What Is Hands-Free Travel?
"Hands-Free Travel" is a way of enjoying your trip unburdened — by leaving your heavy luggage at airports, stations, or commercial facilities, or having it delivered to your hotel or to your home overseas. Since fiscal year 2013, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has been working to create an environment that makes hands-free travel possible. By traveling hands-free, travelers are freed from heavy luggage, can move around more freely, and can shop more easily. What's more, as travelers adopt hands-free travel and carry fewer belongings, it is also expected to help ease congestion at tourist spots and on public transportation.
About Hands-Free Travel Counters
A "Hands-Free Travel Counter" is a counter where you can leave or ship your suitcases and souvenirs. These counters are certified by MLIT after meeting several criteria, such as being able to provide guidance in English and clearly displaying their compensation coverage. This logo is the common mark that identifies a location certified as a Hands-Free Travel Counter. You can find detailed instructions for using a Hands-Free Travel Counter below.
How to Use
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism website(https://www.mlit.go.jp/seisakutokatsu/freight/seisakutokatsu_freight_tk1_000069.html)
Benefits of Using a Hands-Free Travel Counter
Avoid the "No Space Left!" Problem
Unlike lockers, your luggage is kept on racks or in a storeroom, so you are far less likely to run into a situation where there is no space available to store your bags.
Luggage of Any Shape Is Welcome
There are often no restrictions on shape, so you can store all kinds of items — from suitcases to skis. (*Some restrictions may apply.)
Delivery Makes Your Trip More Enjoyable
With a luggage delivery service, you can drop your bags off at the airport and receive them at your hotel. There is no need to go back and collect them, so you can enjoy sightseeing far more comfortably.
Luggage Etiquette on Japan's Public Transportation
Things to Avoid
Avoid bringing large luggage on board during rush hour.
Do not place suitcases or other luggage on empty seats.
Do not block aisles or the areas near the doors with your luggage.
Tips for a More Comfortable Trip
Reduce the amount you carry by using Hands-Free Travel Counters or lockers whenever possible.
If you do bring luggage on board, use the luggage storage areas in the car or seats with an oversized-baggage space.
