Luggage Forwarding Question

[Wendylet]

Hoping someone might have some insight here. I am staying at the Disney Ambassador Hotel and am wondering if I can use a luggage forwarding service to pick up our bags and deliver to our Tokyo Hotel. I was reading some posts identifying Airporter as a possible carrier. On their website it lists all other Disney Hotels for pickup but not the Ambassador Hotel and our Tokyo Hotel is there as a selection for delivery. Does the Ambassador Hotel allow luggage pick up? Is that the problem? Does anyone have any experience doing this from the Ambassador Hotel or have any recommendations?

 

[Agent 86]

To my general understanding, the vast majority of hotels in Japan will organise luggage forwarding for you upon request.

Have you asked the Ambassador? I would try asking them first.

 

[Wendylet]

To my general understanding, the vast majority of hotels in Japan will organise luggage forwarding for you upon request.

Have you asked the Ambassador? I would try asking them first.

I was having a difficult time trying to figure out how to contact them. Being a Disney hotel so much is centralized that I couldn’t find an email address to send to. All I could find were Q&As and none of them directly dealt with this question.

 

[Agent 86]

https://dhotelscontact.tokyodisneyr...*MTcyNjYyODk1OC4yNy4xLjE3MjY2MjkwNTQuNDMuMC4w

 

[Agent 86]

I presume (possibly incorrectly) that the Home Delivery Service Counter may be able to assist with queries upon arrival:

https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en...4yNy4xLjE3MjY2MjkxNDQuNTkuMC4w#pbBlock5395989

 

[DCLMP]

I'm wondering why you would need to do that. Can't you take your luggage on a the train or in a taxi? We are going for 2 weeks and staying at 5 different hotels. We plan on three carryon's and two back packs.

If we buy a lot we will buy a suitcase there and check it all going home.

 

[Kwami]

I'm wondering why you would need to do that. Can't you take your luggage on a the train or in a taxi? We are going for 2 weeks and staying at 5 different hotels. We plan on three carryon's and two back packs.

If we buy a lot we will buy a suitcase there and check it all going home.

The original poster has larger suitcases.

Taking luggage onto trains isn't always simple. If you're on the shinkansen trains, then you'll need to determine if any of your luggage is considered oversized and then book the appropriate reservations if it is. Otherwise, you'll probably be OK, though note that there isn't actually that much space for luggage. There are usually overhead racks (though sometimes they aren't available) and there's a space behind the last row of seats for the passengers sitting in those seats. Other trains have even less space. If you're traveling on trains within Tokyo, they're basically like subways and they might be very crowded.

Besides that, you have to consider whether the train stations have elevators (uncommon), escalators (more common, but not at all entrances), and just plain stairs. And sometimes, there are a lot of stairs! Pushing suitcases through the gates can be tricky, too, if they're larger than a carry on. You can usually use the manned gate in that case, but you might have to wait a short time. In any case, you won't have hands available for handling passes, drinks, etc. And then there are people who have disabilities, too.

So, why not just let a luggage service handle it?

As a bonus, the luggage is delivered directly to your hotel. So, you don't have to go right to the hotel after you get off the train, which means that you'll have more time to do other stuff!

 

[DCLMP]

The original poster has larger suitcases.

Taking luggage onto trains isn't always simple. If you're on the shinkansen trains, then you'll need to determine if any of your luggage is considered oversized and then book the appropriate reservations if it is. Otherwise, you'll probably be OK, though note that there isn't actually that much space for luggage. There are usually overhead racks (though sometimes they aren't available) and there's a space behind the last row of seats for the passengers sitting in those seats. Other trains have even less space. If you're traveling on trains within Tokyo, they're basically like subways and they might be very crowded.

Besides that, you have to consider whether the train stations have elevators (uncommon), escalators (more common, but not at all entrances), and just plain stairs. And sometimes, there are a lot of stairs! Pushing suitcases through the gates can be tricky, too, if they're larger than a carry on. You can usually use the manned gate in that case, but you might have to wait a short time. In any case, you won't have hands available for handling passes, drinks, etc. And then there are people who have disabilities, too.

So, why not just let a luggage service handle it?

As a bonus, the luggage is delivered directly to your hotel. So, you don't have to go right to the hotel after you get off the train, which means that you'll have more time to do other stuff!

Going from two hotels within Tokyo I would just take a Taxi or a car service. That's what I'm doing just for the sake of saving time. I could see shipping your luggage going between two cities. I know taxis are expensive in Tokyo. I still think your going to come out about the same price.

Your advice about the trains is a good reason to not to overpack.

 

[Kwami]

Going from two hotels within Tokyo I would just take a Taxi or a car service. That's what I'm doing just for the sake of saving time. I could see shipping your luggage going between two cities. I know taxis are expensive in Tokyo. I still think your going to come out about the same price.

Your advice about the trains is a good reason to not to overpack.

Not everyone is the same as you. Some people need to pack more. Some people don't like taxis. Sometimes, money isn't the most important consideration.

The poster asked about luggage shipping services, so we're answering questions about luggage shipping services.

 

[DCLMP]

Not everyone is the same as you. Some people need to pack more. Some people don't like taxis. Sometimes, money isn't the most important consideration.

The poster asked about luggage shipping services, so we're answering questions about luggage shipping services

You always want to make everything an argument when it wasn't meant to be. It's legitimate question to consider a taxi vs luggage service. It's perfectly acceptable to inquire about other options. I have no idea whether the OP has considered a taxi or ride service and cost difference between the two.

I got a quote from Narita to Hyatt Tokyo bay for 110. Considering the time saved and the hassle of taking trains and the cost difference of only 40-50 dollars it makes sense to take a ride service. It may be something else for OP to consider.

reddit boards and Flyer talk have a lot of good suggestions also.

 

[foolish_mortals]

I'm wondering why you would need to do that. Can't you take your luggage on a the train or in a taxi? We are going for 2 weeks and staying at 5 different hotels. We plan on three carryon's and two back packs.

If we buy a lot we will buy a suitcase there and check it all going home.

The main reason for us to ship luggage is that's just what people typically do in Japan.

As a previous poster mentioned, navigating train stations can be difficult. Lots of stations have stairs or an inconvenient elevator.

If you try to board a moderately busy train with luggage you'll definitely get some looks or politely told by the station attendant to wait for another train. Avoid rush hours ~7am-9am and after 6pm

In a nutshell Japan encourages people to be as inconvenient to others as possible. A lot of luggage on a train doesn't follow that, it's allowed but frowned upon during rush hours.

 

[DCLMP]

The main reason for us to ship luggage is that's just what people typically do in Japan.

As a previous poster mentioned, navigating train stations can be difficult. Lots of stations have stairs or an inconvenient elevator.

If you try to board a moderately busy train with luggage you'll definitely get some looks or politely told by the station attendant to wait for another train. Avoid rush hours ~7am-9am and after 6pm

In a nutshell Japan encourages people to be as inconvenient to others as possible. A lot of luggage on a train doesn't follow that, it's allowed but frowned upon during rush hours.

I get the purpose of shipping luggage. That's not what I asked. I asked about a taxi or car service vs shipping luggage. I would think the cost would be negligible when you are switching hotels within a short distance.

I plan on taking a taxi from Tokyo Disney to the Ginza area. The cost estimates I've gotten are 50-65 dollars.

If I were to ship luggage I would put apple tags in them. I'm not sure I would save a lot by shipping my bags.

 

[foolish_mortals]

I get the purpose of shipping luggage. That's not what I asked. I asked about a taxi or car service vs shipping luggage. I would think the cost would be negligible when you are switching hotels within a short distance.

I plan on taking a taxi from Tokyo Disney to the Ginza area. The cost estimates I've gotten are 50-65 dollars.

If I were to ship luggage I would put apple tags in them. I'm not sure I would save a lot by shipping my bags.

Sorry was trying to answer your original post that I quoted. In that post, you did also ask about taking it on the train or a taxi. Emphasis mine:

I'm wondering why you would need to do that. Can't you take your luggage on a the train or in a taxi?

I was answering why not the train. For short trips that are viable by taxi, yes a taxi makes the most sense to transport yourself and your luggage.

 

[Wendylet]

Going from two hotels within Tokyo I would just take a Taxi or a car service. That's what I'm doing just for the sake of saving time. I could see shipping your luggage going between two cities. I know taxis are expensive in Tokyo. I still think your going to come out about the same price.

Your advice about the trains is a good reason to not to overpack.

We are actually moving from the Disney resort area which is not actually in Tokyo to our hotel in Shinjuku. We are in our late 60’s/early 70’s so just trying to reduce the stress involved here. After a week in Tokyo we are in a cruise so we do have significant luggage for the three weeks we are here.

 

[Wendylet]

I have now had word back from the Ambassador Hotel telling me I should consider moving the luggage ourselves. I had asked them about Airporter specifically and they replied saying they do not have a contract with them. I noticed the other Disney hotels are listed on their website but not the Ambassador. They did not indicate to me there would be other options. Has anyone been able to do this from this hotel recently and what was the process? Thanks so much to everyone for their assistance.

 

[wanderlust7]

I have now had word back from the Ambassador Hotel telling me I should consider moving the luggage ourselves. I had asked them about Airporter specifically and they replied saying they do not have a contract with them. I noticed the other Disney hotels are listed on their website but not the Ambassador. They did not indicate to me there would be other options. Has anyone been able to do this from this hotel recently and what was the process? Thanks so much to everyone for their assistance.

I feel like there's some misunderstanding somewhere. Maybe your question about Airporter confused them. The large takuhaibin companies are Yamato, Sagawa, and Japan Post. I never check with the hotels if they do this ahead of time because to me it's a given that they do. I would be absolutely gobsmacked if a full service hotel like the Ambassador does not do it.

If you want to ask again, I think you should ask very specifically, something like when I check out, can you help me with the takuhaibin service to send my luggage to my next hotel.

Oh the other hand, if you just want easy, a taxi estimate looks like it would cost about $100. TDR to Shinjuku by train would require a transfer, plus you'd have to find your hotel from the station.

 

[wanderlust7]

I got a quote from Narita to Hyatt Tokyo bay for 110. Considering the time saved and the hassle of taking trains and the cost difference of only 40-50 dollars it makes sense to take a ride service. It may be something else for OP to consider.

$110 from Narita is a good price. Where is the quote from? We paid $180 for a private car service the time we arrived after the last limo bus.

The limo bus is door to door and they store the luggage under the bus. I feel the increase in convenience of a taxi/car service is minimal. I guess a little time saved since the limo bus makes multiple hotel stops. Our next trip, flight arrives at 4:30 pm. Not sure if we can make the last limo bus at 6 pm.

 

[Wendylet]

I feel like there's some misunderstanding somewhere. Maybe your question about Airporter confused them. The large takuhaibin companies are Yamato, Sagawa, and Japan Post. I never check with the hotels if they do this ahead of time because to me it's a given that they do. I would be absolutely gobsmacked if a full service hotel like the Ambassador does not do it.

If you want to ask again, I think you should ask very specifically, something like when I check out, can you help me with the takuhaibin service to send my luggage to my next hotel.

Oh the other hand, if you just want easy, a taxi estimate looks like it would cost about $100. TDR to Shinjuku by train would require a transfer, plus you'd have to find your hotel from the station.

Yes I agree that has added to the confusion. As I was looking on the Airporter website at the time I was asking about that company specifically. Thank you for the suggestion of rephrasing the question, which I have done. I found it strange that they did not have the Airporter contract considering the other hotels there did but hopefully they will be able to accommodate with this service. Taxi is definitely a consideration but the CAD $ is not as favourable as the USD $ so it’s a bit of a bump in cost for us.

 

[DCLMP]

$110 from Narita is a good price. Where is the quote from? We paid $180 for a private car service the time we arrived after the last limo bus.

The limo bus is door to door and they store the luggage under the bus. I feel the increase in convenience of a taxi/car service is minimal. I guess a little time saved since the limo bus makes multiple hotel stops. Our next trip, flight arrives at 4:30 pm. Not sure if we can make the last limo bus at 6 pm.

I think it was Tokyo airporter. Another one was 147. I haven’t booked anything our trips not until Feb, but there is only two of us. We’re going to Hyatt Tokyo bay. I think there’s only two busses and they leave earlier in the day.

 

[Disneyhanna]

I presume (possibly incorrectly) that the Home Delivery Service Counter may be able to assist with queries upon arrival:

https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en...4yNy4xLjE3MjY2MjkxNDQuNTkuMC4w#pbBlock5395989

Yes, Home Delivery is the place to ship luggage. From my understanding it is cash-only and the hours are limited (7-4). I have seen many people post in various forums that they used home delivery for luggage delivery even as recently as last week. I believe all of the moderate/deluxe Tokyo Disney hotels have a home delivery counter (separate from bell services, at least at MiraCosta it was, so that's why you may get met with confusion if you try asking at the front desk or bell services). Also I believe it is next day, not same day delivery.