With Tokyo’s metro system being notoriously one of the busiest and most crowded in the world, Japan Airlines (JAL) is introducing a new same-day baggage delivery service specifically designed for foreign tourists.

This initiative comes in response to the significant influx of international tourists, with 2.87 million visitors arriving in Japan in September alone, according to Business Insider.

Tokyo’s metro, which employs the well-known «oshiyas» or «passenger pushers» to ensure as many people as possible can fit into the crowded trains, could face even more pressure with the increase in tourists and their bulky luggage.

As a solution, JAL is now encouraging visitors to leave their larger suitcases at Haneda Airport rather than taking them on the trains.

After collecting their luggage from the carousels and passing through customs, passengers can head to a dedicated counter in the arrivals hall to drop off larger items, which will then be delivered directly to their hotels or Airbnb accommodations.

Japan Airlines states that the service was designed to «address social issues such as congestion in public transportation and the shortage of storage lockers.»

Additionally, JAL had previously launched a clothing rental service for international travelers, aiming to reduce environmental impact by encouraging passengers to pack less, thus lowering aircraft weight and fuel consumption.

The baggage delivery service, while less innovative than the «Any Wear, Anywhere» program, currently covers only specific areas of Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, and Koto. However, the service is not free, costing up to 4,500 yen (approximately $30) per suitcase.