Expanded Luggage Delivery Service from Locks to Hotels Across Japan
Japan is making strides in enhancing the travel experience for tourists with the expansion of its luggage delivery service from train station lockers to hotels. This service, initially launched by West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) and Osaka Metro Co. in Osaka, is set to become more widely available, including in Tokyo, as the country prepares for the 2025 World Exposition.
Currently, the service is available at seven stations in Osaka, with notable locations such as Shin-Osaka Station and Universal-City Station. East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) and Tokyo Metro Co. are working to increase the service's availability in the capital city.
The cost of using this service varies depending on the size of the luggage and the delivery location. Fees typically range from around 1,500 yen to 3,500 yen.
The service offers several benefits to travelers. It provides tourists with a convenient option to leave their luggage at train stations and have it delivered directly to their hotels, allowing them more freedom to explore without the burden of carrying large suitcases. By storing luggage in lockers instead of bringing it on trains and buses, the service helps reduce congestion on public transportation, which has been a recurring issue with large tourist luggage.
Moreover, the expansion is expected to support the tourism boom in Japan, especially with significant events like the 2025 World Exposition drawing more visitors to the country. The service's popularity has grown significantly, with the monthly average usage in Osaka being roughly three times higher in early 2025 compared to the previous year.
The service allows users to leave their luggage in dedicated lockers and have them delivered on the same day to the hotels they are staying. To use the service, luggage must be placed in a dedicated locker at participating stations. The service is not limited to a specific region in Japan, as it is expanding to include more cities.
As the service becomes more widely available, it is expected to increase in popularity, making travel in Japan more convenient and enjoyable for tourists.
Tourists can take advantage of the expanding luggage delivery service, initially launched in Osaka, to easily transport their luggage from train stations to hotels, enhancing their travel lifestyle. As the service is set to increase its availability in Tokyo, including for the 2025 World Exposition, travellers can capture more photo opportunities while having a more comfortable travel experience, thanks to technology that helps reduce congestion on public transportation.
