How To Use The Luggage Delivery Service In Japan
Travelling for adventure sports often means that you are not packing light. Travelling with oversized luggage, carrying skis, snowboards, bikes and surfboards are a necessary evil if you want to use your own gear when travelling to foreign playgrounds. The good news is that the luggage delivery service in Japan is affordable, reliable and just downright awesome, meaning you can use public transport without the burden of your gigantic toy bags.. or any bags for that matter.
The first few times we visited Japan we foolishly lugged our snowboard bags with us everywhere we went. Traipsing through bustling train stations in central Tokyo, getting sore hands and backs and tripping up the average commuter. Then once on the train, needing to find the right spot to sit your oversized bag so that it doesn’t get in anyone’s way, fall on anyone or dripping snow-melt onto peoples heads (if there’s snow on your bag and you put it in the overhead). Don’t get me wrong, the public transport system in Japan is incredible… but it really isn’t designed for more than your average wheelie suitcase.
The solution? Ta-Q-Bin – Luggage delivery service in Japan! This is the best way for you to get your bags from the airport (or anywhere) to the mountains in Hakuba.
How much does luggage delivery cost?
Most bags will cost between ¥2000 – ¥3000 each per journey from the airport to Hakuba.
Can I arrange luggage delivery in advance?
Do I need to arrange luggage delivery in advance?
No you don’t. In fact, I recommend that you arrange it when you arrive because it’s just easier that way. You won’t need to worry about finding a specific luggage delivery counter, or weighing and measuring your bags in advance. Instead, just go to the first one you find (in every airport terminal) and they’ll do the rest for you.
How do I find the luggage delivery counter at the airport?
Narita
Once you have cleared customs and are standing in the airport with your bags, look to the signage. Almost every major sign will have “Luggage Delivery” with an arrow pointing in the direction of the counter. Follow these until you see them. Hint: Yamato’s bright yellow black cat logo is a recognisable feature of a luggage delivery counter.
Haneda
Once you have cleared customs and are standing in the airport with your bags, look to the signage. You are looking for a counter with ANA Sky Building Service, or JAL ABC. They don’t have the telltale signage of the Yamato and Sagawa logos, but I assure you, one of these operators will be delivering it.
How long will the luggage delivery take?
This is important. If you are rushing straight out to the mountains expecting to ski the following morning, then luggage delivery is probably not for you. Luggage delivery from Tokyo airports to Hakuba takes 2 days. I recommend you pack a small back pack with the clothes needed for 2-3 days and head into Tokyo, Matsumoto or Nagano to do some sightseeing while your bags are zipped out to your accommodation.
Where do I send my bags to? Will my hotel be happy to accept them?
Take the address and phone number of your hotel (in Japanese if possible) with you when you arrange your luggage delivery. Every accommodation provder in Japan is used to receiving advance luggage delivery on behalf of their guests. It is, however, a nice courtesy to let them know it’s coming!
This is the address to give if you are staying with us at Hakuba Matata:
〒399-9301 長野県北安曇郡白馬村北城2940-15 Hakuba Matata Lodge
What if my luggage is too big?
We had a very large and heavy ski bag that we wanted to send to Hakuba. The lovely staff at the Yamato counter said they were very sorry but they couldnt send it for us. We must have looked soul destroyed, as they then giggled and said that we didnt need to worry because the counter next door, Sagawa, would probably be able to take it. Thankfully they were correct and everything was fine. To answer the question, yes there is a maximum luggage size. Check the website of each carrier to see if yours fits. Most ski, snowboard and bike bags are acceptable by all companies though.
At the end of my trip can I send luggage from my accommodation back to the Tokyo Narita or Haneda airport?
Yes! But remember, it needs two days. Many hotels can help you arrange for the bags to be collected. If not, you can take your bags into any convenience store with the black cat Yamato flag flying out the front, or straight to the Yamato depot in Hakuba if you like.
So there you have it, the best way to move your big bags around Japan. Quick, easy and affordable.
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