#Japan #Fukuoka #Yamato Transport #Fukuoka Airport #JR Kyushu

Same-Day Luggage Delivery Service by JR Kyushu and Yamato Transport

Starting on October 1, 2025, JR Kyushu (Kyuushuu Railway Company) and Yamato Transport will introduce an innovative same-day delivery service for luggage, aimed at enhancing convenience for the increasing number of tourists in the Kyushu region. Tourists arriving at Fukuoka Airport can now enjoy a seamless travel experience as their “hands-free” luggage is efficiently transported to their accommodations in Kumamoto and Kagoshima.

Service Overview

The collaboration between JR Kyushu and Yamato Transport includes a streamlined process for handling luggage. Upon arrival at Fukuoka Airport's International Terminal, travelers can drop off their bags at the Yamato Transport counter. The luggage will then be transported by truck to JR Hakata Station, where it will be transferred onto a Shinkansen (bullet train) destined for either JR Kumamoto Station or JR Kagoshima Chuo Station. Once the Shinkansen reaches its destination, another truck from Yamato transport will take the luggage to the nearest Yamato service center, ensuring that it reaches the specified hotel or lodging by 6:00 PM the same day. This service is provided under a contract between JR Kyushu and Yamato Transport, optimizing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Delivering to Your Accommodation

The service begins on October 1, 2025, with luggage pickup available daily from the Yamato Transport counter at the Fukuoka Airport International Terminal. The counter operates from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, with overall service hours extending from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The cost for this service includes the standard Yamato Transport fee (with a discount for drop-off) plus an additional charge of JPY 2,200.

Payment and Size Restrictions

Customers can pay for the service using various methods including cash, electronic money, QR codes, and credit cards. As for luggage specifications, the maximum dimensions (length + width + height) must be under 200 cm, and individual items must weigh no more than 30kg. This ensures a broad range of items can be transported efficiently.

Context and Background

Recently, tourism in Kyushu has seen a significant uptick, with visitor numbers expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2024. In preparation for this anticipated increase, infrastructure improvements at Fukuoka Airport are also on the horizon, including the opening of a new second runway and the international terminal scheduled for grand opening in March 2025.

JR Kyushu and Yamato Transport have already been proactive in enhancing the travel experience. In September 2022, both companies successfully tested a service delivering freshly baked bread to various stations for tourists to enjoy during their travels. Now, with the introduction of the same-day luggage delivery service, they aim to establish a more robust “hands-free travel” experience, reducing the burden of carrying heavy luggage which can detract from the enjoyment of exploring beautiful Kyushu.

These efforts reflect a commitment to responding to the needs of travelers and ensuring a more pleasant journey for everyone visiting Kyushu.

As both companies look forward to expanding service offerings at additional locations, the emphasis remains on improving ease and convenience for visitors.

References

1. Yamato Transport Official Site – Hand-Free Travel Service
2. JR Kyushu Cargo Transportation – Hayatabi
3. Fukuoka International Airport Corporation – International Terminal Grand Opening

This new service paves the way for more innovative transportation solutions and a brighter future for tourism in Kyushu.