Let us take a load off your shoulders with the convenient Kumano Kodo luggage shuttle services. Have your bags delivered to your next accommodation as you enjoy your walk on the World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. Even if you are not walking, some options may also be useful to you.
Luggage shuttle service is only available from accommodation to accommodation, except for Kii-Tanabe station, Takijiri, Hosshinmon-oji and Torii-no-Mise (in Hongu at the Zuihoden building).
NOTE: Online booking for luggage shuttle service is only available if accommodations are booked via Kumano Travel.
IMPORTANT: Daily luggage shuttle service needs to be booked at least 10 days in advance.
Luggage Shuttle Service Providers
- Hikyaku Maruo
- Kodo-no-Mori
- Kumano Kodo Shuttle Service
- Luggage Shuttle Service Torii
- Ryujin Bus
- Shuttle Service Kumo
- Carrying Crow
- LOVE THE BACKPACK KUMANO KODO
Luggage service for Kohechi is available.
Kohechi luggage shuttle service.
Map for Luggage Shuttle Online Booking
Luggage Shuttle Overview Video
How to Book
Luggage shuttles need to be booked at least 10 days in advance. This can be done via the KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System.
Please visit our how to book page for details on how to use this reservation system.
NOTE: Online booking for luggage shuttle service is only available if accommodations are booked via Kumano Travel.
Thank you in advance for traveling responsibly by booking locally!
Any questions? Contact us >>
Other Luggage-forwarding Companies
There are other companies that can ship luggage all over the country, two of which are outlined below.
They offer efficient, secure, world-class services, and are very reasonably priced. Next day service is available for regional deliveries.
These services do not need to be booked in advance.
Possible ways to use these services if you do not need same-day delivery:
1. Ship your luggage from the beginning of your walk to the end. You can then travel light with a day pack during your walk.
Tanabe to Japan-wide
Deliver your luggage with Yamato Transport from the KUMANO TRAVEL Travel Support Center near the Kii-Tanabe station. This can be arranged onsite at the shop. (Also available at a convenience store near JR Kii-Tanabe Station for those wanting to ship luggage outside of support center hours).
(NOTE: Due to complications during the pandemic, the KUMANO TRAVEL Travel Support Center is temporarily closed.)
Delivery: Next-day
From: KUMANO TRAVEL Travel Support Center
To: Anywhere in Japan!
Yamato Transport (Kuroneko)
One of the shipping companies that can send luggage across Japan is Yamato Transport (Kuroneko). The logo mark for Yamato is a yellow oval with a black cat carrying a kitten in its mouth.
This luggage-forwarding service can be used at many major hotels, convenience stores, and other designated establishments.
The Yamato Transport service is often referred to as TA-Q-BIN?
On this “What is TA-Q-BIN?” page there is the method describing the size and weight measures, and how to fill out a shipping label. Shipping labels are available at places that offer this service.
Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) website >>
Size and Price
The size of the package is calculated by adding the length, width, and height.
Maximum size is when the combined total of the length, width, and height (A+B+C) is 160 cm. The maximum weight is 25 kg.
This chart is an estimate for within the Kansai area. Please note, prices may change slightly depending on taxes.
| Size Category (サイズ) | Baggage Size (荷物の大きさ) | Weight (重さ) | Price (値段) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | (up to) 60cm | (up to) 2kg | 740yen |
| 80 | (up to) 80cm | (up to) 5kg | 950yen |
| 100 | (up to) 100cm | (up to) 10kg | 1,160yen |
| 120 | (up to) 120cm | (up to) 15kg | 1,370yen |
| 140 | (up to) 140cm | (up to) 20kg | 1,580yen |
| 160 | (up to) 160cm | (up to) 25kg | 1,790yen |
Payment
There are two methods of payment; pay when shipping and pay on delivery.
Pay when shipping means paying on the spot when sending the luggage.
NOTE: Only cash is accepted for this service at most places.
Pay on delivery is when the person receiving the package pays. This is more complicated to set up as the person on the other end has to be willing to accept the package. Major hotels can receive pay on delivery, but often charge a handling fee to the guests when they hand over the package.
When shipping your luggage it is always easier to pay when shipping.
It is not only a nice courtesy to inform an accommodation your package is arriving, but it is also good to confirm they will accept the package as well.
Japan Post Office
The Japan Post Office offers a very similar service regarding price, size and delivery times to Yamato Transport. You can send your luggage from Post Offices across the country. This service is also available at some convenience stores.
The Japan Post shipping service is called Yu-Pack.
Luggage Storage
TANABE Tourist Information Center
For those who do not need a luggage shuttle each day, luggage storage is available next to the JR Kii-Tanabe train station at the TANABE Tourist Information Center.
The cost is 500 yen per bag, per day, including the day the bags are dropped off.
Luggage storage is available every day between 9:00 and 18:00.
Outside of the center’s hours, coin lockers at JR Kii-Tanabe Station are an option, but bags are only kept in the locker for 3 days, including the day they were dropped off.
Coin Lockers
Coin Locker Overview
There are many locations throughout the region that have coin-lockers, especially the train stations. Storing your luggage is a convenient option, letting you freely visit the area.
Coin lockers are usually based on a day rate, 24 hours from 12 midnight to 12 midnight. If you leave luggage in the locker for more than one day, another day’s rate is needed to remove your baggage. Most coin lockers can be used for up to 3 days.
Locker dimensions vary but are usually available in small, medium, and large sizes.
How to Use Coin Lockers
- Find an empty locker.
- Put baggage inside.
- Insert 100 yen coins to pay.
- Close locker door and turn key.
- Take key with you.
- To retrieve luggage insert key and open door.
Tanabe Coin Lockers
Kii-Tanabe Station
Hours: 5:00~24:00
Maximum time of use: 3 days
Total number of lockers: 23
Contact information: 0739-26-7885
(call in Japanese)
| Size | Height | Width | Depth | Number | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 34 cm | 34 cm | 60 cm | 9 | 400 yen/day |
| Medium | 52 cm | 34 cm | 60 cm | 10 | 500 yen/day |
| Large | 86 cm | 34 cm | 60 cm | 4 | 700 yen/day |
Miyoshiya Ryokan
For those wishing to store their luggage longer than 3 days, or have luggage too large for the coin-lockers, then the Miyoshiya Ryokan Luggage Storage service may be a good option.
Miyoshiya Ryokan is located near Kii-Tanabe station.
Tanabe Map
They require the following information in advance which can be sent via the KUMANO TRAVEL contact form.
- Name (of one only in case of a group)
- Drop-off date and time
- Pick-up date and time
Price: 500 yen per night, per piece of luggage
NOTE: Full payment is due in cash directly to Miyoshiya Ryokan when dropping luggage off.
Hongu Coin Lockers
Karasuya
Hours: 8:00~18:00
Maximum time of use: 1 day
Total number of lockers: 22
Contact information: 0735-42-0357
(call in Japanese)
| Size | Height | Width | Depth | Number | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 40 cm | 36cm | 43 cm | 8 | 300 yen/day |
| Medium | 53 cm | 36 cm | 43 cm | 6 | 400 yen/day |
| Large | 80 cm | 36 cm | 49 cm | 8 | 500 yen/day* |
NOTE: Lockers are cleared every day.
*LARGE LOCKER NOTE: Only 500-yen coins accepted.