Travel Japan hands-free: Kyoto now offers same-day luggage delivery service from hotels

▲ Kyoto Station (Photo / Unbound)

By Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive report

The Kyoto City Government announced that starting in December, a “same-day luggage delivery service” will be available at Kyoto Station and the Kyoto Central Post Office, allowing travelers to send their luggage directly from the station to their hotel upon arrival, so they can start exploring Kyoto unburdened and carefree.

After a long flight, dragging heavy luggage to your hotel can be exhausting. To ease the burden on travelers, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has in recent years introduced the “Hands Free Travel” service. By applying within a specified time frame, travelers can have their luggage delivered on the same day from airports or major train stations to their hotels, enabling them to start sightseeing in the city with ease.

▲ Tired of hauling heavy luggage around? Consider using the “Hands Free Travel” service. (Photo / By Cai Wenjun)

In line with the policy of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kyoto City has now introduced “Hands Free Travel” by offering luggage storage and same-day delivery services to designated hotels within Kyoto City at the Kyoto Central Post Office next to Kyoto Station. The application window for same-day luggage delivery is from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Each piece of luggage, regardless of size, is charged a flat rate of 1,500 yen per item and can be delivered on the same day to 14 designated hotels in Kyoto. More hotels will be added to the delivery network in the future.

Same-day luggage delivery services are also available at Kyoto Station. Travelers can apply at JR Kyoto Station Carry Service, JR Kyoto Station Shinkansen Hakuhodo Exit Delivery Service, and the Kotochika Kyoto City Bus & Subway Information Counter. The average delivery fee ranges from 750 to 900 yen, and applications must be submitted by 2:00 PM to ensure same-day delivery.