Japan · Moving between hotels
How to send luggage between hotels in Japan
Sending your big suitcase ahead can make a short stop much easier. Here is when it helps and what you need to check first.
What we recommend
Send your big suitcase ahead when you have a one- or two-night stop and do not want to carry it. Ask both hotels if they can send or receive it. Check the delivery date, and keep medicine, documents and one night of clothes with you. Do not assume it will arrive the same day.
When it is worth using
A common example is Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto. You can send the big suitcase from Tokyo to Kyoto and take a small overnight bag to Hakone. This makes local buses, stairs and station walks much easier.
If you are going straight from Tokyo to Kyoto and both hotels are easy to reach, carrying the suitcase may be simpler than arranging delivery.
- Helpful for a short stop, rural buses, stairs or a long station walk.
- Usually not needed for a simple direct train trip.
- Keep valuables, medicine and your next night of clothes with you.
Check when the bag will arrive
Delivery time depends on the two locations and the time you send the bag. Some trips take two days or longer. Check the exact route instead of using a general rule from social media.
Use the same name as your hotel booking. Add the hotel address and check-in date. Ask whether you need to pay when sending the bag.
- Ask both hotels before sending it.
- Check the last drop-off time.
- Keep the receipt and tracking number.
What to do if delivery is too slow
Carry the bag, ask the hotel to store it, or use a staffed luggage counter. Coin lockers can help, but large lockers may be full.
Choose a backup before travel day. Do not rely on finding one empty large locker at a busy station.
Official information
Times, prices and rules can change. Check these official websites before you book.