Sending Luggage and Packages

In Japan, people often send luggage. There are several companies such as YAMATO, SAGAWA, Japan Post (Yu-pack) and you can easily send your luggage to next destination or to airport. At some hotels, you can send from reception or bell desk. If not, you can send them from convenience stores (conbini).

General information

In this post, I mostly explain YAMATO TA-Q BIN because it is most wide spread throughout Japan. TA-Q BIN is delivery service that is convenient. Most of the places are generally next day delivery (other than remote area/islands) For example, if I send something from Tokyo to Kyoto using TA-Q BIN before 4 PM, it will arrive the next day. If you send something from Hokkaido to Okinawa (Northern tip to Southern tip) it will take 2 days.

The price will change according to size/weight and distance. For example, if you send between Tokyo-Osaka or Kyoto basic fares are:

Even if the luggage size is 120 cm, if it weighs 20 kg, you will be charged 140cm size rate.

You can track the package and you can request time and reliable.You can request redelivery through internet and it is quite simple. Many people use it when travelling so that you don’t have to carry suitcases around.

Where can you send?

• Airports
• Stations
• Hotel Reception
• Convenience Stores (Conbini)
• YAMATO Service Counter/sales office

How to write address (waybill/shipping label）?

Please write them in block letters clearly to avoid mistakes.

• ZIP code is like this 〒１００－００００ (3 digits – 4 digits)
• For hotel phone, if it says +81-3-1234-5678 in international web page, plese make it domestic phone number by omitting country code +81 and add 0 on top (0312345678)
• For sender’s address, if you are sending from your current hotel, it is better to write current hotel address rather than your home address.
• For your phone number, please put your phone number including your country code.
• In Contents on the right side, write the date you are checking in at the hotel as well. (It will help the hotel staff)
• For large luggage/package exceeding size 180 (width+length+height), some convenience stores cannot accept them. Please bring it to service counter/branch office.
• If you have preference in delivery time, please tick box on the right hand side. From top :No preference, AM, 14-16 (2PM to 4 PM), 16-18 (4PM to 6 PM), 18-20 (6PM to 8 PM), 19-21 (7 PM to 9 PM)
• If the package needs to be frozen or cooled, tick the box on bottom (where it says frozen/cool in blue)
• After you pay, they will give you this first page as receipt. It has tracking no. on top (where highlited) so please keep this until you receive your package/luggage.

FAQs

Q Can I buy boxes to send ?
A In service counters, you can purchase boxes and other packing materials.

Q Are there same day delivery service?
A At some special counters (airports and major stations) , if you bring the luggage by certain time, there will be same day delivery service. Same day delivery | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Yamato Transport (kuronekoyamato.co.jp)

Q How are fare decided?
A It depends on size of the luggage/package and distance. sizes are measured by adding Height+Width+Depth in cm. Size categories: up to 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 180, 200 with weight limit. (please see above chart) If the weight exceeds, the rate will go up.

Q What time should I send?
A Generally, in most places (hotel reception, convenience stores) if you send the package by 4 PM, it will be sent right away. In sales offices and service counter, they may have different time.