JRE Hands-Free Travel Creates a Richer Travel Experience

〇 The JR East Japan Group has been promoting 'JRE Hands-Free Travel' to achieve the Lifestyle Transformation (LX) outlined in its group management vision 'Yuso 2034,' aiming to eliminate travel-related stress.

〇 Starting August 1, 2026, the service will expand to deliver luggage stored in the multifunctional 'Multi-Ecube' lockers not only to nearby hotels but also directly to destination hotels via the train luggage transport service 'Hakobyun.' The service will initially launch on the Tokyo–Sendai route and gradually expand to other areas.

〇 The starting and ending points of 'JRE Hands-Free Travel' will be sequentially expanded from JR East Japan stations to include airports, private homes, and accommodation hotels, offering a 'new way to travel' around stations, airports, and en route destinations.

1. Vision of 'JRE Hands-Free Travel'

2. Service Expansion and Pilot Experiments of 'JRE Hands-Free Travel'

'JRE Hands-Free Travel' currently offers same-day luggage delivery between Tokyo Station and Shinkansen stop stations, as well as from stations in Tokyo and Sendai to nearby Tokyo-area hotels. Going forward, the service will begin delivering luggage from Tokyo Station lockers to hotels near Sendai Station and the Akiu Onsen area. The Group will further expand the network of stations, airports, lockers, and hotels where luggage can be deposited and collected, aiming to provide even greater convenience.

(1) Expansion of Same-Day Luggage Delivery Service

Starting Saturday, August 1, 2026, a new service will begin accepting luggage at 'Multi-Ecube' multifunctional lockers installed at Tokyo and Sendai Stations, using 'Hakobyun Quick' to deliver luggage to distant hotels on the same day. This enables same-day delivery to hotels even outside counter operating hours. The Group will continue to consider gradually expanding the availability of 'Multi-Ecube' units and counters (such as Hakobyun Quick Counters).

※ Reservation required via the Multi-Ecube website by 9:30 AM on the same day, with locker deposit required by 10:30 AM.

※ No prior reservation is necessary when bringing luggage directly to station counters.

<Usage Fees> ※ All prices include tax

(2) Expansion of Airport-Based Delivery Services

1. Seamless Luggage Delivery from Airport Lockers to Hotels

'Multi-Ecube' lockers are scheduled to be installed at Narita International Airport around autumn 2026. The service will deliver luggage from Narita International Airport to hotels in the greater Tokyo area, offering a stress-free 'hands-free travel' experience.

2. Pilot Experiment for Seamless Luggage Delivery from Stations to Airports

A pilot experiment will be conducted around autumn 2026 to enable travelers to deposit luggage at station lockers and collect it at airports, testing the separation of luggage and passengers. In the future, the Group aims to collaborate with relevant businesses to work toward off-airport check-in and expand services to realize lighter, hands-free travel.

(3) Pilot Experiment of Services for Inbound Tourists

As part of the digital passport initiative promoted by NTT Data Corporation, a pilot experiment will be conducted within fiscal year 2026 for a same-day luggage delivery service that allows inbound tourists to make reservations even before departure.

3. Proposing a New Way to Travel

By promoting 'JRE Hands-Free Travel,' the JR East Japan Group, in collaboration with airlines and logistics providers, will enhance delivery services that transport luggage from homes, station lockers, airports, and hotels to destinations before and after travel to and from Shinkansen stations and airports. This allows customers to enjoy more comfortable and flexible hands-free travel without carrying large luggage.

Through these service enhancements, the Group aims to alleviate tourist congestion, improve circulation, and promote sustainable tourism. By enabling lighter travel, more tourists can easily visit additional sightseeing areas, thereby increasing regional stay value.

{Image: Concept of luggage delivery service for wide-area sightseeing tourism}

※ All images and illustrations in this press release are for illustrative purposes only. Some were created using generative AI tools.

[References]

1. About 'JRE Hands-Free Travel'

To make train travel more accessible, the JR East Japan Group offers luggage delivery services such as the 'Luggage Transport Service,' 'Same-Day Hotel Delivery Service,' and 'Locker-to-Hotel Express Delivery Service' under the 'JRE Hands-Free Travel' brand, utilizing the train luggage transport service 'Hakobyun' and the multifunctional locker 'Multi-Ecube.'

2. About the Multifunctional Locker 'Multi-Ecube'

The Multi-Ecube integrates four functions—'reservation,' 'deposit,' 'collection,' and 'shipping'—into a single unit. Customers no longer need to use different lockers for different purposes and can enjoy seamless service at any Multi-Ecube located at nearby stations.

Additionally, locker doors remain locked at all times except during customer operation, ensuring safe and secure usage.

※ For specific services and usage instructions for 'Multi-Ecube,' please refer to the website of JR East Japan Smart Logistics Corporation or the Multi-Ecube website.

・JR East Japan Smart Logistics Corporation website: https://www.jre-sl.co.jp/

・Multi-Ecube website: https://multiecube.com

3. Same-Day Luggage Delivery Services Offered by the JR East Japan Group

(1) Hakobyun Quick (Operated by JR East Japan Logistics Corporation)

A service for urgent luggage transport based on customer needs. If luggage is brought to the station's dedicated counter at least 30 minutes before Shinkansen departure (60 minutes for Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Kanazawa Stations), it will be delivered using the Shinkansen's express capabilities. Online advance reservations are also available.

<Serviceable Routes>

Tokyo Station ⇔ Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, Shin-Aomori Station, Morioka Station, Sendai Station, Niigata Station, Nagano Station, Kanazawa Station

・Hakobyun Quick website

https://www.jrbutsuryu.jregroup.ne.jp/business/hakobyun_quick.html

・Hakobyun Quick reservation site

https://hakobyun-baggage.jreast.co.jp/hakobyun/search

(2) Same-Day Hotel Delivery Service (Operated by JR East Japan Logistics Corporation)

Luggage is accepted at counters at departure stations and delivered to hotels within Tokyo's 23 wards and Urayasu City on the same day.

<Serviceable Routes>

Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, Sendai Station, Morioka Station, Niigata Station, Haneda Airport ⇒ Hotels within Tokyo's 23 wards and Urayasu City

※ Only at Sendai Station, deliveries are also available to partner hotels near Sendai Station and the Akiu Onsen area, in addition to hotels in Tokyo's 23 wards and Urayasu City.

※ When using the service, please bring documentation confirming your hotel booking, such as hotel name, address, stay dates, and guest name.

※ For use from Sendai, Morioka, and Niigata Stations, please also bring proof of train usage (e.g., ticket).

For details, please refer to JR East Japan Logistics Corporation