How To Forward Your Luggage In Japan
Traveling to Japan is an unforgettable experience, but traveling with luggage can be memorable - and not always in a good way!
Dragging a fifty-pound suitcase through Japan's bustling train stations is not my idea of an enjoyable experience. There's also another issue to consider with your luggage while traveling: space on the trains. Most train cars lack sufficient room for full-size suitcases, and you'll need to purchase a special train ticket to access the designated storage area. Carry-ons and backpacks are manageable since there's overhead space and room at your feet. So, how can you navigate this?
Luggage forwarding!
Luggage forwarding, referred to as takkyubin, is a convenient service that enables you to transport your bags from one place to another, such as from one hotel to another or to the airport. While it may seem unfamiliar to Americans, it is a common practice in Japan, utilized by both locals and tourists, and is recognized for its reliability and efficiency.
This service typically requires 24-48 hours, but it might take longer during peak tourism periods like Cherry Blossom season or Golden Week. Therefore, advance planning is essential. Please check with your hotel front desk regarding the cut-off times for luggage drop-off.
Benefits of Luggage Forwarding
Travel Light: Enjoy sightseeing without lugging around heavy suitcases.
Convenience: Your bags are delivered to your next destination, allowing you to explore freely.
Reliable & Secure: Japanese logistics companies are known for their punctuality and professionalism.
Same-Day or Next-Day Delivery: Depending on the location, delivery can be as fast as the same day or the next day.
How to Use Luggage Forwarding Services
Prepare Your Luggage
Ensure your luggage is securely packed.
Some services may have size and weight restrictions, so check in advance.
If sending to an airport, confirm your flight details and allow enough time for delivery.
Fill Out the Shipping Form
At your hotel front desk, you’ll need to fill out a form with:Your name and contact details
Delivery address (hotel, airport, or home address)
Desired delivery date
Payment details (Japanese yen, but some hotels accept credit cards for this service)
Pick Up Your Luggage at the Destination
Your luggage will be delivered to the specified location within the stated time-frame. Most hotels will hold your bags until your arrival.
If you’re looking for a convenient luggage transfer service within Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto, Airporter is a lovely option. Feel free to click these links and see what it’s all about!
Conclusion
Luggage forwarding is an absolute game-changer for those wishing for a hassle-free experience when changing hotels and cities. Consider using this for your own trip to make your journey even smoother. And if you need help planning your own trip to Japan, let me know - I’m always happy to help and here to serve!
Why I Don’t Use Tour Operators or Destination Management Companies for Japan Trips
If using a Tour Operator (TO) or Destination Management Company (DMC) makes booking easier for travel agents and even increases their earnings, why don’t I use them? I have several reasons!
I Want My Clients to Have Freedom of Choice
When planning a trip, flexibility is everything. Take Tokyo, for example—the world’s largest city. One TO/DMC I researched offered just 25 hotel options in the entire city. In Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, there were only two. Meanwhile, when booking independently, I had access to over 3,000 hotels for the same dates! Why limit my clients when there are so many incredible options?
I Take Full Responsibility for Your Trip
When you choose me as your travel advisor, we’re establishing a business relationship that doesn’t end once your trip is booked. I want you to feel comfortable calling me—not a call center—if something happens during your trip. I don’t just send you on your way and hand you off to someone else. If an issue arises, I’m here to help, every step of the way.
It’s Never Been in My Clients’ Best Interest Financially
I’ve never found a TO or DMC to be the most budget-friendly option for my clients. Let’s look at a real example:
For a two-week Golden Route trip in November 2025, I compared pricing between a TO/DMC and my own customized booking process. Here’s what I found for two people flying economy from Nashville, TN:
With a TO/DMC
2 roundtrip economy flights: $4,636
Shared (not private) airport transfer: $496
5 nights at Hilton Tokyo: $3,637
Private 8-hour Tokyo tour: $932
2 nights at Kinnotake Sengokuhara: $5,651
3 nights at Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo: $1,660
4 nights at Shibuya Excel Tokyo: $2,259
Private hotel-to-airport transfer: $315
Total Cost: $19,586
Booking It Myself
2 roundtrip economy flights packaged with 5 nights at Hilton Tokyo: $5,772 ($2,501 savings!)
Private airport-to-hotel transfer: $149 ($347 savings!)
Private 8-hour Tokyo tour: $413 ($519 savings!)
2 nights in a Presidential Suite at Kinnotake Sengokuhara: $5,438 ($213 savings!)
3 nights at Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo: $1,065 ($595 savings!)
4 nights at Shibuya Excel Tokyo: $1,884 ($375 savings!)
Private hotel-to-airport transfer: $149 ($166 savings!)
Total Cost: $14,870 ($4,716 in savings!)
Even if you factor in my planning fee, my client still saved over $4,000—and that’s before considering that I could have chosen from thousands of hotels, not just the 25 that were available through the TO/DMC.
The Bottom Line
I have no issue with travel agents who use TOs or DMCs—I completely understand why they do! If I weren’t deeply familiar with certain destinations or if I didn’t love crafting custom trips like a mix of Jenga and Tetris, I might do the same. Plus, let’s be real—using a TO/DMC would mean I could make much more money.
But honestly? Nothing brings me more joy than building trips from the ground up and guiding my clients through every stage—from our first Zoom call, to selecting activities with my assistant Alex, to the predeparture call, to the moment they tag me in their amazing travel photos. Knowing that my work helped create lifelong magical memories? That makes it all worth it.
Annyeonghaseyo!
I’m always looking for ways to expand my expertise and better serve my clients. Over time, I’ve noticed a growing trend—many of my clients end their Japan trips with a visit to Seoul or other parts of Korea. Seeing this, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about this incredible destination.
After diving into extensive training, I’m proud to announce that I am now a Certified Korea Travel Specialist through the Korea Tourism Organization! This means I can confidently assist you in planning an unforgettable trip to Korea, whether it’s an add-on to your Japan adventure or a standalone journey.
From the vibrant streets of Seoul and the serene beauty of Jeju Island to the rich history of Gyeongju, I’m here to craft an itinerary that perfectly matches your travel style. Let’s turn your dream trip to Korea into reality!
Why should you use a travel agent for your trip to Japan?
So you’ve decided to travel to Japan - how incredibly exciting!
But also, how incredibly overwhelming!
Between the cultural differences, incredibly developed transportation systems, language barrier, and the fact that Tokyo is the size of Delaware, planning a trip to Japan can certainly be a challenge. While DIY planning is possible, here’s why hiring a travel agent—especially one with extensive experience—can make all the difference.
Expert Knowledge and Insider Tips
Did you know that I’ve booked over 70 trips to Japan in the last couple of years and hold an Advanced Master Japan Travel Specialist certification? I’m also a certified Luxury Travel Advisor and Group Travel Advisor with multiple certifications from airlines, tour operators, and hotels worldwide. This gives me insider knowledge on when to visit (avoid Golden Week!), must-see attractions, and hidden gems like a quaint ramen and gyoza shop in Asakusa. Instead of relying on generic online guides, I offer personalized recommendations that make your trip truly special.Stress-Free Planning with Freedom-Of-Choice
With over 4,000 hotels in Tokyo, 47 prefectures to explore, and the most sophisticated train system in the world, Japan can be daunting for first-time and repeat travelers alike. I create custom itineraries that maximize your time without unnecessary backtracking. You’ll have full freedom to choose your hotels, activities, and transportation, ensuring a trip that matches your preferences while still benefiting from my expertise. In fact, I want you to be involved in the decision-making process!Custom FIT Trips versus Tour Operator or DMC Trips
Many travel agents rely on Tour Operators (TOs) or Destination Management Companies (DMCs) to handle bookings, often resulting in pre-packaged trips with limited choices and extremely marked-up prices. While this approach is convenient, I take a different route—I personally design fully customized trips for each client. Thanks to my strong relationships with vendors and Japanese properties, I can secure the best rates and experiences while offering complete flexibility in your itinerary.Personalized Service and Special Requests
Do you have a food allergy or special accommodation that needs to be taken into account while you’re traveling? Me and my team ensure that everyone who is involved with your reservations in Japan knows about it! Want a special bottle of wine, dessert, or flowers in your room for a special occasion? We can absolutely make that happen! Want to propose in a Japanese garden or in front of the Tokyo SkyTree while on a guided tour? No problem!In-Destination Support and Peace of Mind
Unlike many travel agents, I provide direct in-destination support. I have a separate phone for my clients traveling in Japan—it never gets turned off and is always within reach, even overnight. With the 14-hour time difference between Indiana and Japan, I make sure you have a direct lifeline in case of any unexpected issues, rather than leaving you to navigate a Tour Operator or DMC (see #3) call center.Saves Precious Time and Reduces Stress
Japan requires a lot of research and planning. When you book with me, you don’t have to figure out which of the 23 Tokyo wards to stay in, how to navigate the Shinkansen system, or when to leave your hotel to catch your flight home. Before your trip, we’ll have a detailed call where I walk you through your itinerary, share essential travel tips (like bringing a bag for trash!), and answer all your questions so you feel fully prepared.
Japan is an incredible destination, and planning your trip shouldn’t be a source of stress. Let me handle the details so you can focus on enjoying every moment. With my expertise, personalized service, and 24/7 support, all you need to do is pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Magic Awaits!
Did you receive Magic Awaits, my Monthly Travel Newsletter? I covered hot summer travel trends, things travel agents can book that may surprise you, and featured a very magical holiday to Japan. Click below to subscribe to next month’s email!
How I Became A Travel Agent
My first “business card” - April 2022
May 8, 2021 - The day I told my nephews and kids that they were going to Disney.
March 17, 2022 - The day I loaded them on a plane and headed to Orlando.
It all began as a bit of “revenge travel” - a desire for my brother and I to take our boys on our first family vacation and for them to experience Florida for the first time. After we decided, I went into super planning mode. I read ALL the blogs and looked at ALL the Facebook pages. I ended up on the Disney side of TikTok, commonly known as DisTok. I made us a crazy hour-by-hour itinerary for the entire time we were gone. We had dining reservations, park reservations, a plan for Genie Plus - I did it all!
While I was on the trip, there was something missing for me. I realized that I actually missed the planning part! I had spent so many months researching, booking, and planning — and I realized that I enjoyed it! While I was still in Florida, I called an agent friend of mine and told her I thought I may be crazy but that I was thinking I may be able to do what she does. Instead of talking some sense into me, she did quite the opposite - she encouraged me! After years of serving in healthcare and corporate retail as an executive secretary (who also used to book travel!), my organizational skills were perfect. Additionally I had owned a direct-sales business for many years, giving me the marketing and entrepreneurial know-how I needed to get my travel business off the ground.
I had an absolute disaster of a trip home. After sitting on the MCO runway for over 3 hours with my two small children, we deplaned and never got back on. I had no idea that flight delay and eventual cancellation was giving me real-life experience for what would be my career! After returning back home on April 3, 2022, I began the process of what would seriously change my life!
On April 20, 2022 I signed my contract and began my training with Travelmation. I had an initial goal of booking $10,000 in travel. Boy, I had NO idea what my potential was, and I also had NO idea what I had gotten myself into!
After a lot of grit and hard work, I booked almost $16,000 in travel that first year and made just enough money basically to get my hair done a few times and go out for a coffee. And then I went to our annual retreat at Walt Disney World Resort in January 2023 - and my entire life changed!
I didn’t choose to specialize in Japan - Japan chose me!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan kept their borders closed for most international travelers until the end of 2022.
In Fall of 2022, I had a friend reach out about planning a 3-week honeymoon to Japan. This was right after they opened their borders back up. I had never booked a trip to Japan before; heck, no one had booked it for years! I dove into learning as much as I could as quickly as I could. I truly wish I could go back and rebook that first trip (or even the first ten trips!) because I would do them very differently!
After that sweet couple traveled to Japan in March 2023, I started posting about Japan trips on TikTok. The requests started coming in. I received my Advanced Master Japan Travel Specialist certificiation in May 2023, and the requests REALLY started rolling in! Again, I never necessarily wanted to specialize in Japan travel. It just kind of happened, so I decided to really dive into it!
As much as I love American-branded hotels (I’m looking at you, Marriott!), I took it upon myself to really dig in and learn about the Japanese hotel brands. I researched them until I was blue in the face. I started reading guide books cover-to -cover. Instead of completing the trainings with cruise lines and all inclusive resorts like my fellow travel agents, I spent my time learning everything I could teach myself about Japan while also trying to build business relationships with those properties and companies. Yes, the language barrier and significant time difference made it hard, but I have made some incredible connections!
At the beginning of 2024, I was invited by the Japan National Tourism Organization to visit Japan as their guest. What a huge honor! I bought my flights, packed my bags, left my sweet kids, and used my passport for the first time. Yes, that’s right - I had never used my passport until I went to Japan! I stayed in six hotels in six nights while I was there and toured the country with 7 other travel agents. It was an absolutely amazing experience for me to actually see all of the things that I had been learning about and actually go to the hotels that I had been booking for my clients.
In the fall of 2024, I was once again invited to visit Japan, this time as a guest of the city of Yokohama. After a wonderful 4 days, I was able to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo Disneyland Resort on my own. What an amazing experience!
I have booked nearly 100 trips for clients to Japan. When I say it’s my specialty, I truly mean it! The amount of random (and sometimes useless?) knowledge about traveling to Japan that is stuck in my brain is overwhelming. But gosh - I sure do love creating these custom trips for my clients!
October 2024, Gion, Kyoto