Tokyo’s metro system is famously one of the busiest and most crowded in the world, with the system even employing oshiya or ‘passenger pushers’ at certain stations during rush hour to ensure as many people as possible can get onto heaving trains.
But with Japan witnessing a massive influx of foreign tourists, with 2.87 million international travelers flooding into the country in September alone, Japan Airlines is clearly concerned that all those visitors and their suitcases are going to put even more strain on the public transit system.
That’s perhaps why the Japanese flag carrier has decided to launch a new same-day luggage delivery service for foreign tourists, encouraging them to leave their bulky suitcases at Tokyo Haneda Airport rather than lugging them on packed train services.
After picking up their luggage from the carousel and clearing customs, passengers can proceed to a dedicated counter in the arrival hall where they can drop off any larger items and have them delivered direct to their hotel or Airbnb.
Japan Airlines says in a statement that the service is designed to “address social issues such as congestion in public transportation and the shortage of storage lockers.”
“By offering this service, JAL is committed to enhancing the convenience and comfort of foreign visitors, contributing to a more enjoyable and efficient travel experience.”
This isn’t the first time that Japan Airlines has tried to get foreign passengers to bring less with them. Last year, the carrier introduced a clothing hire service for international travelers, which sees a set of clothing delivered to the passenger’s address for the duration of their stay in Japan.
At the time, Japan Airlines said it hoped the initiative would help reduce the airline’s impact on the environment by convincing passengers to bring less luggage with them, thereby reducing the weight of the plane and the amount of fuel each flight burns.
The luggage delivery service is less unique than the ‘Any Wear, Anywhere’ program, and for the time being, the delivery zone only includes specific areas of Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, and Koto.
Unfortunately, the service does come at a cost, and Japan Airlines is currently charging passengers as much as 4,500 yen (US $30) per bag.
Good idea. How nice of the Japanese to do so.
i guess it could be better if they can lower their taxi fees.
EXACTLY
It’s not that expensive unless your using them to go everywhere. The trains and busses are inexpensive plus when you exchange currency your getting more back so there’s really no reason to ask for cheaper things.
Travel light.
I saw this as well when I arrived at Haneda Airport about 10 days ago. The thing is that, shipping your suitcases, etc. to your home/hotel is commonplace and universally customary for the locals. The unwritten etiquette is not to bring anything big on most forms of public transportation if possible. JAL is basically making this known to the newcomers.
Another thing I noticed is that the cost of this “special service” seemed a bit higher than the “regular” service provided directly by Yamato. For example, I was able to ship my luggages (two) from Haneda to Kyoto for about 4,000 JPY. It only took a day. I’m not sure they are charging 4,500 JPY per suitcase for this “new” service.
The best solution is to have shuttle busses to different station and that’s nearby walking distance for example if you are staying near Shibuya then make a stop there and if your walking distance from there then get off and walk, the delivery thing is ok but why would I want my stuff delivered to me in the morning I rather get the limo they have and walk to the hotel