Delivery for Travelers: Hotels & Pickup in Japan

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What we can ship this way

Traveler delivery options are available for eligible orders. Some items may be excluded due to local carrier rules, temperature requirements, or destination restrictions.

• Best fit: shelf-stable pantry items, gift-ready sets, non-fragile goods
• May be limited: temperature-controlled items, fragile goods, oversized items

If you are unsure, contact us before ordering and we’ll tell you the safest option.

Recommended steps (quick examples)

These examples show a safe, low-stress way to use traveler delivery. The key is buffer time and confirmation.

Example 1: Hotel delivery (recommended)

1. Before ordering: Ask your hotel if they accept guest parcels and how early they can store them.
2. Checkout address: Use your passport name + add your check-in date.
3. Timing: Aim for delivery 1 day before or on your check-in day.
4. On arrival: Pick up at the front desk using your reservation name/passport.

Example 2: Airport counter pickup (Yamato) — for departure day

1. Before ordering: Confirm the correct counter for your airport + terminal and its business hours.
2. Timing: Ensure the parcel arrives well before your departure day (add buffer days).
3. Pickup: Arrive during counter hours with your shipment details/receipt and ID (passport recommended).
4. Don’t cut it close: Build time for airport transfers, counter lines, and schedule changes.

Example 3: Post office pickup (poste restante / 局留)

1. Before ordering: Choose a post office you can realistically visit, and confirm window hours/closures.
2. Address format: Use poste restante / 局留 format and your passport name.
3. Tracking: Track delivery and visit after it arrives (there is usually no arrival phone call).
4. Pickup: Bring ID and collect within the holding period to avoid return-to-sender.

Option A: Ship to your hotel

Hotel delivery is the most reliable option for travelers because it avoids pickup deadlines and reduces missed deliveries. However, each hotel has its own receiving policy, so please follow the guidelines below.

What to confirm with your hotel (before ordering)

• They accept parcels for guests
• They can store the parcel until check-in (some hotels limit storage time)
• If your order is food, confirm whether they have any restrictions

How to format the shipping address (recommended)

Use your passport name and include your check-in date so staff can match the parcel to your reservation.

[HOTEL NAME]
[HOTEL ADDRESS]
[HOTEL PHONE NUMBER]
Guest: [YOUR FULL NAME - PASSPORT]
Check-in: [YYYY-MM-DD]
Reservation name: [IF DIFFERENT]
Room: [IF KNOWN / OPTIONAL]
  

Timing guidance

• We recommend scheduling delivery for the day before or the day of your check-in when possible.
• Avoid shipments that arrive too early—some hotels may refuse or return parcels that arrive far in advance.

Option B: Pick up at an airport counter (Yamato)

Many major airports in Japan have a Yamato Transport baggage delivery / TA-Q-BIN counter where travelers can send or receive packages. Availability, counter location, and opening hours vary by airport and terminal.

Important notes

• Not every airport or terminal offers pickup. Confirm the correct counter before ordering.
• Pickup requirements vary. Keep your shipment details/receipt and arrive during counter hours.
• Travel delays happen. If you miss the pickup window, your parcel may be moved or returned per carrier rules.

How to choose an airport counter

1. Pick your departure airport and terminal.
2. Find the Yamato counter name/location on the official list.
3. Plan with buffer time (don’t cut it close).

Official counter list (recommended)

Use the official Yamato list to confirm which airports/terminals have a counter and the correct pickup location: Yamato Airport TA-Q-BIN Counter List

What to bring for pickup (typical)

• Your shipment reference and/or shipping slip copy (keep all shipping emails/receipts)
• Government-issued ID (passport recommended for travelers)

Option C: Pick up at a post office (poste restante / 局留)

Japan Post offers poste restante (“hold at post office”). This can work well if your itinerary is stable and you can visit the post office during window hours.

What to know

• ID required: You must show identification to receive poste restante items.
• Holding period: The post office holds the parcel for a limited period and then returns it to the sender.
• No arrival phone call: You track the parcel yourself and visit the post office after it arrives.

How to write the address (template)

[POST OFFICE NAME]
[POST OFFICE ADDRESS]
JAPAN

POSTE RESTANTE / 局留
Recipient: [YOUR FULL NAME - PASSPORT]
Phone: [YOUR PHONE NUMBER OR HOTEL PHONE IF ADVISED]
  

Before you choose poste restante

• Confirm the post office window hours (some offices have limited hours or closures).
• Choose a post office that you can realistically visit within your itinerary.

How to request traveler delivery

To reduce mistakes, please follow these steps:

1. Choose your option: Hotel (recommended) / Airport counter / Post office.
2. Confirm feasibility: Check hotel parcel policy OR counter availability/hours OR post office access.
3. Place your order: Use your standard billing details, then enter the traveler delivery address format.
4. Add a checkout note: “Traveler Delivery: Hotel / Airport Counter / Post Office”.
5. Keep your shipment details: Save your order email/receipt and track your shipment.
6. If anything is tight: Contact Support before ordering (recommended for short stays or last-day pickups).

If anything looks risky (tight timing, unclear pickup counter, address mismatch), we may contact you with the safest alternative.

FAQ

Is “airport pickup” available at every airport?

No. Many major airports have Yamato counters, but not all airports/terminals do. Always confirm on the official counter list before ordering.

What name should I use?

Use your passport name (Roman letters) for pickup options. For hotels, also include your check-in date.

Can I use poste restante if I don’t have a Japanese phone number?

Often yes, but policies can vary by office and shipment type. If you are unsure, contact us and we can recommend the safest option (hotel delivery is usually easiest).

What if I miss the pickup deadline?

Pickups have time limits and counter hours. If you think you may miss it, contact us immediately and we’ll help you check the best next step.

External resources

• Yamato: Airport TA-Q-BIN counter list
• Japan Post: Post office search (hours/locations)
• Shipping & Returns Policy

Contact

If you want to ship to a hotel or request pickup, please contact The Wa Story Support before ordering (recommended for tight schedules).

• Support page
• Contact form
• Shipping & Returns Policy