Let us take a load off your shoulders with the convenient Kumano Kodo luggage shuttle services. Have your bags delivered to your next accommodation as you enjoy your walk on the World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. Even if you are not walking, some options may also be useful to you.
Daily Luggage Shuttle
Daily luggage shuttle service is only available from accommodation to accommodation, except for Kii-Tanabe station, Takijiri, Hosshinmon-oji and Torii-no-Mise (in Hongu at the Zuihoden building).
NOTE: Online booking for luggage shuttle service is only available if accommodations are booked via Kumano Travel.
IMPORTANT: Daily luggage shuttle service needs to be booked at least 10 days in advance.
Luggage Shuttle Service Providers
- Hikyaku Maruo
- Kodo-no-Mori
- Kumano Kodo Shuttle Service
- Luggage Shuttle Service Torii
- Ryujin Bus
- Shuttle Service Kumo (service currently suspended)
- Carrying Crow
- LOVE THE BACKPACK KUMANO KODO
- Kumano Kodo En-Joy-Unso
- Kumano Luggage Express
- KUCHIKUMA Transport
Luggage service for Kohechi is available.
Kohechi luggage shuttle service.
Map for Luggage Shuttle Online Booking
Luggage Shuttle Overview Video
How to Book Daily Luggage Shuttle
Luggage shuttles need to be booked at least 10 days in advance. This can be done via the KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System.
Please visit our How-to-Book page for details on how to use this reservation system.
NOTE: Online booking for luggage shuttle service is only available if accommodations are booked via Kumano Travel.
Thank you in advance for traveling responsibly by booking locally!
Any questions? Contact us >>
Next-day or Later Shipping Options
Some companies can ship luggage all over the country. Two that are readily available in Tanabe are Yamato Transport and Yu-Pack through Japan Post.
Their services are efficient, secure, world-class, and reasonably priced, and do not need to be booked in advance.
If you do not need same-day delivery, two ways they are useful:
1. Ship your luggage from the beginning of your walk to the last accommodation. You can then travel light with a day pack during your walk.
2. Ship your luggage to an accommodation part-way along your journey (in Hongu, for example) that accepts next-day luggage (and can assist you with shipping it as well), and then again to the last accommodation at the end.
Regarding Daily Shuttle after Arriving in Tanabe
Daily luggage is not possible last minute upon your arrival in Tanabe. Please try to book it when you book your accommodations.
For safety reasons and to mitigate onsite problems, the local shuttle suppliers require luggage shuttle only be arranged between accommodations booked through KUMANO TRAVEL.
Having daily luggage shuttle to bring your bags between accommodations booked through KUMANO TRAVEL while walking the Kumano Kodo can be very convenient. Walking hands-free with just a day pack can be liberating and let you focus on the trail, the sights, and the experience.
To book daily luggage shuttle in advance >>
Yamato Transport (Kuroneko)
Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) delivers all over Japan. Their distinctive logo is a yellow oval with a black cat carrying a kitten in its mouth. The Yamato Transport service is often referred to as TA-Q-BIN.
This luggage-forwarding service can be used at many major hotels, convenience stores, airports, and other designated establishments. In Tanabe, it can be done at the 7-11 (open 6:30 to 22:00) inside JR Kii-Tanabe Station or at a nearby Family Mart (open 24 hours).
Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) website >>
Please note that this is not a daily shuttle service.
Size and Price
The size of the package is calculated by adding the length, width, and height.
Maximum size is when the combined total of the length, width, and height (A+B+C) is 160 cm. The maximum weight is 25 kg.
This chart is an estimate for within the Kansai area. Please note, prices may change over time. Please confirm onsite.
| Size Category (サイズ) | Baggage Size (荷物の大きさ) | Weight (重さ) | Price (値段) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | (up to) 60cm | (up to) 2kg | 940 yen |
| 80 | (up to) 80cm | (up to) 5kg | 1,230 yen |
| 100 | (up to) 100cm | (up to) 10kg | 1,530 yen |
| 120 | (up to) 120cm | (up to) 15kg | 1,850 yen |
| 140 | (up to) 140cm | (up to) 20kg | 2,190 yen |
| 160 | (up to) 160cm | (up to) 25kg | 2,510 yen |
Payment
There are two methods of payment; pay when shipping and pay on delivery.
Pay when shipping means paying on the spot when sending the luggage.
NOTE: Only cash is accepted for this service at most places.
Pay on delivery is when the person receiving the package pays. This is more complicated to set up as the person on the other end has to be willing to accept the package. Major hotels can receive pay on delivery but often charge a handling fee to the guests when they hand over the package.
When shipping your luggage it is always easier to pay when shipping.
It is not only a nice courtesy to inform an accommodation your package is arriving, but it is also good to confirm they will accept the package as well.
Also, it is advisable to set the same delivery date and time as when you plan to check-in.
Japan Post Office
The Japan Post Office offers a very similar service regarding price, size and delivery times to Yamato Transport. You can send your luggage from Post Offices across the country. This service is also available at some convenience stores.
The Japan Post shipping service is called Yu-Pack.
Luggage Storage
TANABE Tourist Information Center
For those who do not need a luggage shuttle each day, luggage storage is available next to the JR Kii-Tanabe train station at the TANABE Tourist Information Center.
The cost is 500 yen per bag, per day, including the day the bags are dropped off.
Advance reservation is not required.
Luggage storage is available every day between 9:00 and 18:00.
Outside of the center’s hours, coin lockers at JR Kii-Tanabe Station are an option, but bags are only kept in the locker for 3 days, including the day they were dropped off. There is no limit at the TANABE Tourist Information Center.
Miyoshiya Ryokan
Another option for those wishing to store their luggage longer than 3 days, or have luggage too large for the coin-lockers, then the Miyoshiya Ryokan Luggage Storage service may be a good option.
Miyoshiya Ryokan is located near Kii-Tanabe station.
Tanabe Map
email: info@miyoshiya-ryokan.com
Contact them directly in advance by email in English and provide the following information.
- Name (of one only in case of a group)
- Drop-off date and time
- Pick-up date and time
Price: 500 yen per night, per piece of luggage
NOTE: Full payment is due in cash directly to Miyoshiya Ryokan when dropping luggage off.
Coin Lockers
Coin Locker Overview
Many locations throughout the region have coin-lockers, especially the train stations. Storing your luggage is a convenient option, letting you freely visit the area.
Coin lockers are usually based on a day rate, 24 hours from 12 midnight to 12 midnight. If you leave luggage in the locker for more than one day, another day’s rate is needed to remove your baggage. Most coin lockers can be used for up to 3 days. Leaving them in their for longer means they will probably be taken to a separate storage facility for unclaimed items.
Locker dimensions vary but are usually available in small, medium, and large sizes.
How to Use Coin Lockers
- Find an empty locker.
- Put baggage inside.
- Insert 100 yen coins to pay.
- Close locker door and turn key.
- Take key with you.
- To retrieve luggage insert key and open door.
Tanabe Coin Lockers
Kii-Tanabe Station
Hours: 5:00~24:00
Maximum time of use: 3 days
Total number of lockers: 23
Contact information: 0739-26-7885
(call in Japanese)
| Size | Height | Width | Depth | Number | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 34 cm | 34 cm | 60 cm | 9 | 400 yen/day |
| Medium | 52 cm | 34 cm | 60 cm | 10 | 500 yen/day |
| Large | 86 cm | 34 cm | 60 cm | 4 | 700 yen/day |
Hongu Coin Lockers
Karasuya
Hours: 8:00~18:00
Maximum time of use: 1 day
Total number of lockers: 22
Contact information: 0735-42-0357
(call in Japanese)
| Size | Height | Width | Depth | Number | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 40 cm | 36cm | 43 cm | 8 | 300 yen/day |
| Medium | 53 cm | 36 cm | 43 cm | 6 | 400 yen/day |
| Large | 80 cm | 36 cm | 49 cm | 8 | 500 yen/day* |
NOTE: Lockers are cleared every day.
*LARGE LOCKER NOTE: Only 500-yen coins accepted.