What are the deadlines & travel times for Japanese takkyubin services?
August 10, 2015 1:53 PM Subscribe
I'm having trouble finding the answer to a few specific questions about takkyubin services around Japan, re: transit time & how early your luggage needs dropping off.
There's tons of generic "use takkyubin!" advice out there, but scant details. The questions I've specifically got:
1. Is Hiroshima -> Tokyo (hotel to hotel - no airport) covered under the typical next-day delivery estimate, or could it take longer?
2. What's the hour deadline for dropping off one's luggage at Hotel A's desk on one evening, such that it arrives at Hotel B by the following evening? The worry is I'll roll up to the front desk at 9pm the night before traveling and be told the last takkyubin pickup was at 8pm.
I haven't had luck finding this info on eg Yamato's English website, or via Google (which is nothing but the generic advice mentioned).
There's tons of generic "use takkyubin!" advice out there, but scant details. The questions I've specifically got:
1. Is Hiroshima -> Tokyo (hotel to hotel - no airport) covered under the typical next-day delivery estimate, or could it take longer?
2. What's the hour deadline for dropping off one's luggage at Hotel A's desk on one evening, such that it arrives at Hotel B by the following evening? The worry is I'll roll up to the front desk at 9pm the night before traveling and be told the last takkyubin pickup was at 8pm.
I haven't had luck finding this info on eg Yamato's English website, or via Google (which is nothing but the generic advice mentioned).
You probably want what they call "time service". According to the linked page, they accept packages until evening and can deliver by 10 am the next morning. However, it cautions that each location has a different deadline for accepting packages so you will need to call your local provider to confirm. In my experience, 9 pm would be too late.
I agree with Nevin's advice of stowing at a train station and then using a carry-on. We often do this during our annual Japan trip. I really don't think you want this extra level of stress, more especially if you do not speak Japanese.
posted by Tanizaki at 2:42 PM on August 10, 2015
I agree with Nevin's advice of stowing at a train station and then using a carry-on. We often do this during our annual Japan trip. I really don't think you want this extra level of stress, more especially if you do not speak Japanese.
posted by Tanizaki at 2:42 PM on August 10, 2015
Each location has a separate deadline for accepting packages. They are usually shown at the store. For example, my nearest 7-11 accepts packages until 5:30 PM.
Next day delivery is possible, but it depends on where in Hiroshima to where in Tokyo. I checked from the Hiroshima station area to Shinjuku, and Kuroneko Yamato's website says next day delivery is possible.
posted by xmts at 4:41 PM on August 10, 2015
Next day delivery is possible, but it depends on where in Hiroshima to where in Tokyo. I checked from the Hiroshima station area to Shinjuku, and Kuroneko Yamato's website says next day delivery is possible.
posted by xmts at 4:41 PM on August 10, 2015
I haven't used the service, but did want to say that I think the difficulties of taking luggage on trains/planes is exaggerated. I travel to Japan frequently and just take everything with me (usual luggage includes one very large suitcase, one carryon, and my wife's suitcase). If everyone can carry their own luggage, it's fine unless you're very large --- generally I have room on the train to squeeze in with my suitcase. And planes of course is no different than elsewhere.
(If you're lucky on the train, there are a few places where you can put suitcases on most trains, but the number of such spots is much less than the number of seats so this depends on how crowded the train is, how many people have luggage, etc).
If you're traveling with children, have trouble carrying lugggage, or have excessive baggage then this is probably not helpful! But I remember reading all about this stuff before I went the first time and have never felt I needed such a service. (My wife is Japanese, and her and her family also do not use such services, although they tend towards a "do it yourself" attitude in general).
posted by thefoxgod at 5:16 PM on August 10, 2015
(If you're lucky on the train, there are a few places where you can put suitcases on most trains, but the number of such spots is much less than the number of seats so this depends on how crowded the train is, how many people have luggage, etc).
If you're traveling with children, have trouble carrying lugggage, or have excessive baggage then this is probably not helpful! But I remember reading all about this stuff before I went the first time and have never felt I needed such a service. (My wife is Japanese, and her and her family also do not use such services, although they tend towards a "do it yourself" attitude in general).
posted by thefoxgod at 5:16 PM on August 10, 2015
Response by poster: Thanks for all the answers!
We were planning to bring a smaller duffel bag regardless, and since the trip is "week in Tokyo, week in Osaka, 2-3 days in Hiroshima, 2nd week in Tokyo" maybe we'll just forward the big suitcase from Osaka to Tokyo, relying solely on the bag for Hiroshima. Still saves the hassle of dragging the suitcase around (I have a chronically bad back), but avoids the possible time issue shipping it Hiroshima->Tokyo (and saves one of the shipping fees to boot).
posted by cyrusdogstar at 9:05 PM on August 10, 2015
We were planning to bring a smaller duffel bag regardless, and since the trip is "week in Tokyo, week in Osaka, 2-3 days in Hiroshima, 2nd week in Tokyo" maybe we'll just forward the big suitcase from Osaka to Tokyo, relying solely on the bag for Hiroshima. Still saves the hassle of dragging the suitcase around (I have a chronically bad back), but avoids the possible time issue shipping it Hiroshima->Tokyo (and saves one of the shipping fees to boot).
posted by cyrusdogstar at 9:05 PM on August 10, 2015
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However, we generally arrive before our luggage, which comes early the next morning (day 3, after the second night).
I think it's likely you could manage the logistics, but it would add an extra amount of stress to your trip.
What you might consider doing is leaving your luggage at the train station in Hiroshima or Osaka or Kyoto (or somewhere central to your travels), and continuing on with a carryon. On the return trip pick up your luggage (and refresh your clothes).
I did take a look around, but like you said there isn't a lot of information.
posted by Nevin at 2:37 PM on August 10, 2015