Services lighten the load for suitcase-toting tourists in Japan
Japanese delivery firms are stepping up services aimed at lightening the load for foreign tourists as they travel around the country.
The services allow the visitors to drop off their suitcases at counters and later pick them up at their hotels or at their homes overseas.
Yamato Transport has teamed up with an online retailer. Customers can leave their luggage at 40,000 locations across Japan, including convenience stores. From there, the items are shipped back to their homes.
The customers use a multilingual website to input the baggage size and other information. They are given a QR code before dropping off their items. Customs clearance is part of the service.
A Yamato official notes that many foreign travelers who visit multiple destinations in Japan face language barriers when arranging their baggage transportation.
The firm launched the service for visitors from Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. It plans to expand the list.
Sagawa Express offers temporary baggage-storage spaces at tourist spots and delivery to hotels. The firm plans to expand its service to encompass golf courses and shopping centers.
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