Hands-free travel in Japan: store or send your luggage
Hands-Free Travel lets you leave your bags at a counter or send them ahead, so you can sightsee without carrying them. Look for the official logo, and ask the counter about the details before you hand over your bags.
What is Hands-Free Travel?
Hands-Free Travel is a luggage service run by Yamato Transport and recommended by the Japan Tourism Agency. Japanese stations and trains can be crowded, so big bags make travel hard. This service helps you move around with light hands.
There are two kinds of service. You can use one or both.
- **Baggage storage:** you leave your luggage at a counter for a while, then pick it up later.
- **Delivery:** you send your luggage to another place, such as your hotel or an airport.
How to find a counter
- Look for the Hands-Free Travel logo. Counters certified by the Japan Tourism Agency show it.
- The official website has a list of storage and delivery counters, with pages for areas such as Osaka and Kyoto.
- Staff at a counter can help you fill out the delivery form (called a "waybill") if you need it.
Check the details at the counter
Opening hours, bag sizes, prices and the latest time to hand over your bags are different from place to place, and they can change. This page does not list them on purpose.
- Before you go, ask the counter you plan to use about hours, size limits, price and how to pick up your bags.
- For delivery, ask when your bags will arrive. Plan around that time, especially for a flight.
- Keep your passport, medicine, valuables and anything you need that day in your own small bag.
When it is useful
- You checked out of your hotel in the morning, but your train or flight is in the evening.
- You are moving to a new city and want to see the sights on the way.
- You want to ride busy trains with only a small bag.
For rules about large bags on the shinkansen, see the related article below.
FAQ
How do I know a counter is official?
Look for the Hands-Free Travel logo. The official website also lists the certified counters.
Can I send my bags to the airport?
Delivery to some airports is offered, for example Haneda Airport. Ask the counter which places they can send to and how much time they need.
Does it cost the same everywhere?
No. Prices and rules depend on the counter and the service. Ask before you hand over your bags.
Sources
Related tips
- Big suitcases on the Shinkansen: the 160 cm ruleBags up to 160 cm in total size need no reservation. Bags from 161 to 250 cm need a seat with an oversized baggage area, or you pay 1,000 yen. Over 250 cm is not allowed.
- Suica and IC cards: how visitors can pay for trains and shopsA Suica is a rechargeable IC card for trains, buses, vending machines and many shops. Visitors can get a Welcome Suica card or use Welcome Suica Mobile on a phone.
- Lost something in Japan? What to do at a koban (police box)Go to the nearest koban or police station and file a Lost Property Report in person. An English form is available, and an interpreter can help over the phone.
- How to ride a taxi in Japan: automatic doors, signs and paymentDo not touch the door, because the driver opens and closes it for you. A red sign means the taxi is free. Show your destination in Japanese and do not tip.
Last checked: 2026-10-28. Rules and prices can change, so please confirm with the official sources above.