Exploring Japan: Holding Baggage At The Airport

can you hold baggage airport japan

Japan is known for its commitment to customer service, which extends to its airports and transport systems. Baggage storage and transportation are available at many airports, such as Haneda Airport, which offers a baggage storage service for up to two weeks with fees based on size and weight. JAL ABC, Inc. offers a similar service, storing luggage at their counters for weeks, with payment made at pickup. Additionally, door-to-door delivery services (takuhaibin) are a convenient alternative, offering nationwide luggage delivery to and from airports, hotels, and private homes. However, it is recommended to pack light when travelling around Japan, as many trains and buses have limited space for bulky luggage. Some exceptions include airport trains like the Narita Express and Haruka, which have designated storage for large luggage.

Characteristics Values
Baggage storage Available at Haneda Airport for up to 2 weeks
Baggage size Maximum combined length of 300 cm, and a maximum weight of 30 kg
Delivery services Available at major airports, including Narita, Haneda, Kansai International Airport, and Chubu Centrair
Coin lockers Available at Narita Airport, with oversized lockers for skis and snowboards
Transportation Trains often lack space for bulky luggage, so pack light
Restricted items Lighters, knives, and scissors are prohibited from carry-on baggage
Liquids Restrictions on liquids for carry-on baggage, but allowed in checked baggage
Excess baggage Additional charges apply for excess baggage, and vary by route and class
Fragile items Passengers are responsible for securely packing fragile items

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Baggage storage options in Tokyo

Japan's commitment to customer service means that there are many options for storing your luggage in Tokyo. Here are some of the options available:

Airport Storage

Tokyo's Haneda Airport has luggage storage counters available in all three terminals. Most of them are run by the same operator, with the same pricing and time limits. However, JAL is an exception, as they will store your luggage for up to 30 days. Haneda also has baggage lockers, with those in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offering 3 days of use, and those in Terminal 3 offering 7 days of use.

Station Coin Lockers

Although coin lockers are banned in many countries for security reasons, they are common in Japan and are generally safe and easy to use. Shibuya Station, for example, has a wall of coin lockers.

Radical Storage

Radical Storage offers competitive rates of 850 yen per day, 24/7 customer service, and an easy-to-use English booking system. They have locations across Tokyo and Japan, with no weight or size restrictions.

Delivery Services

Luggage delivery services can be a good alternative to storage. You can arrange to have your luggage shipped to your hotel or your next destination. Japan's major airports, including Haneda, offer luggage delivery services.

Hotels

Hotels in Japan are accustomed to the idea of holding luggage for tourists, and some are willing to store luggage between reservations. It may be worth emailing the hotel to ask if they can accommodate your request.

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Weight and size restrictions

When it comes to weight and size restrictions for baggage in Japan, the specific limitations depend on the airline and the type of baggage (i.e. carry-on or checked-in). Here are the weight and size restrictions for some of the major airlines in Japan:

Japan Airlines (JAL)

For international flights with Japan Airlines, the maximum weight for checked baggage is typically 32 kg per piece. Any baggage exceeding this weight cannot be checked in without being split into smaller units. The maximum dimensions for checked baggage are 200 cm x 90 cm x 90 cm. If your baggage exceeds these dimensions, special rates will apply.

JAL also imposes weight restrictions based on cabin class. For First Class and Business Class, the weight limit is 32 kg, while for Premium Economy Class and Economy Class, the limit is 23 kg.

AirJapan

AirJapan's policies vary depending on the type of baggage. For carry-on baggage, the total weight limit is 7 kg per person, and the sum of the three dimensions (length, width, and height) must be under 115 cm, with no single side exceeding 55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm.

For checked baggage, AirJapan offers different options with varying weight and size restrictions. The "Standard type" option allows one piece of baggage weighing up to 23 kg. The "Selected type" option allows up to two pieces of baggage, each weighing no more than 23 kg. For both options, the total dimensions must not exceed 203 cm.

Additionally, AirJapan has specific regulations for sporting equipment. A special baggage fee applies to sporting equipment, and the sum of the three dimensions must not exceed 250 cm, with the longest dimension not exceeding 220 cm.

Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport offers baggage storage services with weight and size restrictions. The maximum combined length of the three sides of the baggage is 300 cm, and the maximum weight is 30 kg.

It's important to note that hazardous and dangerous items, such as blades, sharp objects, and blunt instruments, are prohibited or restricted on many airlines, including Japan Airlines and AirJapan. Passengers should carefully review the restricted items list provided by their airline before packing their baggage.

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Restricted items

When flying to or within Japan, there are restrictions on what you can carry in your hand luggage and hold luggage. Some items are prohibited by law from being carried on board or in the hold. These include dangerous goods, hazardous chemicals, and items that may be used as weapons. Here is a list of restricted items that you should be aware of when packing your hold baggage:

Weapons

  • Firearms and ammunition are allowed in checked baggage, but you must have the required permits and licenses and make a reservation for transportation.
  • Sharp objects, such as scissors and knives, and items that can be used as weapons, such as golf clubs, are not allowed in carry-on baggage but can be checked in.

Hazardous Items

  • Self-heating meals are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
  • Chemical or toxic substances that may pose a risk to health or property, including disabling sprays (such as mace, pepper spray, and tear gas), acids and alkalis (such as wet batteries), and corrosive substances (such as mercury and chlorine) are prohibited.
  • Any products of animal origin that are the result of hunting are not allowed.
  • Experimental drugs in development can only be checked in or carried on board if certain conditions are met, including a document stating that it is an experimental drug and meeting security check standards.
  • Sprays must have their valves secured to prevent accidental leaks.
  • Non-radioactive cosmetics, drugs, and sprays must not exceed 2 kg or 2 litres when checked in together.
  • Flammable sprays and liquids, such as lubricating oil, paint, varnish, and dust-proof spray, are restricted.

Electronic Devices and Batteries

  • Lithium batteries, lithium-ion type power banks, and batteries removed from electronic devices cannot be placed in checked baggage due to the risk of fire.
  • Portable chargers (power banks) for smartphones and other devices cannot be checked in and must be carried in carry-on luggage.
  • Spare batteries, such as power banks, should be individually protected to prevent short circuits, with exposed terminals insulated with tape or stored in separate plastic bags or protective pouches.
  • Portable electronic devices with built-in lithium-metal or lithium-ion batteries, such as laptops and tablets, may be placed in carry-on or checked baggage. If placed in checked baggage, they must be turned off, enclosed in a case or wrapped in clothing to protect against fire, and meet certain lithium content or watt-hour rating restrictions. On some international routes, laptops and tablets may not be placed in checked baggage.

Other Items

  • Fragile items, such as musical instruments, sports gear, pottery, glass products, and bottled alcohol, should be securely packed for transport.
  • Baby strollers, baby carriages, and child seats can be checked as baggage for free.
  • Soldering irons with pointed ends are not permitted in carry-on baggage.
  • Some countries and regions may have specific restrictions on carry-on and checked baggage, such as restrictions on plastic bags when entering Kenya, Tanzania, or Rwanda.

It is important to note that these restrictions may vary depending on the airline and your specific route. Always check with your airline or travel agency for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding restricted items in hold baggage when flying to or within Japan.

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Delivery services

Yamato Transport (also known as Kuroneko or Ta-Q-Bin)

Yamato Transport is one of Japan's major courier services, with counters at various airports, including Narita and Haneda. They offer a convenient luggage delivery service, allowing you to send your luggage to hotels, homes, or convenience stores across Japan.

At Narita Airport, you can find the Yamato counter at Terminal 1's South Wing. At Haneda Airport, the Yamato Ta-Q-Bin shipping counters are located in both the Arrivals and Departures areas of Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Yamato Transport also has a Baggage Service Counter at Tokyo Station, where you can drop off your luggage a few days before your departure. Additionally, they offer hotel-to-hotel luggage delivery and city-to-city shipping services.

JAL ABC

Japan Airlines (JAL) offers a similar luggage delivery service, with counters at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai International Airport. They provide same-day luggage delivery between Haneda Airport and select hotels in Tokyo if the luggage is dropped off by 2 pm. For other locations in Tokyo, next-day delivery is available.

Costs and Restrictions

The cost of forwarding luggage in Japan typically ranges from ¥2,400 to ¥3,000, depending on the size of the luggage and the destination. For example, sending luggage from Narita or Haneda Airport to one of Tokyo's 23 Wards can cost around ¥2,500 to ¥3,000 per bag. Same-day delivery options are available at a higher price.

There are size and weight restrictions for luggage delivery services. Bags cannot exceed 50 kg and must have combined dimensions (height, width, and depth) of less than 240 cm. Additionally, certain items, such as fragile items, fresh produce, liquids, electronics, and valuables, should be removed from your luggage before shipping.

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Excess baggage charges

JAL (Japan Airlines):

JAL, Japan's flag carrier, offers detailed information on its excess baggage policies for international flights. Passengers whose baggage exceeds the free allowance will be subject to additional charges according to their route. The maximum allowable number of checked bags per person is the free checked baggage allowance for their travel class plus seven bags. For First and Business Class, the maximum is ten bags, while for Premium Economy and Economy Class, it is nine bags. Each bag must not exceed 45 kg in weight. When paying for excess baggage, passengers outside of Canada or Japan will pay the USD base amount, which will be converted to the local currency.

JAL also specifies that certain items, such as sports equipment, will be treated as normal baggage and incur extra fees if they exceed weight or size limits. Passengers can use their JMB miles to pay for excess baggage, and valuable items can be insured for a higher fee. JAL also notes that excess baggage fees will not be refunded if checked baggage is cancelled at a connecting airport.

AirJapan:

AirJapan offers different options for checked baggage, including Simple, Standard, and Selected types. The Simple type allows up to 23 kg per piece, and overweight charges are applied for each piece between 23 kg and 32 kg. The Standard type offers one piece up to 23 kg for free, with overweight fees payable at the airport counter. The Selected type allows up to two pieces, each weighing no more than 23 kg.

AirJapan also specifies that special baggage fees apply to sporting equipment, and these fees must be purchased at least 24 hours before departure. The total size of the sports equipment must not exceed 250 cm in combined dimensions, with the longest side not exceeding 220 cm.

Haneda Airport:

Haneda Airport, one of Japan's major airports, offers baggage storage services for travellers. Baggage can be stored for up to two weeks, and fees are based on the total size and weight of the baggage. The maximum combined length of the three sides is 300 cm, and the maximum weight is 30 kg.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, Haneda Airport has baggage storage counters in all three terminals. The baggage can be stored for up to 2 weeks and the fees depend on the total size and weight of the baggage.

Yes, there are coin lockers located throughout the airport.

You can store your baggage at your hotel or hostel reception. You can also use coin lockers at stations or tourist facilities.

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