Should you use luggage forwarding in Japan?
Often, yes. Luggage forwarding is not glamorous, but on a rail-heavy Japan trip it can stop every station staircase, coin locker and hotel transfer becoming part of the itinerary.
Answer
Japan is efficient, but luggage still has weight. Forwarding bags can make the difference between a graceful rail day and a hot, crowded shuffle through stations with too many wheels. It is especially useful when you have one-night stops, ryokan stays, children, large suitcases or a route that includes Shinkansen legs and local transfers. The trade-off is planning: delivery timing, hotel acceptance and what you pack overnight all matter. Used well, luggage forwarding lets you travel with a small bag and arrive like someone who made one good decision before breakfast. Used casually, it can create its own stress.
Recheck before you go
Transport schedules can change. Check current timings before you book around them.