Yes: use Yamato TA-Q-BIN, Sagawa Express, Japan Post (Yu‑Pack), or international couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) for door‑to‑terminal delivery; airline-linked providers such as JAL ABC and ANA’s bag‑service accept pre‑sent pieces for check‑in. Reserve at least 48–72 hours before your departure date; same‑day options exist only in limited urban corridors. Typical domestic fees range from JPY 1,200–3,000 per medium/large piece (size classes 60–120 cm), with standard weight limits around 25–30 kg; heavier or oversized items incur surcharges.
Follow these steps: arrange pick‑up online or via your hotel/front desk and specify delivery date plus flight number and terminal code (HND); complete the courier’s waybill and attach it to each suitcase; request delivery to the airline’s check‑in counter or designated delivery desk and confirm the counter name and operating hours. Aim for delivery to reach the terminal no later than 3 hours before international departures and 90–120 minutes before domestic departures to ensure timely check‑in.
If shipping from overseas into the terminal, use an international carrier and allow extra lead time for customs clearance (plan 3–5 business days); include a commercial invoice, accurate weight/dimensions and a local contact number. For domestic shipments inside Japan, customs paperwork is not required but confirm pickup/drop windows. Always obtain a tracking number and ask the provider for a delivery confirmation to the airline counter.
Packing and regulatory tips: remove loose lithium batteries and carry them in the cabin where permitted; declare sporting equipment and musical instruments in advance and check size/weight restrictions; insure high‑value pieces and label each item with name, flight number and contact phone. Before sending, call the chosen carrier and the airline delivery desk to verify deadlines, piece limits and any temporary counter closures at the terminal.
Send bags to Tokyo International (HND): practical guidance
Recommendation: Arrange a dedicated airport-delivery courier (examples: Yamato Transport “Airport Delivery”, JAL ABC, Sagawa Express) and book pickup so items arrive at HND at least 24–72 hours before your flight’s scheduled touchdown; mark each parcel with HND terminal number, flight number and arrival time.
- Which provider to choose:
- Yamato (Kuroneko) – domestic “Takkyubin/airport delivery” service with counter delivery at HND terminals.
- JAL ABC – airline-linked service offering drop-off/collection at terminal desks and meet-and-assist add-ons.
- Sagawa and major international couriers – offer door-to-terminal shipments and customs clearance for cross-border consignments.
- Timing and deadlines:
- Domestic origin: request delivery 24–48 hours before scheduled arrival to guarantee terminal desk handover.
- International origin: allow 48–96 hours plus time for customs clearance; express couriers may be faster but require full paperwork.
- Labeling and documentation:
- Required on exterior: recipient name, local phone number, flight number, arrival date/time, HND terminal (1, 2 or 3) and “arrival hall / baggage claim” pickup instruction.
- International shipments: commercial invoice, CN22/CN23 as applicable, and a clear description of contents and value for customs.
- Size, weight and limits:
- Typical carrier limits: up to 30 kg per parcel and linear dimension sum near 160 cm; oversize/overweight parcels and extra-value insurance incur surcharges.
- For items heavier than 30 kg or unusually large, request a specialized freight quote rather than standard courier service.
- Costs and surcharges:
- Domestic metropolitan-to-HND rates commonly fall in the range of ¥1,000–¥3,000 per parcel depending on size; inter-prefecture and international tariffs are higher – confirm current rates on provider sites.
- Additional fees often apply for airport-handling, storage beyond 24–72 hours, evening/holiday deliveries and high declared values.
- Prohibited or restricted items:
- Spare lithium batteries, certain electronics, aerosols, perishables, restricted chemicals and items requiring special permits are often disallowed or need special packaging and paperwork.
- Declare batteries and follow both courier and airline rules if items are transported in checked or courier consignments.
- Pickup and hold policy at HND:
- Specify delivery to the arrival lobby desk or the carrier’s terminal counter; carriers typically hold items for a limited window (usually 24–72 hours) before returning them to sender or incurring storage fees.
- Confirm terminal desk opening hours and exact collection point with the courier and the airline before sending.
- Insurance and declared value:
- Declare realistic value and purchase additional coverage for items over standard liability limits; retain tracking and proof-of-delivery references.
Quick checklist before sending:
- Confirm provider supports delivery to HND (terminal number and arrival-hall delivery).
- Book pickup with delivery window 24–72 hours before arrival; allow extra time for international consignments and customs.
- Label parcels with flight number, arrival time, terminal and recipient phone; include customs paperwork if applicable.
- Verify weight/size limits, prohibited items and insurance options with chosen carrier.
- Note carrier hold period at HND and provide recipient with tracking and collection instructions.
Operators serving HND (Tokyo International) and how to book
Use Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Takkyubin) for fastest hotel-to-HND transfers; reserve online or at a convenience store at least 24 hours before your flight and specify terminal and flight number.
Provider | Service name | Delivery target | How to book | Lead time | Typical price (JPY) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) | Takkyubin – Airport Delivery | HND terminals (HND) | English website, phone, konbini drop-off, hotel front desk | Same day pickup (select areas) or next day | ¥1,200–¥3,500 per item (size-based) |
Sagawa Express | Airport Express / Takkyubin | HND terminals | Online form, phone, Sagawa counters | 24–48 hours | ¥1,500–¥4,000 |
Japan Post (Yu-Pack) | Yu-Pack (postal parcel) | Hotel or designated collection point near HND | Post office, online MyJP, hotel assistance | 2–3 days typical; same-day limited | ¥1,200–¥3,000 |
JAL ABC | Baggage Delivery / Meet & Assist | Direct to HND terminal counters | Online reservation, airport counters, partner desks | 24–48 hours | ¥2,000–¥5,000 depending on size/service |
Nippon Express / Freight Forwarders | Airport forwarding / international parcel | HND cargo/terminal | Corporate booking, online freight portals, phone | 1–3 days depending on route | Varies; higher for international origin |
Booking steps (practical)
1) Choose a provider above based on speed and pickup method. 2) Prepare item dimensions and weight; providers price by size (60/80/100/140 cm buckets). 3) Enter recipient details: HND terminal number, flight number, airline, date and preferred delivery time window. 4) Pay online or at konbini; keep the receipt and tracking number. 5) Confirm pickup with hotel/front desk or hand parcel to driver; track delivery using the provider’s tracking code.
Operational tips
Label each bag with a printed slip showing arrival date, flight (HND), terminal and your name in English and passport name. For fragile items buy extra insurance at booking; declared value options vary by company. If carrying a travel pack, consider a model with a sleeve for trolley handles – see best travel backpack with luggage sleeve. For tight schedules pick Yamato or JAL ABC and book 48 hours ahead to avoid missed deadlines.
Prices, size and weight restrictions for sending bags to HND
Measure length + width + height and keep each bag within a 160 cm linear-size limit and 25 kg weight to use standard door-to-HND courier rates and avoid freight surcharges.
- Size categories (typical):
- 60 cm – sum of dimensions ≤ 60 cm
- 80 cm – ≤ 80 cm
- 100 cm – ≤ 100 cm
- 120 cm – ≤ 120 cm
- 140 cm – ≤ 140 cm
- 160 cm – ≤ 160 cm (maximum for most services)
- Weight caps:
- Most door-to-terminal couriers limit single parcels to 25 kg.
- Japan Post (Yu-Pack) commonly accepts up to 30 kg per parcel.
- Anything heavier is treated as freight; separate pricing and pickup arrangements apply.
- Representative domestic price ranges (next-day service to HND; amounts in JPY):
- Within Tokyo metropolitan area: 60 cm ~900–1,500; 100 cm ~1,500–2,200; 160 cm ~2,000–3,500.
- From Kansai (Osaka) region: 60 cm ~1,300–2,000; 100 cm ~1,900–3,000; 160 cm ~3,000–5,000.
- From remote regions (Hokkaido/Okinawa): add roughly 500–2,500 depending on distance; 160 cm items can reach 6,000–8,000 JPY.
- International door-to-HND express (courier) ballpark:
- Small parcel (up to 5 kg): about US$60–120 depending on origin.
- 10–20 kg: roughly US$120–300; 20–30 kg: US$200–500, variable by route and customs handling.
- Customs duties, VAT and brokerage fees are extra and depend on origin and declared value.
- Common extra charges:
- Same-day or express pickup/delivery: +1,000–3,000 JPY.
- After-hours or holiday delivery: +300–1,000 JPY.
- Pickup fee from non-standard locations (resorts, remote addresses): +300–800 JPY.
- Oversize (>160 cm) or overweight (>25–30 kg) surcharges: quoted per case; expect substantial increase or freight pricing.
- Terminal handling / counter delivery fee sometimes applied by the receiving operator: 300–1,500 JPY.
- Packaging, prohibited items and insurance:
- Pack suitcases so they hold shape and protect contents; fragile items require additional padding and may incur a handling fee.
- Lithium batteries, hazardous materials, flammable liquids and certain electronics have strict restrictions or are refused – check the courier’s dangerous-goods list before sending.
- Declared-value insurance is available for higher compensation; standard liability limits are modest unless increased for a fee.
- Practical tips:
- Weigh and measure each item at home; use the courier’s online rate calculator for an exact quote before booking.
- If an item exceeds 160 cm or 25–30 kg, request freight quotes rather than expecting standard rates.
- Book at least 24–48 hours ahead for next-day delivery; same-day options have early cutoffs and higher cost.
How to pack, label and prepare your suitcase for Tokyo International (HND) delivery
Packing and internal protection
Use a hard-shell case for courier transfers; if using soft-sided baggage, reinforce seams with polypropylene strapping. Pad fragile items with at least 3 cm of cushioning on all sides (bubble wrap + folded garments). Place heavy items at the base near wheels to lower rollover risk and prevent zipper strain.
Keep liquids in sealed double zip-lock bags and place them inside a waterproof pouch. Remove spare lithium-ion batteries from checked consignments: spare power banks and loose cells must travel with you in carry-on. Batteries installed in devices should be protected against short-circuit (tape exposed terminals or leave devices powered off).
Do not pack irreplaceable valuables (cash, passports, original documents, high-value jewelry); keep prescriptions and essential medication on your person with a copy of the prescription. For sharp objects, sheathe blades and wrap in rigid protection.
Create an itemized inventory (short bullets) and place one printed copy inside the case and one in a clear external pouch. Take time-stamped photos of the packed interior and exterior (four sides) immediately before handing over to the delivery service.
Labeling, seals and documentation
Affix the service label on the top and one side of the case; place an additional printed tag in a transparent, weatherproof pouch attached to the handle. Labels must show passenger full name (Latin alphabet), mobile phone (include + country code), flight number, arrival date/time and terminal number (HND terminals 1–3). Include a clear return address and a backup contact number.
Remove all old carrier tags and loose stickers. Add two tamper-evident seals or plastic security straps across the opening; place one barcode label so handlers can scan without removing straps. Use a brightly colored strap or ribbon for fast visual identification by the recipient.
Record and provide exact weight and measurements (length x width x height in cm) matching the booking entry. Keep the booking confirmation (PDF/print) and a photocopy of the photo ID in the external pouch for on-site verification. Hand the delivery agent the tracking number and retain confirmation of pickup with timestamp.
Prior to drop-off, ensure declared contents exclude prohibited items (aerosols, perishables requiring refrigeration, certain chemicals). If carrying prescription drugs, include a prescription in English or Japanese. If the delivery service requires specific lock types, use those locks; otherwise prefer cable ties that show tampering without preventing inspection.
Drop-off points, receipt counters and typical delivery timeframes at Tokyo International
Deliver items at an official terminal courier desk at least 48 hours before departure; allow 24 hours minimum for domestic routes and 72 hours for international shipments to accommodate transfer and customs processing.
Where to hand over
Domestic Terminals 1 and 2: courier desks are inside the check-in halls adjacent to airline counters and handle outgoing consignments with terminal-specific routing. International Terminal (Terminal 3): courier counters are located in the arrivals lobby and near departures check-in; some carriers also accept curbside handovers but staff hours vary. Hotel concierge and convenience-store drop-off points in central Tokyo commonly offer direct-to-terminal delivery–specify the terminal name and the counter code when arranging collection.
Receipts, documentation and pickup
Always take the printed receipt that shows tracking number, destination terminal, expected delivery date and carrier contact. Presentation of that receipt plus photo ID (passport or government-issued ID) is normally required for collection at the terminal desk; airline boarding passes are not a substitute for the courier’s paperwork. Counter hours differ by operator, commonly 06:00–22:00, so confirm the desk schedule in advance and request an arrival time window if the service offers it.
Typical transit windows: same-city/domestic Kanto deliveries – next-day if dropped before midday; terminal-directed deliveries – allow 24–48 hours before scheduled check-in for reliable handling; nationwide Japan – 1–3 days depending on distance; international inbound – 3–7 business days plus customs clearance. For guaranteed delivery by morning check-in, plan handover two full days ahead. Photograph the receipt and barcode, keep the tracking number to monitor status, and ask the counter for a printed terminal pick-up slip naming the desk and reference number. how can a crayon save your life
Customs rules, prohibited items and declaration requirements for shipments to HND
Declare full contents, accurate commercial value and country of origin on the airway bill and CN22/CN23; intentional under-declaration risks seizure, fines and long clearance delays.
Required documents: commercial invoice (itemized, currency and CIF value), airway bill/house bill, HS code per item where available, sender and recipient names with phone numbers, and any permits (phytosanitary, CITES, yakkan shoumei). Postal parcels must display the CN22/CN23 customs form; courier consignments require a signed commercial invoice and electronic advance data (AWB).
Taxes and fees: Japanese consumption tax is 10% applied to customs-assessed value plus duty. Duty rates depend on HS classification (0–custom rates vary); couriers typically add a customs brokerage/handling fee (commonly JPY 1,500–3,500). Choose DDP (duties paid by sender) or DAP/DDU (recipient pays) clearly on paperwork to avoid unexpected charges.
Items prohibited for import: narcotics, stimulants and cannabis; unlicensed firearms and ammunition; explosives and detonators; radioactive materials; counterfeit goods and unauthorized trademarks; live animals, untreated soil and many uninspected plants, seeds, fruits, meat and dairy products without official certificates; protected wildlife products covered by CITES (ivory, some furs, coral) without permits; obscene materials violating Japanese law.
Restricted items and how to handle them: controlled medicines and psychotropic substances require an import permit (yakkan shoumei) or specific police approval; in many cases a physician’s prescription and a letter specifying dose and quantity must accompany the parcel. Lithium batteries demand strict packaging, labeling and carrier notification – spare lithium-ion cells are often refused unless shipped under special provisions. Flammable aerosols, gas cartridges and certain chemicals need prior carrier approval and special UN packaging.
Personal effects and used goods: mark parcels “used personal effects” and list serial numbers, purchase year and condition. Items demonstrably used for over six months are often treated differently at clearance, but proof (photos, receipts, passport stamps) speeds processing.
Packaging and declarations that speed clearance: include an English-Japanese item description, HS codes where possible, and separate value lines for each article. If sending apparel or small accessories, add a clear note if items are gifts or returns. Small foldable items such as a compact umbrella should be declared by name – example reference: best mini windproof umbrella uk.
If unsure about a product’s admissibility, request a binding ruling through the carrier or consult Japan Customs; missing or incorrect permits lead to return to sender, destruction or legal action. Maintain copies of all export documents until recipient confirms delivery and clearance.
Tracking, insurance options and claim procedures for lost or damaged baggage (HND)
If tracking shows no movement or status ‘delivered’ but contents missing, notify the courier’s Japan operations desk and open a tracer within 24–48 hours; preserve all paperwork and photographs immediately.
Immediate actions after a delivery problem
1) Keep the original waybill/booking confirmation and any e-receipts from the courier. 2) Photograph the outer packaging, delivery label, and interior contents (including damaged items) with timestamped images. 3) Obtain a written incident/reference number from the terminal collection counter or local courier office; if a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or similar form is available, complete it on site. 4) If theft is suspected, file a local police report and request a copy for claims. 5) Do not discard packaging, tags or damaged items until the claim settlement is complete.
Insurance options and step-by-step claim submission
Selected coverages: (A) Declared-value insurance purchased through the courier–declare full replacement value at booking (use invoice values) and expect proportional premiums; (B) Third-party travel or household insurance–confirm the policy explicitly covers items sent separately from the traveller and any exclusions for high-value electronics or business samples; (C) Cardholder or merchant purchase protection–check whether protection applies when items are consigned to a terminal address. If transport involves scheduled air carriage, note that international carrier liability is limited to approximately 1,288 SDR (roughly USD 1,800–2,000 depending on exchange rates), unless a higher declared value was accepted and a surcharge paid.
Required documentation for filing: booking/waybill number, tracking history screenshot or log, terminal delivery receipt, PIR/reference number, timestamped photos of packaging and damaged goods, original purchase invoices or bank/credit statements proving value, ID, and police report if applicable. Submit these via the courier’s official claims portal or by registered email to the Japan claims desk.
Deadlines and response expectations: submit damage reports within 7 days of receipt; report short-delivery or non-receipt within 14–21 days depending on the carrier’s Terms & Conditions; for international shipments, items not delivered after 21 days are typically treated as lost. Expect an initial acknowledgment within 7–14 days and a substantive response or offer within 30–60 days; request the claim reference in writing and keep records of all exchanges.
If the carrier’s settlement is unsatisfactory, escalate with written complaint referencing the claim number, include all supporting documentation, and request managerial review. If unresolved, lodge a complaint with the national consumer protection authority or the regulator for transport services in Japan; provide copies of the claim file and timelines when escalating.