Hands-Free Travel in Japan: Luggage Delivery Services for Stress-Free Sightseeing

Hands-Free Travel in Japan is one of the smartest ways to enjoy your trip.

Instead of dragging your suitcase through train stations and temple steps, you can send your bags ahead and explore freely.

Whether you’re moving between cities or just spending the day sightseeing, Japan’s luggage delivery services help you travel lighter, smoother, and stress-free.

In this guide, you’ll learn how these services work, the best options to choose from, and helpful tips for making the most of your hands-free journey.

Hands-free travel means exploring Japan without dragging your luggage behind you. No more hauling your suitcase through busy train stations or up the steps of a shrine.

Just drop off your bag at a service counter or book online—it’ll be sent to your hotel, the airport, or wherever you’re staying next.

It’s not like using a locker.
You don’t need to come back for it. Once you hand it over, you’re free to enjoy your day, hands and shoulders completely light.

Each of these services works a bit differently. They vary in what areas they cover, how you use them, and what they’re best for.

Let’s take a closer look and find out which one fits your trip best.

Using SAGAWA’s service is pretty simple.

First, find one of their counters—these are usually located at major stations, airports, or some hotels.

When you arrive, just tell the staff where you want your luggage to be delivered. It could be your hotel, the airport, or even your next accommodation.

The staff will check the size of your bag and let you know the cost. Once you pay (by credit card, e-money, or QR code), you’ll get a claim ticket. That’s it—your luggage will be delivered either the same day or on the date you choose.

Most counters support English, Chinese, and Korean, so you won’t need to worry about the language barrier.

Yamato’s LUGGAGE-FREE TRAVEL is a smart, stress-free way to send your luggage while exploring Japan.

You can book the service online before your trip, and when you arrive at the airport or hotel, just show your QR code or reservation number.

You don’t need to fill out any shipping forms—just hand over your luggage, and the service will send it to your destination the same day or on the date you choose.

You’ll find your bag waiting at your hotel or the airport when you arrive, so you can enjoy your trip with empty hands and a light heart.

This hands-free travel service supports multiple languages, connects with many hotels and airports, and makes it much easier to move around—especially if you’re visiting multiple cities.

This service was designed to be as smooth and user-friendly as possible for international travelers.

It supports over 9 languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean, so there’s no need to worry about communication issues.

Everything—from booking to payment—can be done on your smartphone, making the process quick and convenient.

Once you hand over your luggage, Yamato Transport handles the delivery, while Panasonic’s ICT system ensures your information is processed securely and efficiently.

It’s a well-coordinated system that takes the stress out of moving between hotels, cities, or even catching your return flight.

LUGGAGE-FREE TRAVEL is easy to use, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you’ll usually need to book online through the JTB GENESIS system. Some spots might allow same-day service, but it’s best to reserve ahead—especially during busy seasons.

Also, check the size and weight of your bag. If it’s too big, the staff may not be able to accept it.

Finally, be sure to keep your QR code and claim ticket safe, as you’ll need them when dropping off your bag and possibly when picking it up.

Across Japan, many popular travel destinations offer region-based hands-free travel services.

These are usually operated in partnership between local governments, tourism centers, hotels, and logistics companies—designed to make travel easier for both domestic and international visitors.

These regional services began to grow in the mid-2010s, when Japan saw a sharp increase in inbound tourism.

To solve the growing issue of travelers struggling with bulky luggage, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), along with local transport bureaus and private delivery companies, launched a series of pilot programs.

Since then, the concept has expanded into a permanent service in many cities.Each region has developed its own version, optimized for the local flow of tourists and infrastructure.

Today, these hands-free projects are becoming part of the essential travel experience in major cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Hakodate, and Sendai.

Whether you’re exploring temple districts, shopping streets, or scenic areas, these services help you enjoy the day without worrying about your luggage.

Unlike national services like SAGAWA or Yamato, regional hands-free travel projects are managed independently by each city or area. That means the rules, pricing, and availability can vary quite a bit depending on where you’re traveling.

Some cities offer same-day delivery from tourism counters at train stations. Others may only provide luggage storage, or require you to drop off your bag before a certain time in the morning.

Before you travel, it’s a good idea to check the official tourism website of the city you’re visiting. That’s where you’ll find the latest details on locations, hours of operation, accepted luggage sizes, and fees.

Also, during busy travel periods—like cherry blossom season or New Year’s—you might experience longer delivery times or limited availability. So planning ahead is always a smart move.

No matter which hands-free travel service you use—whether it’s SAGAWA, Yamato, or a local project—there are some important things to keep in mind.

First, always check the opening hours of the counter or pickup location.

Service counters at stations, airports, and hotels have different opening hours depending on the location. If you miss the day’s cutoff time, your luggage may be delivered the next day instead.

If you’re having your luggage delivered to a hotel, it’s a good idea to inform the front desk in advance. That way, the staff will expect the delivery and hold your luggage safely until you arrive.

Also, during peak travel periods or public holidays, delivery may take longer than usual. Planning ahead and giving yourself a little extra time can help avoid stress.

When making a reservation, be sure to enter the correct hotel name, address, check-in date, and the full name of the person staying at the hotel. Even a small mistake may result in delays or misdelivery.

Also, some counters may ask you to show your passport or another form of ID when dropping off or picking up your luggage, so it’s a good idea to keep it handy.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Japan with No Heavy Bags

Traveling in Japan is much easier when you don’t have to carry your suitcase.

Whether you visit a temple in Kyoto, walk around Osaka’s street food stalls, or take a late-night flight from Tokyo, hands-free services help you stay light and free.

These services are safe, easy to use, and great for travelers. You can move from city to city without worrying about your luggage.

Before you use them, be sure to check the opening hours, enter the correct hotel name and date, and choose the service that fits your trip.

Next time you visit Japan, try traveling hands-free—and enjoy more of what the country has to offer.

▶ For more information, visit the official websites of each service or ask at a local tourist center.