Has anyone here ever sent their luggage from a hotel in Japan to Narita so it would be there when they get to the airport? Did you have a good experience w/this? I'm thinking of doing this to avoid having to travel w/the luggage from Kyoto to Narita (w/train switch to Narita Express) but am apprehensive about it.

I used to send luggage from my dorm to Narita all the time. You just arrange ahead of time, let them know when your flight is and they will tell you when they will pick it up. I am sure you can ask your hotel to help arrange it. The company I used was ABC and my friend used it again to send her luggage from a hotel in Osaka to Kansai Airport just recently. I remember the price to be very reasonable as well.

So then you just show up at some counter at Narita and the company that sent the luggage hands over your luggage to you so you can check it on your flight?
I would love to do this since it went smoothly for you.

Had dinner with a friend from Yonezawa tonight in Tokyo. She does it all the time. You would have to send it two days in advance from Kyoto, tho, I think.

"So then you just show up at some counter at Narita and the company that sent the luggage hands over your luggage to you so you can check it on your flight?"

Yes, ABC has a counter at the departure hall. They will give you a receipt when they pick up the luggage. You retrieve your luggage with the receipt and pay at the airport.

Also, my friend in Osaka did not have to be present when her bags were picked up. The hotel had all the papers needed and she just completed those, got her receipt and we left for Kobe. She picked up her luggage at Kansai Airport three days later. I believe most hotels will be able to do that.

Hope this helps.

I left a bag at ABC in the arrival hall on Monday, telling them I would pick it up on Sunday. When I got there 90 minutes ago, my bag was front and center. Took all of 30 seconds to get the bag, pay, and go on my way.

About the sumo, yes the same rishiki will be there in Osaka in March as in Tokyo now. Asashoryu is the yokozuna and his bout will be last. I arrived around 1:30, settled in, and watched a few bouts. The kokugikan was about 75% empty. At 2PM, I went to the chanko (an inexpensive "sumo meal", 200Y). The main matches started at 4PM and lasted until 6PM.

I guess today is actually Saturday (thank goodness). Will arrive today 9:40 AM before I leave 11:10 AM.

At least you can sleep on Sunday, and Monday is a holiday for you I hope.

Thanks to both of you, mrwunrfl and ngodeia, for the info on ABC and the vote of confidence. I will send our luggage to Narita from Kyoto.