Luggage storage options from Shinjuku->Kamakura->Kyoto.
Feb 9th, 2013, 04:05 AM
#1
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Luggage storage options from Shinjuku->Kamakura->Kyoto.
I'm planning on traveling from Shinjuku to Kamakura, and after spending a few hours there, head on to Kyoto. I will be using a JR pass (green seat), and traveling with my family (including a 7-year old). We will have all our luggage with us since we are leaving Tokyo and will be spending the next few days in Kyoto. We will have two of these 29" bags: http://www.amazon.com/Travelers-Choi...ref=pd_sbs_a_4.
My original plan was to leave the luggage with the hotel and come back to Shinjuku, but I am hearing that this might not be a good idea.
1. Are there luggage storage counters on the trip to Kamakura where I could keep my luggage and collect it on the way to Kyoto?
2. If there are lockers, will my bags fit in those lockers?
3. Are there multiple options in case the storage areas/lockers are full?
4. Should I consider using "Takuhaibin"? Who do I contact, and can I expect same day delivery from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Thanks,
D
My original plan was to leave the luggage with the hotel and come back to Shinjuku, but I am hearing that this might not be a good idea.
1. Are there luggage storage counters on the trip to Kamakura where I could keep my luggage and collect it on the way to Kyoto?
2. If there are lockers, will my bags fit in those lockers?
3. Are there multiple options in case the storage areas/lockers are full?
4. Should I consider using "Takuhaibin"? Who do I contact, and can I expect same day delivery from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Thanks,
D
Feb 9th, 2013, 08:38 AM
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You've actually got a couple of issues: what to do with your luggage while in Kamakura, and how to manage your luggage while on the train. All of the local trains will have only relatively narrow overhead racks, and the Shinkansen to Kyoto will have slightly larger overhead racks. In short, hauling 29" suitcases from Shinjuku -> Kamakura -> Kyoto will be inconvenient, to say the least.
Best solution if at all possible is to use the baggage forwarding (Takuhaibin) service. I do not believe it's possible to arrange same-day delivery from Tokyo to Kyoto. You'll probably need to have your suitcases ready at some point in mid to late afternoon on the day before you leave, and the luggage will be waiting for you in Kyoto.
This means that you'd also need 1 or 2 smaller, overnight-type bags that you'd take with you.
Your hotel will arrange for the Takuhaibin service. They'll tell you when you need to have your bags ready. It would be a good idea, if at all possible, to have the name/address of your Kyoto lodging written in Japanese -- this should be available from either your Kyoto hotel's website or by emailing them.
I don't know if Kamakura has a station with baggage hold or lockers. If no one here knows, perhaps your hotel concierge or front desk would know or could telephone and find out. If there's no storage at Kamakura, you could take the train from Shinjuku to Yokohama, store your small luggage in lockers there, then head to Kamakura, stopping back at Yokohama en route to Kyoto.
Best solution if at all possible is to use the baggage forwarding (Takuhaibin) service. I do not believe it's possible to arrange same-day delivery from Tokyo to Kyoto. You'll probably need to have your suitcases ready at some point in mid to late afternoon on the day before you leave, and the luggage will be waiting for you in Kyoto.
This means that you'd also need 1 or 2 smaller, overnight-type bags that you'd take with you.
Your hotel will arrange for the Takuhaibin service. They'll tell you when you need to have your bags ready. It would be a good idea, if at all possible, to have the name/address of your Kyoto lodging written in Japanese -- this should be available from either your Kyoto hotel's website or by emailing them.
I don't know if Kamakura has a station with baggage hold or lockers. If no one here knows, perhaps your hotel concierge or front desk would know or could telephone and find out. If there's no storage at Kamakura, you could take the train from Shinjuku to Yokohama, store your small luggage in lockers there, then head to Kamakura, stopping back at Yokohama en route to Kyoto.
Feb 9th, 2013, 11:14 AM
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http://www.jreast.co.jp/estation/stations/476.html
Above is a link to a map of the JR Kamakura station - the little key symbols indicate coin lockers - but don't know the size....
Above is a link to a map of the JR Kamakura station - the little key symbols indicate coin lockers - but don't know the size....
Feb 9th, 2013, 09:18 PM
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> If there are lockers, will my bags fit in those lockers?
If you do use lockers, when you consult the information about the size of the lockers (available on japan-guide.com), note that the stated size does NOT reflect the interior space allocated to the lock mechanism. I found out the hard way: I had a suitcase that I selected specifically to fit in a "medium" locker - and it would have, if I could have gotten it in, but I couldn't because there was a metal box inside the locker associated with the lock.
Also, if you do ever use a locker in a Japanese train station, pay VERY close attention to where the locker is! I once checked a bag, left the station, and only later realized that there were numerous entries and numerous banks of lockers. To my embarrassment, station staff had to help me find my locker. To my delight, they were able to do so!
I've heard that same-day takuhaibin services are increasingly common, but I'm not sure I would feel comfortable relying on it without a backup plan! I routinely used takuhaibin services, and always found it problem-free, but I must admit that I never counted on next day service - I always had an overnight bag with basic necessities.
You should be able to find lots of relevant info about takuhaibin, trains, lockers, etc. on japan-guide.com
Hope that helps!
If you do use lockers, when you consult the information about the size of the lockers (available on japan-guide.com), note that the stated size does NOT reflect the interior space allocated to the lock mechanism. I found out the hard way: I had a suitcase that I selected specifically to fit in a "medium" locker - and it would have, if I could have gotten it in, but I couldn't because there was a metal box inside the locker associated with the lock.
Also, if you do ever use a locker in a Japanese train station, pay VERY close attention to where the locker is! I once checked a bag, left the station, and only later realized that there were numerous entries and numerous banks of lockers. To my embarrassment, station staff had to help me find my locker. To my delight, they were able to do so!
I've heard that same-day takuhaibin services are increasingly common, but I'm not sure I would feel comfortable relying on it without a backup plan! I routinely used takuhaibin services, and always found it problem-free, but I must admit that I never counted on next day service - I always had an overnight bag with basic necessities.
You should be able to find lots of relevant info about takuhaibin, trains, lockers, etc. on japan-guide.com
Hope that helps!
Feb 11th, 2013, 08:18 AM
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There is same day takuhaibin service from Tokyo to Kyoto of course being charged a premium for the quicker service. Ask the bell desk for details as they will likely be the ones taking care of filling out your forms and actually handling your luggage to the freight forwarder. Some larger hotels actually have a freight forwarding office located in their lobby. See this site for details and luggage information throughout Japan.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2274.html
Aloha!
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2274.html
Aloha!
