> Even the airports have a takkyu-bin counter. Disembark, breeze through immigration, and head straight there. Send your bags off.

Last time I used takkyu-bin at Haneda airport there was a massive line at the Yamato transport desk. I think we spent 20+ minutes waiting. We had to use it because we had way too much luggage to schlep on a shinkansen, but if I only had a single suitcase - even a large one - I would probably just bring it with me.

The direction, or sending between hotels, has always been fine though.