Kyoto with a Suitcase: 7 Things Our Luggage Delivery Staff Wish Every Traveler Knew
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Every day, our KOMATSU staff carry suitcases between Kyoto Station and hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs all over the city. Along the way, we see the same problems again and again. Here is what we wish every traveler knew before arriving in Kyoto with big luggage.
1. Know which exit of Kyoto Station you need
Kyoto Station has two main sides: the Central Exit (north) and the Hachijo Exit (south). We usually meet our customers at the Central Exit, and more than once, travelers have gone to the Hachijo Exit by mistake. Getting from there to the Central Exit takes about 15 minutes, and the station is always crowded, so moving through it takes longer than you'd expect. Give yourself plenty of time, and double-check which exit you need before you arrive.
2. City buses and big suitcases don't mix
Kyoto's city buses are often packed with commuters and tourists. Getting on with a large suitcase can be difficult, and in busy seasons you may have to wait for the next bus, or the one after that.
3. The most beautiful areas are the hardest to reach with luggage
Gion and Higashiyama are two of Kyoto's most charming areas, but their streets are narrow, and some lanes are too small for cars to enter at all. Even for our delivery staff, these are among the most challenging places to bring luggage. If you're staying here, arriving hands-free makes a big difference.
4. Traditional guesthouses can be tricky
Many machiya-style guesthouses have narrow entrances, steep stairs and no elevator. If you're staying in one, travel as light as possible on arrival day.
5. There's often a gap between arrival and check-in
Most hotels in Kyoto start check-in in the afternoon. If you arrive in the morning, you'll need somewhere to put your bags, or you'll be sightseeing with them.
6. Many Airbnbs have no front desk
Unlike hotels, many Airbnbs and self check-in apartments have no staff to receive your luggage. When we deliver to these places, we take extra care to arrange an exact delivery time with each guest, so someone is there when the bags arrive. If you're staying in one, plan ahead for how your luggage will get there.
7. Lockers fill up fast in peak season
Coin lockers at Kyoto Station are convenient, but during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons they can be full by mid-morning.
Our picks: hot spring stays in and around Kyoto
Kyoto has some wonderful hot spring stays, but many of them are a long way from Kyoto Station, which is exactly where luggage becomes a problem. Here are a few places our staff recommend.
Arashiyama Onsen Hanadensho
A well-known hot spring hotel in Arashiyama. Getting there from Kyoto Station with luggage is hard work, so combining your stay with our delivery service makes the trip much more comfortable.
Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo
A hot spring hotel close to Kyoto Station. We recommend it for the last night of your Kyoto trip: relax in the hot spring bath, then head on to your next city refreshed.
Momijiya Honkan Takao Sanso
It's quite far from Kyoto Station, but with our delivery service your stay becomes much easier. In autumn leaf season, soaking in the hot spring while looking out at the colored leaves is something truly special. (Delivery to the Takao area has an additional fee of 2,000 yen.)
Ohara Onsen Ohara Sanso
A hot spring guesthouse in Ohara. For independent travelers, it's a long way from Kyoto Station, but pairing your stay with our delivery service makes it a comfortable trip. (Delivery to the Ohara area has an additional fee of 2,000 yen.)
Explore Kyoto hands-free
KOMATSU can pick up your luggage at Kyoto Station and deliver it to your hotel or Airbnb the same day, so you can start sightseeing the moment you arrive.
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