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Baggage Transport
If you’re taking a train to Tokyo and then departing from Narita, it’s recommended to send your baggage to Narita ahead of you via a ground transport baggage service. Especially during the holidays and major travel times (times you’re likely to be traveling as an ALT), the trains can be pretty packed and there really isn’t much room for big suitcases or lots of baggage. Aside from the space issue, lugging your luggage around can be a real pain! You’ll often find yourself walking up and down stairs from one platform to another and it can be quite difficult with too much stuff!
There are companies who will transport your baggage for you by ground for only about 2000yen per bag.
Call the company at least 2 days ahead of time to schedule a time to pick up the bags. They will usually give you a few windows of times to choose from (e.g.-9am-12pm, 12pm-3pm, etc.). The payment is made at the time of pickup at your apartment, so be sure to have your money ready. They’ll give you a ticket that you need to keep to claim your bag at Narita airport. The locations to collect your bag at the airport are right next to the check-in counters, so it is very convenient and easy.
The biggest ground transport company in Japan is Yamato Transport. You can recognize this company everywhere by their logo of the black cat. All information for Yamato can be found at http://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/english/index.html
ABC Baggage (operated by JAL) is another main transport company. The number for ABC is 033-545-2800. They usually have English speakers available so it should be really easy to schedule a pickup.
Things to have ready when you call a baggage company for pickup
- Your address
- Telephone number where you can be reached (keitai is best)
- Flight info, including airline, flight number, and departure time
The delivery is overnight, but remember to call at least 2 days before you want your bags picked up to schedule your pickup appointment!
There are many other companies with the same services and prices. All of the main companies are listed on the Narita Airport website. Click on either Terminal 1 or 2, and then go to Facilities and Services. Then go to Baggage Delivery for the list of the companies. The company websites are in Japanese. Narita Airport (http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/index.html)
You can also use this service when you return from your travels (on the way back to Toyama). The baggage delivery desks at Narita for Arrivals are located to the left when you exit into the welcome lobby (after customs). Chances are that international weight limits for baggage will be higher than domestic limits, so it is advisable and a lot cheaper to send baggage back to Toyama through a transport company rather than paying the excess baggage charge on a domestic flight.