Exploring Japan Hands-Free: Airport Luggage Storage Options

can i leave my luggage at the airport in japan

Japan is known for its commitment to customer service, and this extends to its airports. Many of Japan's major airports, including Narita, Haneda, Kansai International Airport, Chubu Centrair, New Chitose Airport, Fukuoka, and Naha Airport, offer luggage storage and delivery services. These services are designed to make travelling easier and more comfortable, allowing visitors to explore Japan without the burden of heavy luggage. Luggage storage counters can typically be found at airports, with prices varying depending on the size of the luggage and the duration of storage. Additionally, most stations in Japan have coin lockers of various sizes, providing another convenient option for storing luggage. For those who prefer door-to-door delivery services, companies like Yamato Transport, JAL ABC, and Sagawa offer luggage forwarding to and from airports, hotels, and private residences.

Characteristics Values
Luggage storage availability Luggage storage counters are available at major airports in Japan, including Narita, Haneda, Kansai International Airport, and Chubu Centrair, New Chitose Airport, Fukuoka, and Naha Airport. Coin lockers are also available at most stations and tourist facilities, including airports.
Luggage storage duration Storage duration varies depending on the location. At Haneda Airport, luggage can be stored for up to 2 weeks. At Narita Airport, some counters offer storage for up to 30 days. Coin lockers at stations typically require same-day pickup.
Luggage storage cost The cost of luggage storage counters at airports typically ranges from 500 to 1000 yen per piece per day, depending on the size of the item. Coin lockers at stations usually cost between 300 and 600 yen, depending on size.
Luggage delivery services Door-to-door delivery services (takuhaibin) are available in Japan, offering delivery between airports, hotels, convenience stores, service centers, and private homes. Delivery times vary from same-day to 3 days, depending on distance. Luggage delivery services are also available at some tourist spots, such as Kyoto and Hakone.
Luggage restrictions Luggage delivery/storage services have restrictions on size, weight, and value. For example, items may not exceed 160-240 linear cm, 25-30 kg in weight, and a value of 300,000 yen. Certain items are prohibited, including valuables, fragile items, fresh products, liquids, and hazardous materials.
Luggage on public transportation Most trains in Japan do not provide space for bulky luggage. It is recommended to pack light and avoid bringing large suitcases, strollers, musical instruments, or sports equipment on trains. Some airport trains, such as the Narita Express and Haruka, and some shinkansen in eastern Japan, have designated storage space for large luggage.

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Luggage storage at Haneda Airport

Japan is known for its commitment to customer service, and this extends to its airports. Haneda Airport offers several options for travellers who need luggage storage.

Coin Lockers

Coin lockers are available for use at Haneda Airport. They are located outside the arrival and departure gates. The availability period depends on the terminal. If you exceed the available period, your luggage will be moved to a designated storage area and kept for 30 days. These lockers come in various sizes and can be paid for with coins or IC transit cards. The cost varies depending on the size, but expect to pay between 300 and 1000 yen.

Luggage Storage Counters

Haneda Airport has luggage storage counters available in all three terminals. Most of them are run by the same operator, and have the same pricing and time limits. JAL is an exception, as they will store your luggage for up to 30 days. The fees vary depending on the total size of the baggage (width/depth/height), with a maximum combined length of 300 cm and a maximum weight of 30 kg.

Luggage Delivery Services

If you would prefer not to use lockers or counters, you can use a luggage delivery service. These services can deliver your luggage to your hotel or another destination. Some services offer same-day delivery, while others may take a few days, depending on the distance.

Off-Airport Storage

There are also off-airport luggage storage options, such as Radical Storage, which offers locations all over Japan and allows you to book their services online in English. Ecbo Cloak Service is another option, offering storage at cafes, guesthouses, post offices, and train stations.

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Luggage storage at Narita Airport

Luggage storage is available at Narita Airport, which is Tokyo's main international airport. There are a number of luggage storage counters throughout Terminal 1 and 2, most of which are operated by JAL. The Narita International Airport Promotion Foundation also operates a counter. Charges start at ¥500 and go up to ¥1,050, depending on the size of the luggage. JAL considers an A4 envelope “small”, suitcases “medium” and snowboards “large”, while the Narita International Airport Promotion Foundation uses the dimensions and weight of suitcases to calculate size. Coin lockers are also available throughout Narita Airport, and there are oversized lockers for skis and snowboards.

In addition to luggage storage, Narita Airport offers luggage delivery services. This allows you to send your luggage to your hotel or another destination so you can travel hands-free. Yamato Transport and JAL ABC are two companies that provide this service. Delivery fees vary according to the airport, shipping destination, and size of the luggage. There is also a shipment tracking service available, and compensation is provided for damaged or lost items.

If you are staying in Tokyo, there are additional luggage storage options available to you. Radical Storage offers luggage storage services at locations all over Japan, and Tokyo Cheapo readers get a 5% discount. Ecbo Cloak Service is another option, with locations at cafes, guesthouses, post offices, and train stations.

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Luggage storage at other airports

Japan has a strong commitment to customer service, which means that travellers can easily transport or store their luggage. This allows for hands-free travel around the country.

Tokyo's main international airport, Narita Airport, has luggage storage counters in both Terminal 1 and 2. Most of these are operated by JAL, with prices starting at ¥500 and going up to ¥1,050, depending on the size of the luggage. There are also coin lockers throughout the airport, including oversized lockers for skis and snowboards.

Haneda Airport, also in Tokyo, has luggage storage counters in all three terminals, with similar pricing and time limits. JAL offers storage for up to 30 days, while the baggage lockers in Terminals 1 and 2 offer three days of use, and those in Terminal 3 offer seven days.

Other major airports in Japan, including Kansai International Airport, Chubu Centrair, New Chitose Airport, Fukuoka, and Naha Airport, also offer luggage delivery services.

In addition to airports, many train stations in Japan have manned storage counters and coin lockers, although these often require same-day pick-up. Some stations with luggage storage include Hamamatsucho, Shinjuku, and Tokyo Station.

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Coin lockers at train stations

Japan has a strong commitment to customer service, which means that travellers can easily transport or store their luggage. Coin lockers are available at most train stations and tourist attractions in Japan, although large-sized lockers are less common. Small-sized lockers, measuring approximately 35cm x 34cm x 57cm, are the most common and can be found in large numbers at almost all stations. Medium-sized lockers, measuring approximately 57cm x 34cm x 57cm, are available in moderate numbers at major stations. Large-sized lockers, measuring approximately 117cm x 34cm x 57cm, are available in very small numbers at major stations. The cost of coin lockers varies depending on size, with small lockers costing around 300-400 yen, medium lockers costing 400-500 yen, and large lockers costing 500-800 yen per calendar day. It is important to note that lockers are emptied by station staff after three days.

When using a coin locker, follow these steps:

  • Find an empty locker.
  • Put your luggage inside.
  • Insert the required number of 100 yen coins.
  • Close the door and turn the key.
  • Take the key with you.

It is recommended to keep some 100 yen coins on hand if you plan on using coin lockers frequently. In recent years, an increasing number of lockers have become compatible with IC cards such as Suica. Additionally, smart lockers like "SPACER" allow users to search for vacancies, lock and unlock remotely, make cashless payments, and share their key with others via a smartphone app. However, as of August 2023, the SPACER app is only available in Japanese.

If you are unable to find a coin locker or prefer other options, there are several alternatives for storing or forwarding your luggage. Luggage storage counters are available at airports, charging 500 to 1000 yen per piece per day, and some larger train stations offer similar services. Door-to-door delivery services, known as "takuhaibin," can be used to send luggage to and from airports, hotels, convenience stores, service centres, and private homes. Same-day delivery services are also available in certain tourist spots, such as Kyoto and Hakone, for around 1500 yen and 900 to 1600 yen per piece, respectively.

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Luggage delivery services

Japan has a strong commitment to customer service, which means that travellers can take advantage of the country's high-quality delivery and storage services to travel "hands-free".

Airport luggage delivery services

Major airports in Japan, including Narita, Haneda, Kansai International Airport, Chubu Centrair, New Chitose Airport, Fukuoka, and Naha Airport, offer luggage delivery services. These services allow travellers to drop off their luggage at the airport and have it delivered to their hotel.

Door-to-door delivery services

Nationwide door-to-door delivery services (known as "takuhaibin") are also available in Japan. These services can be used for delivery to and from airports, convenience stores, hotels, service centres, and private homes. Delivery times vary depending on the distance and location, but it is typically the next day, with the option to specify the date and time frame. Some companies even offer same-day delivery.

Luggage storage and delivery companies

Several companies in Japan offer luggage storage and delivery services, including:

  • Yamato Transport: This major courier service has counters at various airports, including Narita and Haneda, and offers English-language support. They provide delivery and collection options for hotels, homes, and convenience stores.
  • JAL ABC: This company provides airport luggage delivery services, allowing travellers to enjoy their trips without carrying their luggage.
  • Sagawa Transport: With locations across the country, Sagawa offers same-day delivery services in most major cities, including Tokyo.
  • Radical Storage: This company offers luggage storage services with locations all over Japan and the option to book online in English.
  • Ecbo Cloak Service: This company provides smart and easy luggage storage services, with locations including cafes, guesthouses, and train stations.

Considerations

When using luggage delivery services in Japan, it is important to be aware of certain limitations and restrictions. These may include weight and size restrictions, as well as restrictions on the value and type of items that can be accepted. Additionally, delivery fees may vary depending on the airport, shipping destination, and size of the luggage. It is recommended to check with the specific service provider for more details on their policies and limitations.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can. Airports such as Narita, Haneda, Kansai International Airport, and Chubu Centrair offer luggage storage counters and baggage lockers. The fees for these services vary depending on the size of the luggage and the duration of storage.

You can use door-to-door delivery services (takuhaibin) to send your luggage to your hotel or other destinations. Alternatively, you can use luggage storage services such as Radical Storage, which has locations all over Japan, or Ecbo Cloak Service, which offers storage at cafes, guesthouses, and train stations.

Yes, there are restrictions on the size and weight of luggage that can be stored at the airport. For example, luggage may not exceed specific linear dimensions or weight limits, and certain items such as valuables, fragile items, fresh products, liquids, and hazardous materials may not be accepted. It is recommended to check with the specific airport or storage provider for detailed restrictions.

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