Introduction
The Importance of Hand-Free-Luggage Travel in Japan
When traveling in Japan, you can enjoy its fascinating landscapes, sights, and experiences.
On the other hand, transportation is necessary to get around these places.
Handling your suitcase and other luggage when using this public transportation can be a challenge.
Especially in large cities such as Tokyo, while the train network is very developed and escalators and elevators have been installed, older stations in the countryside do not have these means of transportation and only stairs remain.
It is very difficult to go up and down these stairs with large luggage.
It is also awkward to ride a crowded train with large luggage, and you can get in the train, but luggage can be left outside the train.
In this situation, several services have emerged to reduce the burden on travelers and provide them with a more comfortable trip, allowing them to leave their luggage behind and go sightseeing without them. Among these services is Pikuraku PORTER, announced on August 28, 2024, developed by SEIBU HOLDINGS and designed to make sightseeing in Tokyo even more convenient and comfortable.
This service is already available in Onomichi and Osaka area by JR West .
Pikuraku PORTER: A Convenient and Easy Solution
What is Pikuraku PORTER?
Pikuraku PORTER is a baggage delivery service utilizing smart lockers that Seibu Holdings and SPACER have started a demonstration case in the Tokyo metropolitan area. By depositing luggage in smart lockers installed at major stations in Tokyo, luggage is delivered to a designated hotel on the same day, eliminating the need to carry luggage while sightseeing.
Why is this service important?
Japan’s infrastructure is very well developed, but escalators and elevators are often limited, especially at older stations, making it difficult to move around with luggage. Furthermore, trains are the primary mode of transportation in Tokyo, and travelers are expected to move frequently between stations, and carrying large suitcases can be very tiring.
Pikuraku PORTER solves this problem and provides a safe and convenient way to check luggage. By using this service, you can concentrate on your sightseeing or business activities and enjoy Tokyo without worrying about the weight of your luggage.
Main features of Pikuraku PORTER
Luggage Deposit Locations:.
Smart Lockers are located at convenient locations in Tokyo:
Ikebukuro Station (outside the underground ticket gates)
Seibu Shinjuku Station (outside the main and north ticket gates)
Toshimaen Station (inside the ticket gates)
Delivery time: 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
If you drop off your luggage by 2:00 p.m., it will be delivered to the hotel you specify by 7:00 p.m. on the same day.
Currently, the delivery service is available to approximately 500 hotels in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including the Shinjuku, Ginza, and Maihama areas.
Usage fee:.
1,900 – 2,800 yen (Campaign price until October 31: 1,700 – 2,400 yen)
Prices shown include tax. The fee is flat regardless of the number of luggage items, as long as they are of a size that fits in one locker.
Languages supported:.
Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese
Precautions and inconveniences when using Pikuraku PORTER
Locker Availability:
Lockers may be full during popular hours or at tourist attractions. It is recommended to use the lockers early, especially on weekends and holidays when the area is crowded, as lockers may not be available.
Early bird gets the worm, right?
Luggage Size:.
The Smart Locker has a limited capacity, especially for large suitcases or specially shaped luggage; it is important to check the Pikuraku PORTER compatible size (W330 x D645 x H807.6 mm) and measure the size of your luggage in advance.
Other restrictions:.
In some lockers, luggage delivery may be delayed due to weather or traffic conditions. Also, if you use a locker located outside the station gates, you may need to go in and out of the gates to deposit and retrieve your luggage, which may take extra time.
You must be careful not to end up paying the transportation fee once you get off the train. One tip is to tell the station attendant at the ticket gate that you are leaving your luggage at the station, and you will be able to enter and exit the station free of charge.
Advice for staying at hotels and inns for consecutive nights and traveling the next day
If you are staying at a hotel or inn for multiple nights:.
If you plan to stay more than one night at the same hotel, it is easiest and most convenient to leave your luggage at the front desk of the hotel/inn. Most hotels will keep your luggage after you check out, saving you from having to make an extra trip. Instead, you will have to return to the hotel/inn to retrieve your luggage, though.
If you are moving to another city (Kyoto, for example) the next day:
If you plan to move to another city the next day, such as Kyoto, sending your luggage by courier service for arrival the next day is a good option. For example, you can use a courier service such as Kuroneko Yamato or Sagawa Express to send your luggage to your destination ahead of time, making your trip lighter. This allows you to travel to your next destination empty-handed. The tip in this case is to go to the front desk and ship your luggage immediately upon arrival at the inn, separating it from what you will use the same day and the next day.
It is recommended that you check the due time of the courier service in advance.
H2>Comparison with other services
Hands-Free Travel
Hands-Free Travel is a service provided by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) that offers baggage delivery between airports, train stations, and hotels.
Key Differences: 1.
Scope of Service:.
Hands-Free Travel covers a variety of locations in Japan (airports and multiple train stations), making it ideal for travelers moving between cities.
Flexibility:.
While Pikuraku Porter specializes in same-day delivery within Tokyo, Hands-Free Travel offers next-day delivery and nationwide coverage, making it convenient for travel outside of Tokyo. However, Pikuraku PORTER is more convenient for shorter distances within Tokyo.
Fees:.
Hands-Free Travel rates vary depending on distance and luggage size, so Pikuraku PORTER is more reasonable for short-distance deliveries within Tokyo.
Luggage-Free Travel Tokyo
Luggage-Free Travel Tokyo primarily provides luggage delivery between airports and hotels in Tokyo for arriving and departing travelers.
Key Differences
Service Focus:.
Luggage-Free Travel Tokyo specializes in deliveries between Narita and Haneda airports and Tokyo hotels. Pikuraku PORTER, on the other hand, is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo without the burden of luggage.
Convenience:.
Pikuraku PORTER smart lockers are located in central Tokyo, making it easy to drop off luggage and start sightseeing; Luggage-Free Travel Tokyo requires some time coordination at the airport and is not very convenient for daily travel within Tokyo.
Luggage-Free Travel Tokyo can be more expensive when long-distance delivery between airport and hotel is factored in.
The Importance of Hand-Luggage-Free Travel in Japan
Japan’s public transportation system, especially Tokyo’s rail system, is known worldwide for its efficiency and convenience. However, its complex rail network and stations with many stairways can be challenging for travelers with heavy luggage. In Tokyo, where trains are the primary mode of transportation, luggage handling often interferes with the enjoyment of travel.
Services such as Pikuraku PORTER solve these problems and provide a safe and convenient way to store luggage. After all, it is convenient to have same-day delivery. This allows travelers to travel light in Tokyo and focus on sightseeing or business.
Why choose Pikuraku Porter?
Pikuraku PORTER is the perfect choice for those who want to stay within Tokyo and spend the day empty-handed. Easy-to-use smart lockers, competitive rates, and extensive hotel coverage make Pikuraku PORTER a convenient and cost-effective option for a hand-picked trip in Tokyo.
Contact
For more information and to use Pikuraku PORTER, please visit the official website Pikuraku PORTER in Tokyo
Phone number: 0120-130-180
Hours: 7:00-23:00 365 days a year
Summary
Seibu Holdings has launched Pikuraku PORTER in Tokyo to solve the inconvenience of travelers visiting Tokyo.
Here are other options for managing luggage when staying at a hotel for consecutive nights or traveling the next day.
We hope you will enjoy your trip to Japan by making the best choice and comparing with other services. We wish you a pleasant trip to Japan.