Michael Turner
Recommendation: If you need to stow bags during a day trip, use coin-operated compartments near ticket gates or concourses; arrive early at busy hubs like Shinjuku, Tokyo, Osaka Umeda and Kyoto to secure a unit, or book an alternative in advance.
Typical compartment sizes: small (fits a backpack or briefcase), medium (fits a standard carry-on or medium suitcase) and large (fits tall suitcases or multiple pieces). Typical fees run about ¥300–¥800 for small, ¥400–¥1,000 for medium and ¥700–¥1,300 for large units, depending on location and demand.
Payment methods: many older units accept coins only (100‑yen common); newer units accept IC cards such as Suica or PASMO and some accept mobile payment. Most coin-operated boxes allow storage between 24 and 72 hours; rules beyond that vary by operator and overdue items may be moved to a central lost‑and‑found with additional charges.
When a compartment is unavailable, use staffed left‑baggage counters at major rail terminals, hotel front‑desk hold services, or door‑to‑door courier services (takkyubin like Yamato) that transport suitcases directly to hotels or airports at predictable rates.
Practical tips: carry small change or an IC card, check near both main concourse and platform access points, avoid peak commuter windows (weekday mornings and evening rush), and photograph the unit number plus receipt or electronic confirmation to speed up retrieval.
Short-term bag storage at rail terminals
Use coin-operated storage compartments at major rail terminals to store bags short-term; arrange hotel courier pickup to move suitcases between cities when you need to travel hands-free.
Typical pricing and physical sizes vary by location and unit type. Manual metal compartments remain cheapest; electronic units accept cards and cost more. Expect to pay per 24-hour block rather than by hour.
| Size | Approx. internal dimensions (cm) | Typical daily fee (JPY) | Payment methods | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 30 × 34 × 57 | 300–400 | 100-yen coins | Daypack, small backpack, shopping bags |
| Medium | 45 × 34 × 57 | 400–700 | Coins, some accept IC cards | Carry-on suitcases, medium bags |
| Large | 65 × 34 × 57 | 700–1,200 | Coins, IC cards, some electronic credit | Large suitcases, multiple bags |
| Oversize / electronic only | Varies (up to 100 × 50 × 60) | 1,200–2,000+ | IC cards, credit at some locations | Skis, large cases, items needing keyless access |
Practical notes: most units charge per 24-hour period; extend by paying again at the same compartment. High-traffic terminals fill early on peak holiday dates; if nearby concourses show no vacancy, check manned baggage counters inside major terminals or use courier delivery services to send items ahead to hotels.
Security and lost-item rules: uncollected contents may be removed to a staffed lost-and-found after a short holding window (commonly 48–72 hours). Retrieval from lost-and-found requires ID and may include paperwork; very long unclaimed items can be handled by local authorities under lost-property procedures.
Quick tips: carry several 100-yen coins when arriving; check nearby concourse signs indicating coin-operated compartments; photograph the compartment number and note the payment type before walking away.
Which types of hubs and locations typically offer coin-operated storage units, and how to find them
Use coin-operated storage units at major rail hubs, airport terminals and large metro interchanges; small neighborhood stops and rural halts usually offer none or only a few units.
Typical unit sizes and common price ranges: Small ~35×34×57 cm (fits a daypack) – ~¥300; Medium ~57×34×57 cm (cabin-size suitcase) – ~¥400–¥600; Large ~117×34×57 cm (tall suitcase) – ~¥700–¥1,000. Some oversized bays exist in big terminals, priced above ¥1,000.
Where units appear within complexes: concentrated near main concourses, ticket-gate corridors, east/west exits, basement shopping malls and direct links to bus terminals. Shinkansen and central interchanges usually contain hundreds of units; metro interchanges and airports feature multiple clusters; local commuter stops tend to have a single row or none.
How to locate units quickly: check the rail-hub map on the operator’s website or on-site information displays; search Google Maps satellite view to spot rectangular banks near concourses; enter the query “[hub name] coin-operated storage locations” or “[hub name] baggage storage” in search engines or map apps; follow signage labeled baggage storage, coin storage or left-baggage on arrival; ask ticket-office staff or station attendants at the main concourse.
Payment and operational tips: many units still require 100-yen coins, while newer models accept IC transit cards and QR/pay apps. Units often permit 24–72 hours of storage before transfer to lost-and-found procedures with handling fees. During peak sight-seeing periods rows fill early; when no coin-operated units remain, use manned left-baggage counters at large terminals, hotel front-desk holding, or door-to-door delivery services (takkyubin) as reliable alternatives.
Storage sizes, weight limits and bag types that fit
Choose a medium-size coin compartment (~35×57×57 cm) when carrying an upright carry-on or a large backpack; it offers a reliable balance between capacity and availability.
Typical dimensions (approx.)
- Small – 35 × 34 × 57 cm (13.8 × 13.4 × 22.4 in): suited to daypacks, tote bags, small shopping parcels.
- Medium – 35 × 57 × 57 cm (13.8 × 22.4 × 22.4 in): fits standard carry-on cases (up to ~55 cm height) upright, medium suitcases, camera backpacks.
- Large (tall) – 35 × 117 × 57 cm (13.8 × 46.1 × 22.4 in): accepts 28–30 inch checked cases placed upright or on their side, long instrument cases with narrow profiles.
- Extra-large / parcel boxes – common external sizes near 45 × 65 × 105 cm or bespoke bays: suitable for bulky sports gear, large boxes and multiple pieces grouped together.
Weight limits and practical loading tips
- Typical weight limits: small/medium units expect up to 15–20 kg; large units often allow 20–30 kg; parcel bays sometimes permit 30–40 kg. Exceeding those ranges risks refusal or mechanical issues.
- Measure your case: multiply height × width × depth and compare with listed unit dimensions; if any case dimension exceeds the stated external size, assume it will not fit.
- Load heavy items first and lay them flat when possible; distribute weight evenly to avoid jamming the door mechanism.
- Odd-shaped items (surfboards, full-size tripods, bulky garment bags) usually exceed standard bays; seek staffed left-baggage counters or courier delivery when presence of such items occurs.
- Valuables and fragile gear belong with you or in staffed storage; coin-operated compartments are intended for robust, boxed or suitcase-style pieces rather than delicate instruments.
Quick checklist before stowing: weigh cases at home or at a nearby scale, verify three external dimensions, collapse telescopic handles if required, and remove loose straps that may trap the door. For umbrella options that pack compactly while protecting grouped items see best umbrella for group shots.
Payment options, hourly/daily rates and maximum deposit periods
Choose IC-card compatible storage units at major terminals when leaving bags beyond 24 hours; carry 100 and 500 yen coins as backup and photograph the receipt and unit number.
Typical pricing
Urban hubs: small units 300–400 yen per 24-hour period; medium 400–700 yen; large 700–1,200 yen. Regional terminals: small 200–300 yen; medium 300–500 yen; large 500–800 yen. Hourly charges are rare; most systems bill each started 24-hour block. Peak travel periods (Golden Week, Obon) often add a premium of +100–500 yen.
Payment methods and maximum deposit periods
Most coin-operated units accept 100 and 500 yen coins; many modern electronic units accept IC cards (Suica, Pasmo and other national cards), contactless credit cards or QR payments at major hubs. Paper receipts print with a retrieval code; retain until collection. Maximum unattended deposit typically 72 hours; after that staff remove contents and transfer items to a lost-property office or police, with identity verification and a processing fee that can exceed initial storage costs. Stays exceeding 3 days: use staffed left-baggage offices or private short-term storage services that permit multi-day deposits at daily rates of roughly 500–1,500 yen depending on size and location.
Quick tips: note the unit number, keep the receipt or a screenshot, avoid leaving valuables inside, and if rain is likely bring a compact umbrella – best most durable umbrella.
How to use a coin locker step-by-step: reserving, locking and retrieving items
Choose a single coin locker that fits your largest bag dimension; place heavy pieces at the bottom and wrap fragile items in protective layers.
Reserving and paying
1. Identify an electronic unit by a touchscreen panel and QR-code sticker. Tap the screen, select language, choose a size, then complete payment with an IC card, credit card or mobile pay; the machine issues a printed slip or a numeric pickup code.
2. Mechanical key-type units: test the door swing, insert the exact coin amount shown on the faceplate, collect the released key and keep it on your person until retrieval.
3. Using a third-party app: reserve a specific unit, pay inside the app, note the QR or numeric code, walk to the chosen bay and scan or enter the code to open the door.
Storing, locking and retrieving
1. Arrange items with heavy pieces low and smaller items on top; close the door gently so hinges and seals align.
2. Locking procedure: with a key-model, turn the key until resistance is felt then remove the key; with an electronic unit, press the on-screen confirm button or tap your IC card to register closure and keep the printed slip or screenshot showing unit number and PIN.
3. Retrieval: return with the key or enter the pickup PIN at the panel; if IC-card operated, tap the same card used at deposit to release the door. Remove all personal effects and any printed ticket before leaving.
4. If a unit fails to open, go to the nearest help desk with the slip or app screenshot, the unit number and photo ID; staff will verify ownership and may apply a handling fee if the key was lost or the rental expired. Items left past the permitted period can be moved to the lost-property office and may incur extra charges.
5. Keep receipts and screenshots until items are retrieved; avoid storing high-value documents or irreplaceable items long-term, since operators do not provide insurance coverage.
Alternatives when coin-operated storage is full: manned counters, takkyubin and nearby services
Use a manned left-baggage counter at major rail terminals or arrange takkyubin delivery to a hotel or airport; if those options are full, book a slot via ecboCloak or leave items at a hotel bell desk or mall storage point.
Manned left-baggage counters
Location: concourse areas, tourist information desks, or near main ticket gates at large rail hubs. Typical hours at main terminals: 05:30–22:00; some smaller counters close earlier. Rates: common charge ranges 600–1,200 JPY per item per day depending on size. Size/weight limits: many counters accept up to ~30 kg and items within 160 cm total linear dimension; oversized pieces may be refused or charged extra. Requirements: present photo ID and keep the receipt until collection. Prohibited: perishable goods, hazardous materials, unlabelled batteries may be refused; declare electronic devices on drop-off. Insurance: basic liability often limited (check written terms); declare high-value items and consider courier delivery instead.
Takkyubin delivery and nearby commercial options
Courier services (examples: Yamato Transport/Kuroneko, Sagawa, national postal parcel) provide door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal delivery. Booking: drop-off at courier counter, many convenience stores, or request hotel/hostel pick-up. Delivery speed: same-day within metro areas sometimes available; typical nationwide transit is next-day. Pricing examples (approximate): small (60 cm) 700–900 JPY, medium (80 cm) 900–1,400 JPY, large (120 cm) 1,200–2,000 JPY; extra 300–500 JPY for airport delivery or special-time slots. Tracking: carriers supply tracking numbers and optional delivery-date specification; require recipient name and phone. Restrictions: spare lithium batteries and hazardous goods restricted; fragile items should be double-packed and declared. Pickup at airport/hotel: many airports and major hotels receive parcels and hold them until passenger arrival (confirm counter hours).
Other nearby solutions: hotel bell desks (usually free short-term storage but policies vary), mall or department-store cloakrooms (price 300–700 JPY/day), capsule/hotels offering day-use storage, private paid storage shops close to busy hubs, and app-based services such as ecboCloak that list local shops willing to store items by reservation (fees typically 300–700 JPY per item plus a small booking charge). Practical tips: photograph contents and tags before leaving items, carry passports and valuables with you, keep receipts and tracking numbers, label deliveries with full English address and phone, and check opening/collection hours before committing.
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