How to send your suitcase to the airport before flying out of Japan

Here’s how I get to the airport stress-free — by sending my suitcase ahead.

If you’re heading home from Japan and planning to take the train to the airport, consider sending your suitcase to the airport in advance. It saves you from lugging your suitcase through stations, stairs, and busy carriages — and you can do it easily from a convenience store for just over ¥3000 ($30AUD).

How to send your suitcase to the airport

You can ship your luggage directly to the airport from just about anywhere in Japan — by visiting a convenience store.

① Pick up a form from a convenience store

Head to any major chain like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart. You’re likely to be within walking distance from one.

Tell them you want to send your suitcase to the airport, or show them this picture below. You’ll receive a Yamato Transport delivery form.

② Fill out the form (here’s an example)

You’ll need to write the pick-up location (e.g. Narita Airport), your flight details, and your contact info. Here’s an example of how to fill it out for Narita — some stores may help you with this if you’re unsure.

• To address it to the airport’s baggage counter, write the airport’s prefecture along with the airport name and terminal number.
• The format for line 3 of the send-to address is: [Flight code] [Departure time in 24h notation HH:MM] ([Departure date MM/DD]).
• There are 3 places to write in your flight departure date (noted in aqua) – use the format Month/Day.
• If you have a contactable phone number while you’re in Japan, then great. If not… I’ve written in my hotel or a Japanese friend’s details for the phone numbers and sender’s address sections. (You just need to appear contactable in case something happens.)
• Don’t forget to circle 空港 (or “airport).

And if you’re keen, here’s a sample in Japanese for Haneda airport:

③ Hand over your suitcase

Go back to the convenience store with your packed suitcase and the completed form. They’ll measure and weigh it, charge you the fee, and give you a stamped copy of the form as receipt.

④ Travel light to the airport

Now you’re free to hop on the train, with just what you’ve kept for the rest of your trip (and of course, your last-minute shopping 😉).

⑤ Pick up your luggage at the airport

Your suitcase will be waiting for you at the airport’s Yamato luggage counter in the departure lobby. Show them your receipt to receive your suitcase.

For Narita Terminal 2 international departures, it’s at the far west end of the departure lobby. It’s a very quiet end away from the check-in counters, so you can re-arragnge your suitcase in peace before you check it in.

Tips to keep in mind

• If you’re sending from Tokyo, it’ll typically arrive at the airport the next day. But I’d send it at least 3 days before your flight to play it safe – longer if you’re sending it from a far-away prefecture.
• They can store your luggage at the airport for up to 10 days so you can do it early.
• Double-check the airport terminal and flight information when filling out the form so you can pick it up from your departure lobby.
• Keep your receipt (stamped copy of the form) to show it to the airport’s Yamato delivery kiosk staff to exchange it with your luggage.
• The Narita T2 international kiosk for picking up Yamato deliveries is open from 7am to 9.30pm, so check if that works with your flight out.
• Keep important documents and valuables with you.