Compared across countries

Can you send luggage ahead to the hotel?

For a trip that crosses borders — the same question, answered country by country.

The pattern

Both will move the bag without you, through different industries. Japan's runs on couriers and hotels; China's runs on the railway, and only on the train you are already taking.

Japan

Yes. Counters in the arrivals hall will forward a suitcase to your hotel, usually arriving the next day.
China

Yes, but through the railway rather than the hotel. China Railway runs a luggage service at 19 stations, booked in the 12306 app.

Sort the practical stuff before you fly.