Introduction
Japan has always been a favored destination for travelers, especially from Hong Kong. The convenience of sending souvenirs back home has now taken a giant leap forward. A new initiative, spearheaded by NEXT81, a prominent e-commerce company, and Yamato Transport, aims to enhance the travel experience for visitors while also invigorating local economies by offering a unique baggage-free tourist experience.
The Service Overview
In a move to enhance comfort for both tourists and locals, NEXT81 has launched its new service, "YAICHI TRAVEL," effective from May 15, 2025. This service allows international tourists to ship souvenirs easily from around 40,000 outlets, including convenience stores like Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart, to their homes in Hong Kong and the UK. Furthermore, an agreement to establish strategic collaborations in cross-border e-commerce was signed just days prior on May 1, 2025.
How It Works
The process is designed to be simple and user-friendly:
1.
Confirmation of Product Details: Travelers can initially check product regulations on the "YAICHI TRAVEL" website. Here, they will enter product details and payment information.
2.
QR Code Submission: At their chosen shipping location, customers display a QR code on their smartphones.
3.
Collection: Yamato Transport staff will then collect the packages, undertaking necessary export and customs procedures at domestic consolidation points.
4.
Delivery: Finally, the logistics partner in Hong Kong or the UK ensures packages reach customers' doorsteps.
This service initially supports multiple languages, including Traditional Chinese and English, with plans to expand further as demand increases.
Locations and Products
Tourists can send items from:
- - Convenience Stores: (Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart) within a size range of 60 to 160 cm.
- - Yamato Transport Offices: Offering a size range of 60 to 200 cm.
- - YAICHI TRAVEL Partner Stores: Also supporting 60 to 200 cm.
Note: Cool delivery services are not included in this offering. For shipments to the UK, only packages up to size 120 cm are currently supported, although there are plans to expand this.
Delivery Regions
Currently, the service is available for Hong Kong and the UK, with future plans to extend to other countries, including Taiwan.
Delivery Timeframe
Packages are expected to arrive within approximately 7 to 10 days, providing a reliable timeframe for travelers to plan their purchases accordingly.
Benefits
This service brings multiple advantages:
1.
For Tourists: Increased ease in shopping and traveling without baggage concerns enhances the overall experience of visiting Japan.
2.
For Shipping Locations: Stores can benefit from increased shipping fees and foot traffic, while also reducing the burden of language barriers.
3.
For Local Residents: Tackles the issue of overtourism by encouraging sustainable travel practices.
4.
For Local Retailers: By creating new purchase opportunities, it stimulates local economies and encourages more customers to spend within the region.
Future Prospects
As travel norms evolve, there are plans to broaden shipping destinations and include new services like expedited cooling deliveries and implementing new tax exemption systems for the international market. NEXT81 and Yamato Transport are committed to innovatively addressing the changing demands and societal issues.
Conclusion
The service caters not only to the needs of tourists but also significantly supports local economies by providing a seamless shopping experience and sustainable solutions for the tourism sector. This strategic collaboration marks a new era in the intersection of tourism and logistics, highlighting the importance of adaptability in an ever-changing global environment.