Can i store luggage in osaka train station

Where to leave baggage: most central rail hubs (Umeda area, Namba district, Tennoji and the Shinkansen hub north of the city) have rows of coin lockers near ticket gates, concourses and transfer corridors. Larger terminals typically offer hundreds to thousands of lockers; smaller suburban stops may have only a few dozen.

Locker sizes and prices: small (about 30×35×55 cm) – roughly ¥300–¥400; medium (about 45×35×55 cm) – roughly ¥500–¥600; large (about 55×35×55 cm) – roughly ¥700–¥800; oversized or long lockers can reach ¥1,000+. Many new units accept IC transit cards as well as coins.

Time limits and overflow: most unattended lockers allow 24–72 hours of occupancy; items left beyond the limit are removed and transferred to the terminal’s lost‑and‑found or a municipal storage facility, where additional handling fees and retrieval procedures apply. If lockers are full, use a staffed baggage counter at the rail company’s service window or switch to a private cloakroom app – both options can handle large valises and items that don’t fit standard lockers.

Courier forwarding (takkyubin): same‑day or next‑day delivery to hotels, airports and other addresses is widely available. Typical domestic fees: small/compact items ¥700–¥1,200; medium/standard suitcases ¥1,200–¥1,800; very large or long items ¥1,800–¥2,500 depending on distance. Many hotels accept incoming parcels if you provide your name and arrival date.

Practical tips: carry valuables and travel documents with you; check locker dimensions before payment if you have a hard‑shell trolley; have coins or an IC card available for older lockers; during holiday peaks or event weekends prebook a cloak service or arrange courier pickup the previous evening to avoid full capacity.

Left-bag options at major rail hubs

Use coin lockers for short-term baggage holding; for oversized items choose staffed left-baggage counters or door-to-door courier (takkyubin) service.

Coin locker pricing and sizes: small 300–400 JPY (approx. 35×35×45 cm), medium 400–700 JPY (35×35×60 cm), large 700–1,000 JPY (35×35×90+ cm). Most lockers allow up to 72 hours before removal procedures begin; some high‑demand hubs impose a 24–48 hour practical limit. Newer lockers accept IC cards (ICOCA, Suica) but many still require coins – carry cash.

How to choose quickly

If you need freedom for a few hours, locate the nearest locker bank in the main concourse; check size stickers before inserting items. For bulky boxes, go to the staffed office on the concourse – staff can issue receipts and longer-term receipts. When moving between terminals or to accommodation, arrange takkyubin the same morning for next-day delivery to hotels within the region.

Practical tips and restrictions

Have small bills and coins ready; tag valuables and keep receipts. Prohibited items include hazardous materials and live animals. If lockers are full, use app-based cloak services or courier pickup from a nearby convenience store. For long-term holding, confirm limits and insurance with the staffed office before handing over items.

Coin locker sizes, prices and maximum rental periods

Choose a medium locker for a single wheeled suitcase: approx. 40 × 35 × 60 cm, price about ¥500–¥700, rental usually allowed up to 72 hours.

Size guide and typical costs

Small – ~30–35 × 30–35 × 50–60 cm; fits daypacks and small backpacks; typical fee ¥300–¥400 per use.

Medium – ~35–45 × 35–50 × 55–70 cm; fits carry-on or cabin-size case; typical fee ¥500–¥700 per use.

Large – ~50–60 × 35–45 × 70–80 cm; fits one full-size suitcase or two smaller bags; typical fee ¥600–¥900 per use.

Jumbo / oversized lockers – dimensions vary widely; rare and often located near staffed counters; typical fee ¥800–¥1,200 or higher.

Rental limits, payments and practical notes

Typical maximum rental period is 24–72 hours depending on the operator and location; many busy hubs enforce a 72-hour limit, while some lockers refresh every 24 hours. Items left beyond the limit are transferred to the facility’s lost-and-found and retrieval may require additional paperwork or fees.

Payment: most mechanical lockers accept coins only; newer electronic lockers accept IC transit cards (ICOCA/Suica/Pasmo) or credit/debit at selected sites. Look for IC-card symbols on the locker panel.

For stays longer than the locker limit, use a staffed baggage counter or a delivery service (takuhaibin) to send bags to hotels or airports. Photograph the locker number and payment receipt, and keep the key or electronic receipt with you until recovery.

Exact locker locations at Umeda, Namba and Shin-OS

Use the coin units at Umeda’s Central Concourse outside the JR Central Ticket Gate for fastest drop-off – largest cluster and direct access to the Grand Front/Osaka-Umeda walkways.

• Umeda (JR/underground complex)

  • Central Concourse: rows of coin units immediately outside the Central Ticket Gate (near Midori no Madoguchi / JR ticket office).
  • Grand Front Osaka basement levels: locker bank near Tower A entrance (ground/B1 access from the JR concourse).
  • LUCUA/Herbis Plaza: lockers on B1/B2 near main mall entrances and east exit toward the Hankyu area.
  • Hankyu Umeda terminal: small-to-medium lockers on the concourse beside the Hankyu Gate (useful if arriving on Hankyu lines).
  • Tips: choose Central Concourse for large-size units; use LUCUA/Hankyu for short retail visits.

• Namba complex

  • Nankai Namba concourse: locker rows right outside the Nankai ticket gates (first floor level, near West Exit).
  • Namba City / Namba Walk: multiple banks along the underground shopping arcade – look for lockers near South Exit and the junction with Namba Walk.
  • Namba Parks: locker bank by the north entrance near the bus terminal and the multi-level parking access.
  • Tip: if using the subway Midosuji Line at Namba, check the Midosuji concourse entrances – small banks are placed near exits leading to Namba Walk.

• Shin-OS hub

  • Main concourse outside the Shinkansen gates: medium-to-large lockers along the concourse opposite the ticket vending machines (both north and south sides).
  • Ground-level west exit concourse: compact lockers near Exit 4 / taxi stand area, convenient for transfers to buses and highways.
  • Platform access corridors: small banks near the stair/escalator entrances to the conventional line platforms (useful for short waits before departure).
  • Tip: for Shinkansen travelers choose the lockers immediately outside the Shinkansen ticket gates to avoid carrying items through ticket barriers.

Operational notes: many units accept IC cards (ICOCA, Suica, Pasmo) but some still require coins; peak occupancy is highest early morning and late afternoon–if all units are full, check adjacent commercial buildings (department stores and shopping complexes) for additional banks.

How to use a coin locker step-by-step (cash, IC card and app options)

Choose an available locker with its price shown and confirm the compartment fits your bag before paying; then use one of the three methods below.

Cash (coins and bills)

1. Check the front panel for size, price and an English-language button; press the language key if needed.

2. Open the door, place your item inside, then close the door fully so the locking mechanism seats.

3. Insert payment into the coin slot or bill slot shown on the panel. Most machines accept 100-yen coins and 1,000-yen notes; have exact change if the unit displays “no change.”

4. When the display confirms payment, press the on-panel button labeled Lock or Close; a green light or beep indicates successful locking and the key (if a physical key model) will eject.

5. Keep the key or note the numeric code shown on the screen; that is required to reopen the compartment. If the locker issues a printed receipt, keep it until retrieval.

6. For retrieval, insert the key into the keyhole or enter the numeric code on the keypad, then turn or press Open. For coin refunds or key problems, use the contact number printed on the locker.

IC card and app options

1. IC card method: place your contactless card (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and similar) over the reader on the locker panel; the screen will display the fee and request confirmation.

2. Tap the card again or press the panel’s confirm button to pay; wait for the indicator light or sound. Close the door – many IC systems lock automatically after payment without issuing a physical key.

3. To retrieve with an IC card, tap the same reader; the panel will validate the card and the door will unlock. If multiple cards have been used, the panel shows the code linked to the correct one.

4. App method: install the locker operator’s official app, register an account and add a payment method (credit card or mobile wallet). Allow location or camera if the app needs to scan a QR on the unit.

5. In-app select a specific locker, pay via the app, then use the app’s Open button or scan the on-unit QR/barcode to release the lock; the app will display a PIN if required for manual entry.

6. Keep the app confirmation visible while opening; if the app fails, use the panel’s contact number and the app’s reservation ID to get operator help or a manual override.

Overnight and long-term storage services and their fees

Prefer staffed left-bag counters for stays up to two weeks and commercial monthly vaults or courier+warehouse combos for longer periods; fees and access rules differ sharply, so pick by duration and size.

Short-term (overnight to 14 days)

• Staffed counters at major rail hubs and terminals: typical charge ¥500–¥1,500 per item per day; standard retention 3–7 days, some counters allow up to 14–30 days by arrangement; ID required (passport or residence card) and signature on deposit slip; collection windows commonly 07:00–21:00.
• On-demand third-party cloak services (app-based offerings in cafés/shops): ¥300–¥1,200/day; book and pay online; ideal for short multi-day holds without visiting a staffed counter.
• Accommodation bell desks: free-to-¥1,000/day for guests; non-guests may be refused or charged higher rates–call ahead.

Long-term (several weeks to months)

• Commercial storage facilities (monthly contracts): small boxes ≈ ¥3,000–¥6,000/month; medium ≈ ¥6,000–¥12,000/month; large ≈ ¥12,000+/month; climate-controlled units incur a premium (usually +¥1,000–¥3,000/month); minimum term typically one month and payment is prepaid.
• Courier + warehouse solutions: one-way domestic forwarding (Yamato/Japan Post) runs roughly ¥1,000–¥3,500 depending on size and destination; combine a one-way shipment to a storage warehouse and monthly storage fees (~¥2,000–¥6,000/month) for off-site long-term holding.
• Business/locker subscriptions: coworking cloakrooms and some retail chains offer monthly plans from ~¥2,500/month for small lockers with repeat access during business hours–good for commuters or repeat pickups.

Insurance and restrictions:

• Default liability is low: most providers cap compensation at about ¥10,000–¥30,000 unless you purchase extra coverage–ask for the written limit before depositing bulky or valuable items.
• Prohibited items: perishables, illegal goods, flammables, pressurized gas cylinders, lithium batteries above checked limits, firearms and explosives–providers will refuse or require special handling paperwork.
• Surcharges: oversize/odd-shaped items often incur a one-time handling fee (¥500–¥3,000) or higher daily/monthly rates; weekend/holiday pickups may add an extra charge.

Practical tips:

1. Photograph contents and seal tags at handover; request a written receipt with return deadline and declared value.
2. Confirm access hours and advance pick-up procedures; some monthly facilities require 48–72 hours’ notice for retrieval.
3. For bulky items that you don’t want to carry between stops, compare the combined cost of repeat forwarding versus a monthly unit–forwarding once plus storage can be cheaper for multi-month holds.

If you need reliable family-sized bags, see best family travel bags. For bulky equipment, inspect mechanical items for problems before deposit and consult maintenance advice such as signs that your air compressor might be faulty.

Baggage forwarding (takuhaibin) vs coin lockers: practical decision guide

If you need door-to-door delivery between hotels or to an airport, choose takuhaibin; if you require on-the-spot access for a few hours, use a coin locker.

Cost comparison: short-term locker fees typically range 300–800 JPY per 24 hours depending on size; takuhaibin one-off fees commonly fall between 800–3,500 JPY based on size and distance (small/60cm, medium/80cm, large/100cm measured as L+W+H in cm). Example: leaving a large suitcase for 3 days in a locker at 700 JPY/day ≈ 2,100 JPY vs a single takuhaibin shipment ~1,800–2,500 JPY – forwarding wins for multi-day travel or when moving between cities.

Delivery speed and deadlines: intercity takuhaibin is usually next-day for major routes; same-day local delivery may be available if dropped off at a carrier counter early (aim for drop-off before mid-afternoon). Lockers offer immediate retrieval 24/7 while takuhaibin requires a delivery window (most carriers provide time-slot tracking).

Size and quantity: multiple bulky pieces favor takuhaibin to avoid multiple locker rentals. For single carry-ons or day-use backpacks a medium locker is cheaper and faster. If bringing fragile or oddly shaped items, forward them in a box with padding and mark fragile; carriers accept boxed shipments more reliably than loose straps or oversized frames.

Hotel and arrival tips: confirm your accommodation will accept pre-shipped parcels and how many days they will hold them (many hotels accept packages 2–3 days before check-in; some larger hotels accept earlier). Label with full hotel name, address, and arrival date; include your mobile number. For private rooms or small guesthouses, contact ahead – some refuse incoming parcels.

Security and high-value items: keep passports, electronics, jewelry and cash with you. Declare a value for expensive goods if you need compensation coverage – carriers limit liability unless a declared value or insurance is purchased. Take photos of contents and retain receipts and the takuhaibin tracking number.

Where to hand over and how to book: major carriers – Yamato (TA-Q-BIN), Sagawa Express, Japan Post (Yu-Pack) – accept drop-offs at their service counters, some airport desks and many hotel front desks; some offer home pick-up with advance booking and English support. Use the carrier app or counter for tracking and to schedule delivery dates and preferred time slots.

When to choose which: pick takuhaibin for multi-stop itineraries, oversized gear, airport transfers, or hotel-to-hotel convenience; pick a locker for short errands, day trips, or when immediate access outweighs delivery convenience. If undecided, check locker availability near planned terminals and compare the total locker cost for the number of days versus a single forward fee.

If you’re also considering a new pack for day use or carry convenience, see best backpack black friday deals for compact options that fit most medium lockers.

Rules, prohibited items and what to do if a locker is full or malfunctions

Always photograph the compartment number and payment receipt, check the operator name/phone on the unit, and keep the receipt until you reclaim your bag.

Prohibited and restricted items

Explosives and pyrotechnics: fireworks, detonators, gunpowder, ammunition – absolutely forbidden.

Flammable and pressurised materials: gasoline, lighter fluid, camping gas canisters, spray paints, kerosene, oxygen cylinders.

Corrosives and toxic chemicals: acids, bleach in large quantities, pesticides, compressed chemical cartridges.

Radioactive materials and hazardous industrial items: anything requiring a special licence or hazardous-goods handling.

Live animals and perishable goods: pets, insects, fresh seafood, produce that emits strong odours or leaks.

Illicit items and stolen property: narcotics, contraband, forged documents, items prohibited by law.

High-value assets: cash, passports, expensive jewellery and irreplaceable documents – avoid leaving; use a manned left-luggage counter or hotel safe instead.

Note: some operators restrict large lithium battery packs, fragile museum pieces and certain commercial samples – check the sticker on the locker or operator rules posted nearby.

When compartments are full or a unit malfunctions

If all lockers are occupied: check adjacent concourses and nearby commercial buildings (department stores, shopping arcades) for private coin lockers; use a cloakroom app (for example, Ecbo Cloak) to book local shops or check the operator map posted in the concourse.

Immediate alternative options: ask a hotel front desk (many accept short-term holds for guests) or the staffed left-luggage counter at the main ticket office; courier drop-off points at large shopping complexes can accept single items for a fee.

If a unit will not open after payment: keep the receipt, photograph the unit and error message, then go to the nearest staffed ticket window or customer service desk and present the proof of payment; staff can contact the locker operator to force-open and log the incident.

If an electronic lock rejects your IC card or app: show the transaction history on your phone or the IC card balance change at a ticket machine; staff will coordinate with the operator to retrieve contents or issue a refund.

Operator contact: call the phone number printed on the locker label; most operators will arrange an on-site technician or provide an opening code. If no operator contact is visible, ask staff at the ticket office or the lost-and-found counter.

Theft, damage or suspicious contents: report immediately to the nearest police box (koban) and to the customer-service desk; do not attempt to force open the unit.

Claim and refund procedures: retrieval of items after forced-opening or malfunction is handled by the operator; expect identity verification and a written incident report. Refunds for unused paid time or unsuccessful payments are processed either at the operator office or the main ticket counter – keep all receipts and a photo record.