Japan Introduces Hands-Free Luggage Service to Reduce Congestion

A Convenient Travel Solution for Foreign Tourists

Japan is expanding its hands-free luggage services, allowing foreign visitors to travel without the burden of carrying heavy bags. With record-high 36.87 million foreign visitors arriving in Japan last year, the country has been facing congestion issues, especially at train stations and public spaces.

To address these challenges, airports and railway companies are introducing a luggage delivery service where tourists can check in their baggage at designated drop-off points, and have it delivered to their accommodations or final destinations.

How the Hands-Free Luggage Service Works

1. Baggage Check-in at Airports & Train Stations

Tourists can drop off their luggage at designated locations such as Nagoya Station, New Chitose Airport, and Tokyo Station, where staff check for weight limits and restricted items.

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2. Secure Transportation to Destination

• • For international flights: The luggage is tagged and transported via express trains to major airports, including Central Japan International Airport (Nagoya) and New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido).
• • For domestic travelers: Bags are delivered directly to hotels in Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo via the Tokaido Shinkansen Kodama service.

3. Real-Time Tracking

Users can track their baggage through an app available in Japanese, English, and Chinese for added security and convenience.

Key Features and Benefits

1. ✅ Reduces congestion at train stations and tourist areas
2. ✅ Allows tourists to travel light and enjoy attractions without hassle
3. ✅ Speeds up boarding on public transport by separating people and luggage
4. ✅ Affordable pricing, starting at ¥2,000 per item for domestic transport and ¥3,000 for international flights
5. ✅ Popular with travelers from Europe and the US, who frequently commute between Tokyo and Kyoto

Expanding Services Across Japan

🚆 Nagoya & Hong Kong Flights

• • In January 2025, Central Japan International Airport Co. and Nagoya Railroad Co. tested a baggage storage service for tourists flying to Hong Kong.
• • Checked-in luggage was sent via express train to the airport and then delivered to passengers at Hong Kong or Taipei airports.

🎡 Hokkaido’s Sapporo Snow Festival

• • A similar service was tested in Noboribetsu, where tourists left their bags at JR Noboribetsu Station before heading to the festival.
• • Their luggage was sent to Tokyo and Osaka, allowing them to enjoy their trip without carrying heavy bags.

🏨 Shinkansen Luggage Transport Service

• • Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) launched a luggage delivery service between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
• • Mitsui Fudosan Co. hotels have partnered to receive luggage transported in the service space of Tokaido Shinkansen Kodama trains.

A Step Towards Stress-Free Travel in Japan

Experts believe that separating passengers from their luggage is key to reducing congestion and improving travel efficiency.

• 🔹 Kazuo Mizuno, director of the NPO Alliance of Research for Advanced Technology at Airports, emphasized that this initiative will help ease traffic and improve the tourist experience.
• 🔹 With strong demand from European and American tourists, Japan is likely to expand the service to more routes and destinations in the near future.

Conclusion:

A Smart Move for Japan’s Tourism BoomJapan’s hands-free luggage services are revolutionizing travel, offering convenience, efficiency, and stress-free exploration for visitors. As tourism continues to rise, these services will play a crucial role in enhancing mobility and reducing travel disruptions.

For tourists planning a trip to Japan, leaving your luggage behind might just be the best way to travel!

Source: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20250227-240710/