Japan travel tips for first-time visitors

Short videos with Hako the cardboard box, written up and checked against official sources.

Stays & onsen

Japan Hotel Check In: 3 Tips for Foreign Travelers

Have your passport ready at check-in, because hotels record passport details for foreign guests. If you arrive early, many hotels will keep your bags if you ask, and you can send a suitcase ahead with takkyubin when you move on.

By Ready in JapanUpdated 3 official sources

Video cover: Japan Hotel Check In: 3 Tips for Foreign TravelersVideo out Oct 11

The 21-second video, with Hako. Follow on YouTube to catch it.

The 3 things to know

  1. Have your passport ready

    Have your passport ready. Hotels record passport details for foreign guests. A phone photo of your passport may not be accepted.

  2. Arrived early? Ask

    Many hotels will keep your bags. Just ask.

  3. Send your suitcase ahead

    Moving on? Send your suitcase ahead with takkyubin, and travel light. Fees and cut-off times vary by route and company, so ask early.

Quick answers

Do hotels in Japan need my passport?

Yes, if you don't have a Japanese address. Hotels record your name, address, nationality and passport number, and may scan or copy your passport before returning it.

What if I arrive at the hotel too early?

Ask the front desk to keep your bags, since many hotels will. Coin lockers at stations are another option, but they can fill up at busy times.

How do I send luggage ahead in Japan?

Use a luggage-forwarding service such as takkyubin, arranged at a hotel, airport or station counter, usually one day ahead for airport-bound bags.

Read the video transcript

Checking in to a hotel in Japan? Three tips.

One. Have your passport ready. Hotels record passport details for foreign guests.

Two. Arrived early? Many hotels will keep your bags. Just ask.

Three. Moving on? Send your suitcase ahead with takkyubin, and travel light.

Ready when you are.

Sources & how we checked

The tips on this page were checked against these official pages:

  1. mhlw.go.jpMHLW - Guidance on passport copy retention (PDF)
  2. japan.travelJNTO - Luggage & Storage
  3. japan.travelJNTO - Travel around Japan luggage-free
Updated
Video
21 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
Good to know
Rules can vary by place. Follow local signs and staff.

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