How much does it cost to ship a suitcase in Japan with takkyubin?

See what shipping a suitcase by takkyubin typically costs in Japan, how size and distance change the price, and how to send a bag from a hotel or store.

Published October 20, 2026 at 6:24 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Sending one large suitcase by takkyubin (Japan's door-to-door courier service) typically costs about 2,000 to 3,000 yen for a check-in size bag of up to 30 kg and 160 cm in total size, according to Japan's national tourism organization. Price rises with size and distance, and delivery usually takes one to two days. Check current rates with the courier.

What takkyubin is and how pricing works

Takkyubin (also spelled takuhaibin) is the name for Japan's door-to-door parcel delivery. Couriers collect a parcel from a home, hotel or store and deliver it to an address, often with a delivery date and time window. Visitors use it to send suitcases ahead between hotels, to the airport, or to the next city so that they can travel with only a small bag.

Pricing normally depends on two things: the size of the parcel and how far it travels. Size is usually measured by adding together the length, width and height, and couriers group parcels into size classes. A typical large suitcase falls into the largest classes, with the upper limit often around 160 cm in total and 30 kg in weight. Longer distances, such as Tokyo to Kyushu, generally cost more than neighboring regions.

Typical price ranges

The Japan National Tourism Organization, in a guide first published in 2018, says most companies charge about 2,000 to 3,000 yen to deliver one check-in bag of up to 30 kg and 160 cm. It lists sample prices for a 160 cm bag from several providers, ranging from about 2,000 yen to about 2,600 yen, and advises checking each provider for an exact quote. Those figures were for specific services and routes, so they are a guide, not a fixed tariff.

Smaller bags cost less, and short trips within one city may cost less than a nationwide shipment. Special services can add to the cost. Same-day delivery, time-window requests, pick-up from a hotel room, and sending sports gear such as snowboards or bicycles can each be priced differently. Tax and fuel or seasonal surcharges may apply, so ask staff for the final amount before paying.

How to send a suitcase step by step

The simplest method is through your hotel. Many hotels have a front desk service for takkyubin, and staff will help you fill in the waybill (the delivery slip). You write the recipient's name, address and phone number, choose a delivery date, and pay at the desk or on delivery. Keep the receipt and tracking number.

If you are not staying at a hotel, you can use a convenience store that accepts parcels, a courier counter in a station or tourist center, or an airport delivery counter. Convenience stores have limited space, and in popular areas some restrict bag size or number or pause the service temporarily. For hotel-to-airport shipments, the tourism organization suggests booking at least a day ahead.

Another option is a counter carrying the Hands-Free Travel logo, a certification for approved luggage counters. These counters are found at airports, stations and some shopping facilities, and staff there are used to helping visitors with forms. Prices at such counters vary by location and bag size, and rates quoted in older guides may be out of date, so ask for the current fee.

Timing: how long does delivery take?

Standard takkyubin delivery in Japan often takes one to two days, with farther or remote destinations taking longer. Always confirm a delivery date when you hand over the bag. Many couriers offer a choice of time windows, which helps you arrange for a hotel to receive the bag.

The Japan National Tourism Organization says some services offer same-day delivery if a bag is sent before 11 a.m., depending on the route. Times differ by counter and season, so ask for the cutoff at the time of drop-off.

Which travelers use takkyubin

Takkyubin suits travelers on multi-city routes, such as Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka, who want to ride trains without big suitcases. It also suits families, older travelers, and anyone visiting places with many stairs. Shinkansen (bullet train) services have rules for oversized baggage, so sending a large case ahead can make a train day easier.

Pack a small bag with a change of clothes, medicines, chargers, valuables and travel documents. The tourism organization says some services cover lost items up to 300,000 yen, but you should not ship passports, money or other valuables. Fragile items, liquids and perishable food are often restricted, so ask the courier what they accept.

Group travel changes the math. Each suitcase is typically charged separately, so a family of four sending four bags pays four fees. Some travelers combine smaller items into one case, but the size and weight limits still apply, and an overstuffed bag may be refused or charged at a higher size class. Ask the counter how it would classify your bag before you pack it.

Pricing and packing mistakes

A common mistake is assuming the price is fixed like a train ticket. It varies with size, distance and provider, so get a quote first. Another is measuring the bag wrongly. The size class is based on total dimensions, not volume, so measure the longest length, width and height including wheels and handles.

Travelers also write incomplete addresses or forget the recipient's phone number, which can delay delivery. Hotels may not be able to hold parcels that arrive too early, so tell the front desk the arrival date. Finally, do not assume the bag will arrive the same day. If you need it at night, ask about same-day services before you plan your schedule.

Getting a quote and sending the bag

Ask your hotel front desk first, as it can usually give you a quote and handle the form. Compare the cost with other options, such as a station coin locker or staffed storage counter, if you only need to keep the bag for a few hours. Plan for rates to change: check the courier's price list and the tourism organization's guidance before you book.

When you send a suitcase, keep the tracking number and confirm delivery with your hotel. If you are unsure of any step, the courier counter or hotel staff can help. Rates and rules change, so confirm current details with the courier before you ship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can travelers ship luggage from a convenience store?

Often, yes. The Japan National Tourism Organization says convenience stores can accept luggage for delivery, but space is limited and busy tourist areas may restrict the size or number of bags. Ask the staff before you queue, and bring the delivery address.

Can visitors send luggage between cities, such as Tokyo to Kyoto?

Yes. Hotels, courier counters and online services can arrange city-to-city shipping. This is common on rail trips, because it lets travelers carry only a small bag. Delivery usually takes about one to two days, so plan which night the bag needs to arrive.

Is luggage insured when it is shipped?

Some services include compensation for loss or damage. The Japan National Tourism Organization says certain services cover lost items up to 300,000 yen. Coverage varies by provider and bag value, so ask about the terms and declare any valuable items.

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