Carrying ski bags on a Japanese train is one of the few things that can take the edge off arriving here. Black Cat solves it — quietly, reliably, and for less than you’d expect.
What is Black Cat?
Black Cat is the colloquial name for Yamato Transport’s TA-Q-BIN door-to-door delivery service — Japan’s most trusted courier network. The name comes from their logo: a mother cat carrying a kitten, a symbol of careful handling that has been part of everyday Japanese life for decades.
For travellers, the relevant services are three: TA-Q-BIN (city to city), Ski TA-Q-BIN (for ski and snowboard bags specifically), and Airport TA-Q-BIN (from international arrivals directly to your accommodation). All three can be addressed to your Nozawa Collection chalet.
Yamato Transport — TA-Q-BIN
Japan’s largest door-to-door courier. Ski bags, suitcases, and sporting equipment up to 30kg per item. Available at airports, hotels, and convenience stores nationwide.
Where to find it
Black Cat counters are everywhere once you know what to look for. The yellow-and-black cat logo appears at major international airports in the arrivals hall (Narita, Haneda, Kansai), at most city hotels at the front desk, at FamilyMart and many 7-Eleven convenience stores, and at dedicated Yamato branches throughout ski regions.
If you’re unsure, ask your hotel — or message us before you travel and we’ll tell you the closest counter to wherever you’re staying in Tokyo or Osaka.
FamilyMart convenience stores and most hotel front desks accept TA-Q-BIN shipments.
Sending your bags — step by step
The process takes around ten minutes. Staff at airports and hotels are accustomed to helping foreign visitors.
Find a counter
Airport arrivals hall, hotel front desk, FamilyMart, or a Yamato branch. Look for the yellow-and-black cat logo.
Show the destination
Present our chalet name and address in Japanese and English — we send this to every guest before arrival. Request delivery the day before or morning of check-in.
Fill in the form
Your name, a contact number in Japan (the chalet number works), destination address, and your preferred delivery date.
Choose the right service
From airports: Airport TA-Q-BIN. From hotels or cities: standard TA-Q-BIN. If sending ski or snowboard bags, mention it — Ski TA-Q-BIN uses purpose-built handling.
Pay and keep the receipt
You pay per item. Keep the tracking slip — we can help chase if the weather slows things down.
Board the shinkansen light
That’s it. Your bags travel separately. You take only hand luggage on the train and we’ll have everything waiting when you arrive.
Timing and costs
Standard delivery across Japan runs one to two days. In heavy snowfall or around the New Year holiday period, allow three days. For Nozawa Onsen, we recommend sending at least two days before arrival — three days if storms or peak holidays are forecast.
| Item type | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard suitcase | ¥2,000 – ¥3,000 | Depends on size and distance |
| Ski / snowboard bag | ¥2,500 – ¥4,000 | Ski TA-Q-BIN; oversized surcharge may apply |
| Airport TA-Q-BIN | ¥2,000 – ¥3,500 | From Narita, Haneda, Kansai arrivals |
Winter note
Delivery timelines during January and February can extend during heavy snowfall periods. If your dates fall over Golden Week, New Year, or a major storm forecast, send bags three days ahead to be safe. Message us and we’ll advise based on conditions at the time.
On the way home
The same service works in reverse. We arrange TA-Q-BIN pick-up directly from your chalet — you pack the night before, hand the bags to us, and collect them at the Black Cat counter in the airport departures hall before check-in.
If you booked round-trip, some counters offer a small discount on the return leg. Ask when you send the first shipment.
How we help
Before your trip, we send our chalet address in Japanese and English ready for the TA-Q-BIN form, and advise on when to send bags based on your dates and snow conditions. During your stay, we arrange pick-up directly from the chalet and track deliveries if the weather slows things down.
