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This guide provides essential travel tips and practical advice for navigating Kanagawa Prefecture. From transportation passes to safety information, you will find everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Overview
Key Points
- Hakone Baggage Delivery Service: ¥1,500 per piece — send luggage from Hakone-Yumoto Station to your hotel (same-day delivery) Book Central Hotel Yokosuka — convenient and affordable accommodation in the heart of Yokosuka
- Coin lockers at Hakone-Yumoto Station: ¥400-800 per day — but fill up by mid-morning on weekends
- Takkyubin (inter-city): ¥2,000-3,000 per suitcase — send Tokyo → Hakone hotel (next-day delivery)
- Best strategy: Use hotel delivery for overnight stays; use coin lockers for day trips Book your stay at Enoshima Hotel — seaside accommodation with stunning ocean views
- Bottom line: Hakone's terrain is hilly — traveling light is not optional, it's essential
Why You Need This Guide
Hakone's charm — mountains, ropeways, pirate ships, narrow streets — is also its challenge, Dragging a suitcase through switchback train stations, up steps to cable cars, and across cobblestone paths will ruin your day. Every traveler who has attempted Hakone with a full-sized suitcase regrets it. The solution: Use one of the luggage services below to send your bags ahead, freeing you to explore hands-free.
Option 1: Hakone Baggage Delivery Service (Hotel Delivery)
The official Hakone Baggage Delivery Service is the most convenient option for overnight visitors. It operates between Hakone-Yumoto Station and partner hotels across Hakone.
How It Works
Tokyo → Hakone (via train) ↓ Drop luggage at Hakone-Yumoto Station counter (by 12:00) ↓ Enjoy exploring Hakone hands-free ↓ Luggage arrives at your hotel by 15:00-17:00
Prices
| Size | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | Total ≤ 140 cm | ≤ 15 kg | ¥1,500 |
| Large | Total ≤ 200 cm | ≤ 30 kg | ¥2,500 |
Service Counter Location
Hakone-Yumoto Station — Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center (inside the station, near the ticket gates)
Operating Hours
| Service | Drop-off Time | Pick-up Time |
|---|---|---|
| Station → Hotel | 8:30-12:00 (arrives by 15:00-17:00) | — |
| Hotel → Station | Hotel front desk (by 10:00) | 13:30-18:30 |
How to Use
- Book online: Reserve via Hakone Navi official site (recommended to skip queues)
- Drop off: Bring your luggage to the service counter at Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Receive: Find your luggage waiting at your hotel reception
Important Notes
- ✅ Same-day delivery within Hakone (drop off by 12:00)
- ✅ Works in reverse (hotel → station for departure day)
- ✅ Online reservation available — highly recommended on weekends
- ❌ Only for guests staying at partner hotels
- ❌ No valuables (laptops, cameras, passports, jewelry)
- ❌ No same-day delivery for bags dropped after 12:00
Option 2: Coin Lockers (Day-Tripper's Choice)
For day trips, coin lockers at Hakone-Yumoto Station are your best bet.
Locker Locations
| Location | Number of Lockers | Sizes Available |
|---|---|---|
| Hakone-Yumoto Station (main) | ~100 lockers | Small (¥400), Medium (¥600), Large (¥800) |
| Odawara Station | ~200 lockers | All sizes — more capacity than Hakone |
| Gora Station | ~50 lockers | Small-Medium only |
Locker Dimensions
| Size | Typical Dimensions (cm) | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 35 × 40 × 60 | Daypack, shopping bags |
| Medium | 35 × 55 × 60 | Carry-on suitcase, backpack |
| Large | 35 × 85 × 60 | Full-sized suitcase (up to 28-inch) |
Critical Warning
Hakone-Yumoto Station lockers fill up by 10:00-11:00 on weekends, holidays, and during peak seasons (cherry blossom, autumn leaves, New Year). Arrive early or have a backup plan.
Backup Locker Strategy
| Scenario | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Hakone-Yumoto lockers full | Take local train to Odawara Station (15 min) — larger locker capacity |
| Arriving after 11:00 | Skip Hakone-Yumoto lockers; go directly to Odawara station |
| Traveling with 2+ large suitcases | Use the Baggage Delivery Service instead |
| Staying overnight | Don't use lockers — use hotel delivery service |
Option 3: Takkyubin (Inter-City Luggage Delivery)
For traveling between Tokyo and Hakone, use Japan's famous takkyubin courier service (Yamato Transport/ Kuroneko Yamato or Sagawa Express).
How the Service Works
Tokyo hotel front desk → Drop off luggage by 10:00 ↓ Luggage travels by courier truck (next-day delivery) ↓ Luggage arrives at Hakone hotel next day after 15:00Pricing Details
| Route | Regular Suitcase (≤ 140 cm) | Large Suitcase (≤ 200 cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo → Hakone hotel | ¥2,000-2,500 | ¥2,500-3,000 |
| Hakone hotel → Tokyo | ¥2,000-2,500 | ¥2,500-3,000 |
| Tokyo → Hakone Station (counter pickup) | ¥1,800-2,200 | ¥2,200-2,700 |
Usage Guide
- Ask your hotel front desk to arrange pickup (most hotels offer this service)
- Fill out the delivery slip (hotel staff will help)
- Pay at the hotel (cash or add to hotel bill)
- Your next hotel receives it the following day
Timing
| Drop-off Time | Arrival (Standard) | Arrival (Express, extra ¥200) |
|---|---|---|
| By 10:00 | Next day (15:00-18:00) | Same day (18:00-21:00) — limited routes |
| By 14:00 | Day after next | Same day (limited availability) |
| By 18:00 | Day after next | — |
⚠️ Critical: Standard takkyubin is next-day delivery. Do not expect same-day service between Tokyo and Hakone. Plan a one-day gap.
Sample Timeline for Luggage Forwarding
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (Tokyo) | Enjoy Tokyo with your luggage. Drop bags at hotel front desk by 10:00 for next-day delivery |
| Day 2 (Hakone, arriving) | Travel light to Hakone with just a daypack. Your luggage arrives at hotel by late afternoon |
| Day 3 (Hakone, departing) | Enjoy final morning. Drop bags at hotel front desk by 10:00 for Tokyo delivery (or use Hakone Station service) |
| Day 4 (Tokyo) | Your luggage is waiting at your Tokyo hotel when you arrive |
Option 4: Manned Luggage Storage
If you don't qualify for hotel delivery and can't find a coin locker:
| Location | Service | Hours | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hakone-Yumoto Station — Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center | Manned counter | 8:30-18:00 | ¥500-800 per bag |
| Odawara Station — Tourist Information Center | Manned counter | 9:00-17:00 | ¥500-700 per bag |
| Hakone-Yumoto — Some souvenir shops | Unofficial storage | Varies | ¥500-1,000 per bag |
Recommended Strategy by Trip Type
Day Trip from Tokyo
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Luggage | Leave at your Tokyo hotel |
| What to bring | Small daypack only |
| If you must bring luggage | Use coin lockers at Odawara Station (more capacity) |
1-Night Stay in Hakone (Before or After Tokyo)
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| Morning in Tokyo | Drop luggage at hotel front desk for takkyubin to Hakone hotel |
| Arrive Hakone | Explore freely with daypack only |
| Late afternoon | Luggage arrives at hotel |
| Next day departure | Use Hakone Station delivery service back to Tokyo |
2-Night Stay in Hakone (Middle of Trip)
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Arrival day | Use Hakone Baggage Delivery Service (¥1,500) from station to hotel |
| Full day | Explore with daypack, hotel change if needed |
| Departure day | Use hotel → station delivery (¥1,500) or takkyubin to next city |
Traveling Between Kyoto/Osaka and Hakone
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best method | Takkyubin from Kyoto hotel → Hakone hotel (2 days delivery) |
| Alternative | Take luggage on Shinkansen to Odawara, then use coin lockers |
| Warning | Do NOT attempt to carry large luggage on the Odakyu Romancecar — limited luggage space |
What NOT to Put in Luggage Forwarding
All luggage services prohibit these items (standard policy):
| ❌ Prohibited | ✅ Carry with You |
|---|---|
| Passport | 📄 Passport |
| Laptop/tablet | 💻 Laptop |
| Camera equipment | 📷 Camera |
| Jewelry/valuables | 💍 Valuables |
| Medications | 💊 Daily medications |
| Fragile items | 🔌 Chargers/cables |
| Important documents | 📋 Travel documents |
Golden rule: Your luggage service bag should contain only clothes, toiletries, souvenirs, and non-essential items, Everything you need during the day stays in your daypack.
Hakone Luggage Map
🚄 Tokyo (leave luggage or send ahead) │ ┌────────────┴────────────┐ ▼ ▼ 🚃 Odawara Station 🚃 Hakone-Yumoto Station (200+ lockers, (100 lockers, Baggage best backup option) Delivery counter) │ │ └────────────┬────────────┘ ▼ 🏔️ Gora Station (50 lockers) │ ┌────────────┴────────────┐ ▼ ▼ 🏨 Your Hotel 🚡 Ropeway/Pirate Ship (Luggage arrives (No luggage storage) by 15:00-17:00)After navigating Hakone's ropeway, switchback trains, and pirate ship with our luggage on our first visit, we learned the hard way that traveling light is non-negotiable in Hakone. This guide compiles everything we wish we'd known — from the official delivery service to backup coin locker strategies.
For more detailed information, check out our guide on Yokohama Coworking Guide 2026: Best Remote Work Spaces in Kanagawa. During my trip, I discovered that booking accommodations at least two weeks in advance makes a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Q: Can I send luggage from Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station (not a hotel)?A:** A: Yes — use takkyubin to "Hakone-Yumoto Station" (counter pickup). The station's Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center accepts deliveries. Cost: ¥1,800-2,200 per suitcase.
Q: Q: Is the Hakone Baggage Delivery Service available for day-trippers?A:** A: No — it's only for guests staying at partner hotels. Day-trippers should use coin lockers or manned storage.
Q: Q: Can I use the service to send luggage between Hakone attractions?A:** A: The official service only covers station → hotel and hotel → station. For between-attractions transport, use coin lockers at stations along the way.
Q: Q: What if my hotel isn't a partner of the Hakone Baggage Delivery Service?A:** A: Check with your hotel directly — many non-partner hotels can still arrange takkyubin pickup/delivery at standard rates.
Q: Q: Are there luggage storage services at the Hakone Ropeway or Pirate Ship?A:** A: No. Neither the ropeway stations nor the pirate ship have luggage storage. Travel with a daypack only.
Related Articles
- Hakone Free Pass Ultimate Guide — Getting around Hakone
- Kanagawa Transport Pass Comparison — All Kanagawa transport passes compared
- Hakone Onsen Complete Guide — Best onsen for day-trippers
- How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo — Transport options to Hakone
- What to Wear in Hakone by Season — Packing list for Hakone
Last Updated: June 29, 2026 Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team Prices and operating hours subject to change. Always check official websites before your visit.
Hakone Luggage Forwarding Guide: Travel ... is your starting point for exploring this part of Kanagawa. With these practical tips, you'll navigate Kanagawa with confidence and enjoy a smooth travel experience.
For more guides, check out our other articles covering Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama, Shonan, and the Miura Peninsula. Stay at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kamakura-Ofuna — budget-friendly & steps from Ofuna Station, great base for day trips
I explored multiple options before settling on these recommendations. What I learned from experience is that planning ahead makes a real difference.
How to Get There
Most locations in this guide are accessible from central Tokyo within 60-90 minutes by train. The JR lines and private railways connect major stations efficiently. For real-time routes, use Google Maps or Japan Travel by Navitime. Consider purchasing an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) for seamless travel across all train and bus lines.
When to Go
Each season in Kanagawa offers a different experience. Spring brings cherry blossoms and mild weather. Summer is beach season with festivals and fireworks. Autumn offers stunning fall foliage and comfortable temperatures. Winter has clear skies fewer crowds and occasional views of snow-capped Mount Fuji. \n\n## What to Expect\n\nVisiting Kanagawa as a tourist offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Most attractions are within a 10-15 minute walk from train stations, with clear English signage at major locations. You'll find convenience stores (konbini) every few blocks for snacks, drinks, and ATM access. Public restrooms are available at stations and parks, though some older facilities may lack Western-style toilets. The area is generally very safe, even at night, but staying aware of your surroundings is always wise.\n\n\n### Nearby Recommendations\n\nIf you have extra time, the surrounding area offers several worthwhile additions to your itinerary. Local tourist information centers can provide maps and suggestions for combining nearby attractions into an efficient route. Many areas offer combination tickets that save money compared to buying individual admission tickets. Consider extending your stay to explore neighboring towns and villages.\n\n\n### Local Tips\n\nLocals recommend starting your day early to experience attractions before the crowds arrive. Many temples and gardens are at their most beautiful in the early morning light. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases goes a long way - a simple sumimasen (excuse me) and arigato gozaimasu (thank you) are appreciated everywhere. Carry a small hand towel for public restrooms, as many do not provide paper towels.\n
Practical Tips
- Plan ahead: Book popular accommodations and restaurants 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom season and autumn foliage.
- Cash is king: Many smaller shops, temples, and local restaurants are cash-only. Carry sufficient yen.
- IC card: Get a Suica or Pasmo card at the airport for seamless train and bus travel across Kanagawa.
- WiFi access: Free WiFi is available at major train stations and tourist information centers.
- Luggage: Use luggage forwarding services (takkyubin) between hotels for hands-free exploration.
Nearby Recommendations
If you have extra time, the surrounding area offers several worthwhile additions. Local tourist information centers can provide maps and suggestions. Many areas offer combination tickets. Consider extending your stay to explore neighboring towns.
Packing Essentials
For a trip to Kanagawa, pack comfortable walking shoes as you will be on your feet exploring temples, shrines, and neighborhoods. A reusable water bottle is essential - tap water is safe to drink. A small umbrella or light rain jacket is useful year-round. Power banks are recommended since you will rely on your phone for maps. A small daypack for daily essentials makes sightseeing more convenient.
Conclusion
Hakone Luggage Forwarding Guide: Travel Hands-Free in is an incredible destination that offers something for every traveler. With the practical tips and insights in this guide, you are well-prepared to explore confidently. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and enjoy everything this remarkable part of Kanagawa has to offer. Safe travels!
