evergrn

You're right, it's not that big. But as you note, the limiting factor with many trains' overhead racks will be the width. It'll pose the same problem as my 25x18x~10.

abmj-jr

The other problem I have seen on occasional packed-full shinkansens is the fact that everyone else is using the overhead rack for briefcases, totes, purses, shopping bags, coats, etc and really giving nasty looks to those who scarf up more than a fair share of the space. I've done it on trains that are not full but when there is not much space I just suck it up and add my roller to the (often massive) pile behind the last row of seats. The rack then gets my small backpack/camera bag. I try to remember that we are all in it together and I NEVER want to be that guy everyone talks about later. At 6'-5" 275 lb, I take up more than my share of seat and standing room anyway. No need to leave a worse impression of Americans than necessary.

JMHO. YMMV.

NewbieRunner

As long as I remember companies like Yamato insisted on pickup two days before departure. One reason I have never used the service since I can never get my bag packed and ready two days before.

Last year I was able to ship one day before departure by ABC from the western suburbs of Tokyo to HND but they charge slightly more than Yamato.

stut

Oh, indeed - and I only really offer it as a data point, that it's worked for us on the last 3 trips quite happily. But if something can take away the hassle of carrying large bags at minimal expense/effort then why on earth not use that?

I suppose there's an issue of expectations - I regularly travel by train at home, using far less user-friendly trains and stations than Japan, so it doesn't really seem like hassle - it's just normal (actually rather easier). The point about taking up more space than you're due is noted, though - although I'm always mindful of that.

However... If your itinerary involves 1- and 2-night stops outside the Tokyo-Osaka corridor, both hotels and rented accommodation, can this kind of service still work for you?

(Genuine question, not an argument - if we can use it in the future, it could save plenty hassle...)

evergrn

It depends on your itinerary as to whether/not this service works for you. But in general, I've always ended up relying on it in one instance or another during the course of most of my trips to Jpn. These services do extend to pretty much everywhere, not just within Tokyo-Osaka corridor.

Generally, you send stuff out one day and it arrives the next day at its destination. However, some stuff to keep in mind:
- Some routes require that you send it out 2 days in advance. Examples include Hokkaido to Tokyo,　Tokyo to Kyushu, anywhere to NRT.
- Each hotel may have only 1 or 2 pickup times for these transport companies. So if you check in to a hotel at 3pm and the pickup for that day had already passed, then you'll have to wait till the next day for pickup/shipment.