Everything You Need to Know About Using TA-Q-BIN, Yamato (Kuroneko) in Japan.
- OnpointMadarao
- May 12
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
From airport luggage delivery to ski resort transfers and hotel-to-hotel shipping—here’s your complete guide to Japan’s most reliable, stress-free courier service - TA-Q-BIN Yamato (Kuroneko).
Why You Need TA-Q-BIN Yamato Kuroneko on Your Japan Trip:
If you’ve ever tried to travel through Japan with oversized luggage, ski gear, or multiple suitcases, you’ll quickly realise one thing: Japan is not built for bulky bags. Between tight train stations, staircases without elevators, and busy public transport, managing your luggage can feel like an Olympic event.
That’s where Yamato Transport, often referred to by its iconic black cat logo and nickname “Kuroneko”, comes in.
This ultra-reliable Japanese delivery service is not just for locals sending packages—it’s a traveler’s best friend. Whether you’re heading to the ski slopes of Nagano, staying in a ryokan in Kyoto, or flying out of Tokyo with a stopover in Osaka, Yamato helps you move your bags effortlessly, affordably, and with total peace of mind.
In this blog, we’ll break down all the ways you can use Yamato Transport during your trip to Japan, how to arrange services in English, when and why to use it, and how it enhances your travel experience—especially if you’re heading to snowy mountain regions like Madarao, Myoko, or Nozawa.
What Is Yamato (Kuroneko) and Why Should You Use It?
Yamato Transport is Japan’s most trusted door-to-door delivery company. It’s best known for its luggage forwarding service called “TA-Q-BIN”, which allows you to send bags, skis, snowboards, suitcases, or boxes from:
• Airports to hotels
• Hotel to hotel
• Hotels back to the airport
• Home to hotel (within Japan)
It’s fast, affordable, and incredibly reliable. For travelers, it eliminates the need to drag gear through stations or onto packed trains. For ski tourists, it removes the hassle of traveling with bulky board bags, helmets, or heavy outerwear.
Services You Can Use with Yamato
1. Airport to Hotel Delivery
Send your luggage straight from Narita, Haneda, Kansai or Chubu Airport to your accommodation. No need to carry bags on the train.
Cost: Approx. ¥2,500–¥4,000 per item
Delivery Time: Usually next day (may take 2-3 days for rural areas or snow resorts)
2. Hotel to Hotel (Resort to Resort)
Travelling between ski resorts? You can send your gear from one hotel to the next. This is ideal if you’re resort hopping through places like Myoko, Madarao, Nozawa, or Hakuba.
Tip: Confirm with both hotels in advance that they accept luggage delivery and how far in advance you should ship.
3. Hotel to Airport
Ship your bags ahead of your flight and collect them at the airport on the day of your departure. This frees you up for sightseeing or a relaxed final meal without lugging your suitcases.
Important:
• Ship 2–3 days before your flight
• Make sure to clearly mark your flight number and date/time of pickup
• Use the designated Yamato counter at your departure terminal
4. Hotel to Ski Lodge (or Vice Versa)
Heading to the mountains? Most ski lodges in Nagano and Niigata (including Onpoint Madarao) accept Yamato deliveries 1–2 days before check-in.
Don’t: Ship your bag a week early unless the hotel has explicitly agreed to store it.
Do: Include your full name, stay dates, and the hotel’s name on the shipping label.
When to Use Yamato
• When arriving or departing Japan
Ship to/from the airport for less stress on trains, especially if you’re carrying ski gear or traveling with children.
• When moving between hotels
Perfect for travelers doing multi-stop trips (Tokyo → Kyoto → Hakuba → Osaka).
• When traveling to ski resorts
Avoid the chaos of navigating icy paths, narrow buses, or non-English signage with big luggage.
• When sending gifts, souvenirs, or parcels
Want to send your purchases home or surprise a friend within Japan? Yamato makes this seamless.
How to Use Yamato (Kuroneko) as a Traveler
STEP 1: Fill Out the Shipping Slip (Waybill)
You’ll receive a shipping form (available in English at airports and most hotels). This includes:
• Recipient name
• Address (in Japanese or romanized characters)
• Phone number
• Delivery date (selectable)
• Luggage type and size
You can ask staff at your hotel or the Yamato counter to help you fill this out if needed.
✅ Pro tip: Print or screenshot your hotel’s name, phone number, and address in Japanese from Google Maps before arriving in Japan.
STEP 2: Pay the Fee
Fees vary based on size, weight, and distance. Most services fall within:
• Ski/snowboard bag: ¥3,000–¥4,500
• Suitcase (medium-large): ¥2,500–¥3,500
You can pay in cash or credit card depending on the location.
STEP 3: Attach the Label + Confirm Delivery Date
Be clear about when you want the item to arrive. You can choose:
• Next-day
• 2-day delivery
• Specific date and time window (AM, PM)
Hotels and ski lodges generally accept delivery during business hours, but always confirm.
Where Can You Find Yamato (Kuroneko) Services?
• Airport counters (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu)
• Hotels and Ryokans (front desk—ask if they offer “Takkyubin”)
• Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart
• Yamato agent drop-off points (often small corner shops)
• Yamato depots and service centers (for drop-off or inquiries)
Use Yamato’s Service Center Locator to find a location near you.
What Can You Send?
Yamato is not just for luggage. You can also send:
• Ski and snowboard bags
• Golf bags
• Cardboard boxes (souvenirs, shopping, food items)
• Gifts or care packages
• Business materials (for conferences, events, etc.)
What Can You Send?
Yamato is not just for luggage. You can also send:
• Ski and snowboard bags
• Golf bags
• Cardboard boxes (souvenirs, shopping, food items)
• Gifts or care packages
• Business materials (for conferences, events, etc.)
Rules and Restrictions
• Do not pack batteries or hazardous goods
• Items should be sealed securely
• Liquids and fragile items must be labeled
• Weight limit: ~25–30kg per item (check at time of shipping)
Benefits of Using Yamato Transport
✅ Travel Light – Skip lugging gear through stations or on buses
✅ Time Efficient – Save hours and arrive stress-free
✅ Reliable – Items arrive exactly when and where you want them
✅ Affordable – A small price for major convenience
✅ Multi-lingual Help – Available at airports and some hotels
✅ Ideal for Skiers – Snowboards, boots, and bulky bags are no problem
✅ Reduces Last-Day Hassles – Ship your luggage ahead and enjoy your final day free of stress
Real Example: Skiing at Onpoint Madarao
Let’s say you’re flying into Narita Airport, heading to Madarao, and then continuing to Kyoto before returning home.
Without Yamato:
• You lug your snowboard bag, suitcase, and backpack onto the train.
• You change at Tokyo Station (stairs!), transfer to Iiyama.
• You arrive exhausted and late.
With Yamato:
• You ship your gear at Narita to Onpoint Madarao.
• You travel hands-free to the mountains, pick up your bag on arrival.
• Before leaving, you send your gear ahead to Kyoto or Narita for pickup.
• You enjoy your final ride and onsens without stress.
It’s a total game-changer for comfort, especially in the snow season when stations are slippery and paths are icy.
At Onpoint, we happily accept Yamato luggage 1–2 days before arrival, and we help guests ship gear onwards after their stay. If you’re booking a private group lodge, Yamato becomes even more useful—no chaos, no crowding, just a clean and easy transition.
Resources and Links
Check-list.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Don’t Travel Japan Without It
Whether you’re snowboarding through Nagano, travelling between cities, or just looking for a smoother way to explore Japan, Yamato Transport is the secret weapon that most foreign travelers wish they knew about sooner.
You don’t need to suffer through a journey with multiple bags and sore shoulders. Japan already thought of that—and solved it with one of the best luggage courier services in the world.
So before your next trip, ask yourself:
📦 Do I really want to carry all of this?
😌 Or can I just ship it ahead and enjoy the ride?
STAY ONPOINT: Travel effortlessly
At Onpoint Madarao, we:
• Accept Yamato luggage 1–2 days before your stay
• Help you ship your gear onward to your next destination
• Specialize in Private-Group lodge bookings for 14 guests
• Provide local support so you never feel lost in translation
Make your next Japan ski trip feel effortless. Let Onpoint + Yamato take care of the heavy lifting—literally.
Book a private-group lodge stay with us, ship your luggage, and have a hassle free winter escape. At Onpoint Madarao, we specialise in private group lodge bookings. Our team is here to make sure your trip is relaxed, comfortable, and full of good turns.
✅ Madarao's most beautiful lodge all to yourselves
✅ 7-room lodge (up to 14 guests)
✅ Daily breakfast made fresh
✅ Traditional homemade Japanese dinner sets exclusively for guests
✅ Daily shuttle service to the slopes
✅ Support with rentals, transfers, and local secrets
✅ 195+ Verified Googlemaps reviews. Trusted Onpoint experiences.
Embark on an all-out winter adventure at Onpoint Madarao: carve through deep powder, warm up with incredible local food, and explore the magic of Japan’s snow country. Book now at www.onpointmadarao.com and let Madarao’s winter spirit captivate your heart!
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