Takkyubin: Japan's No. 1 Luggage Delivery Service
- Published on : 29/06/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
@flickr/ halfrain
What if you could explore Japan completely hands-free? Say goodbye to the hassle of hauling your luggage through train stations or dealing with fully booked luggage storage and packed train compartments. With Yamato Kuroneko's Takkyubin luggage delivery service, you can have your suitcases shipped directly to your next hotel. Discover how this convenient baggage forwarding service works with Japan Experience.
Between seasonal clothing and the extra space needed for souvenirs, many travelers play it safe by packing large suitcases. However, hauling bulky luggage across Japan is far from ideal - especially if you're moving from city to city throughout your trip.
While Japan's public transportation system is remarkably efficient, train platforms and carriages are often crowded. As for the Shinkansen (Japan's high-speed bullet train), although it offers more room, passengers traveling with luggage whose total dimensions exceed 160 cm are now required to reserve a designated oversized baggage space on certain routes. Fortunately, there's a simple and highly efficient solution: Takkyubin, Japan's number one luggage delivery service!
Takkyubin, Japan’s best delivery service!
Offered by Yamato Kuroneko, one of the country’s logistics giants, the Takkyubin service (stylized Ta-Q-Bin and written 宅急便) literally means “express home delivery.” It allows you to send your suitcases directly to your next destination, sparing you the hassle of carrying them from one city to another.
Available 365 days a year, this nationwide network covers the entire country, from major cities to the most remote villages. To send your belongings, the most convenient drop-off points are convenience stores (konbini) such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. However, these stores only handle outbound shipments, not deliveries.
On the other hand, hotels, most major airports, as well as Yamato Kuroneko service centers (easily recognizable by their black cat logo on a yellow and green background) serve as both drop-off and pick-up points.
Yamato Kuroneko Takkyubin truck
@Wikimedia
Take a look at some of our small group guided tours that have Takkyubin service included between each destination!
Delivery times and schedules
As a general rule, Takkyubin guarantees next-day delivery. However, you should allow up to two days for remote or outlying areas, such as Okinawa. For very short distances, same-day delivery is sometimes available.
You can choose from several delivery time slots for receiving your luggage:
- Morning
- 12:00 – 14:00
- 14:00 – 16:00
- 16:00 – 18:00
- 18:00 – 20:00
- 20:00 – 21:00
If you are staying in a hotel with a reception desk, the staff will take care of receiving your parcels on your behalf while you are away.
Yamato Kuroneko logo
@flickr/ Terrazzo
Looking to vary your accommodations? Consider our rental houses! Takkyubin can also deliver your luggage directly to one of our apartments.
Rates and regulations
The company accepts luggage measuring up to 160 cm (total of height + width + length) and weighing a maximum of 25 kg, which corresponds to Shinkansen standards. Weight limits are defined according to size as follows:
Maximum dimensions (Length + Width + Height) / Maximum weight
- 60 cm / up to 2 kg
- 80 cm / up to 5 kg
- 100 cm / up to 10 kg
- 120 cm / up to 15 kg
- 140 cm / up to 20 kg
- 160 cm / up to 25 kg
Prices vary depending on the size of the suitcase and the distance traveled. For example, sending a medium-sized bag (100 cm category) between Tokyo and Kyoto costs around 1,650 yen. A detailed pricing chart is available on the carrier’s official website.
How does it work?
Now an essential service for tourists, the process has been greatly simplified by industry professionals.
For independent travelers, here is the step-by-step procedure:
1. Go to a drop-off point
Head to your hotel reception, a konbini (7-Eleven, FamilyMart), an airport, or a Yamato Kuroneko office, and speak to the staff.
2. Fill out the shipping form
The form is written in Japanese, but hotel staff will gladly help you complete it—or even provide a pre-filled version where you only need to enter your details and the destination address (home, hotel, airport, etc.).
3. Choose the delivery time
Select your preferred time slot. If your luggage is being sent to your next accommodation, choose a morning delivery before your arrival.
Please note that if you are sending a parcel to a private residence, your presence is required upon delivery. If you are absent, the courier will contact you by phone or leave a delivery notice to arrange a new appointment.
4. Pay for the service
Payment is usually made at the time of drop-off (at the store or service counter). Cash-on-delivery payment (Chaku-barai) is also available, although conditions may vary by region.
5. Travel light!
Drop off your belongings at the counter and let Yamato Kuroneko take care of the rest. All that’s left for you is to travel with peace of mind and hands free.
For any further questions, feel free to consult the official page of Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato).
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