival. If no one is available to sign for it, the delivery may be delayed or returned.

3. If your Airbnb doesn’t allow it, have your luggage sent to the nearest Kuroneko office instead.
Many Airbnbs in Japan don’t accept luggage deliveries. In that case, locate a nearby Kuroneko service center where you can pick up your bags at a convenient time.

4. Missed your pickup? Look into van taxis as a backup—great for big families or bulky luggage.
If your luggage can’t be shipped in time, a van taxi (like a Toyota Hiace) is a spacious and surprisingly affordable option for families or travelers with lots of gear.

Luggage? What Luggage?

Whether you're bouncing between cities or settling into one spot, Kuroneko’s Takuhaibin service makes traveling in Japan so much smoother. It’s reliable, budget-friendly, and gives you the freedom to explore without being weighed down—literally.

Once you try it, you may never want to drag a suitcase onto a bullet train again.