Hands-free travel planner
Japan Luggage Forwarding & Shinkansen Baggage Calculator
Enter one packed suitcase to calculate its Yamato size, published forwarding fare, delivery buffer and Shinkansen baggage rule. The estimate covers every Japanese region and separates hotel delivery from airport delivery.
Official regional fare table
Price a bag and check the train rule
How the luggage size is calculated
Add length, width and height at the bag's widest outside points. The billable Yamato class is the first row that accepts both that total and the packed weight. A 130 cm bag weighing 23 kg is size 160, not size 140, because weight sets the higher class.
| Yamato size | Max L + W + H | Max weight | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 60 | 60 cm | 2 kg | Small parcel |
| Size 80 | 80 cm | 5 kg | Compact bag |
| Size 100 | 100 cm | 10 kg | Cabin-size case |
| Size 120 | 120 cm | 15 kg | Small suitcase |
| Size 140 | 140 cm | 20 kg | Medium suitcase |
| Size 160 | 160 cm | 25 kg | Large suitcase |
| Size 180 | 180 cm | 30 kg | Extra-large case |
| Size 200 | 200 cm | 30 kg | TA-Q-BIN maximum |
Yamato luggage forwarding prices for common routes
These are tax-inclusive standard cash fares from Yamato's published regional table. Airport delivery adds ¥660 per bag. Discounts, remote-island handling and optional services are not subtracted here.
| Route | Size 120 | Size 140 | Size 160 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo to Kyoto / Osaka | ¥1,970 | ¥2,310 | ¥2,630 |
| Tokyo to Hiroshima | ¥2,110 | ¥2,450 | ¥2,770 |
| Tokyo to Fukuoka | ¥2,370 | ¥2,710 | ¥3,030 |
| Kyoto / Osaka to Fukuoka | ¥1,970 | ¥2,310 | ¥2,630 |
| Tokyo to Sapporo | ¥2,370 | ¥2,710 | ¥3,030 |
Shinkansen luggage rules at 160 cm and 250 cm
160 cm or less
No oversized reservation. Use the rack only when you can lift the bag safely.
161-250 cm
Reserve an oversized-baggage seat on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen.
Over 250 cm
Not accepted as ordinary train baggage. Each piece is also limited to 30 kg.
This reservation rule is specific to the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. Special items and other rail companies can follow different procedures. Use the JR Pass Calculator after deciding whether the bag travels with you.
When to send your suitcase
STEP 1
Keep one night with you
Pack medication, documents, chargers and the next day's clothes in a small carry-on.
STEP 2
Confirm the receiving desk
Ask the next hotel whether it accepts and stores forwarded luggage under your reservation name.
STEP 3
Use the promised date
The calculator shows a planning buffer. The counter or hotel must confirm the actual arrival date before you send.
Do not use the estimate as a guaranteed arrival time. Cutoff time, postcode, weather, holidays and island routes can change delivery.
Official sources and calculation limits
Fare results use Yamato's standard cash tariff, including tax, checked 2026-07-20. The exact delivery date still depends on postcodes and handoff time. Verify it with Yamato before paying, especially for airports and islands.
Japan luggage forwarding FAQ
How much does luggage forwarding cost in Japan?
Yamato TA-Q-BIN prices depend on the origin region, destination region and the larger size class required by the bag's total dimensions or weight. For example, the published cash fare for a size 160 bag from Kanto, including Tokyo, to Kansai, including Kyoto and Osaka, is ¥2,630 before optional airport handling.
How long does luggage forwarding take from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Next-day delivery is common on major routes, but it is not guaranteed for every address or handoff time. Plan to send the bag by the morning before you need it and keep one night of essentials with you. Confirm the actual delivery date at the hotel desk or Yamato counter.
How is Yamato suitcase size calculated?
Add the bag's outside length, width and height, including wheels and handles. Yamato then uses whichever class is higher: the dimension class or the weight class. Standard TA-Q-BIN accepts up to size 200 and 30 kg per item.
Do I need an oversized baggage reservation on the Shinkansen?
On the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen, bags with total dimensions from 161 to 250 cm require a seat with an oversized baggage area. The reservation itself has no extra charge. Bags at 160 cm or less do not require this reservation.
What happens if I take oversized luggage without a reservation?
JR Central states that staff may move the bag to a designated area and collect a ¥1,000 carry-on baggage fee. Reserve the correct seat before boarding. Other train lines and special baggage can have different arrangements.
Can I forward luggage to a Japanese airport?
Yes. Yamato Airport TA-Q-BIN adds ¥660 per item. The bag must arrive at the airport by the day before the flight, so Yamato advises handing it over at least two days before departure, or three days for some areas.
Plan the rest of the luggage-free route
Last reviewed and fare-checked July 20, 2026.