Recommendation: Use coin-operated lockers for short-term holds: small ~¥300, medium ~¥400–¥600, large ~¥700–¥900. Small lockers fit a daypack; medium fit a cabin-size trolley (~55–60 cm); large accept full-size suitcases up to ~80 cm. For oversized items or multi-day deposits, use manned left-baggage counters where fees typically start at ¥600/day and can reach ¥1,200–¥1,500/day for bulky parcels.
Locker clusters are located near north and south ticket gates, inside the main concourse and along the underground passage toward Grand Front. Many units accept coins and IC transit cards (ICOCA, Suica); several high-traffic clusters operate 24/7. Manned counters have fixed business hours (early morning to late evening) – check posted times at the counter before leaving items.
Alternatives: point-to-point courier services (Yamato Kuroneko, Sagawa) typically charge about ¥1,000–¥2,500 per parcel depending on size and destination; hotel bell/concierge often hold bags for guests either free or for a small fee. Keep valuables on person, photograph contents, and retain the receipt issued by a locker or counter for collection and any claim purposes.
Practical tips: carry small change or an IC card for lockers, measure suitcase height to choose the right box, confirm maximum permitted storage days (coin lockers commonly clear after 3–7 days), and if arriving outside counter hours arrange a courier pick-up or use a 24-hour locker cluster near the main concourse.
Left-baggage options at the Umeda rail hub
Immediate recommendation: use coin-operated lockers near the central ticket gates for short-term bag holding – small ~300 JPY, medium ~500 JPY, large ~700–1,000 JPY.
Typical locker dimensions: small ≈ 35×35×57 cm, medium ≈ 57×35×57 cm, large ≈ 57×57×57 cm; availability concentrated at main concourses, underground malls and platform access points.
Manned baggage counters handle oversized suitcases and long-term deposits; counters usually operate from early morning until late evening – fees normally from 500–1,500 JPY per day depending on size. For items exceeding locker dimensions, request counter service or use a courier.
Private courier (takkyubin) delivery to hotels or airports costs roughly 1,200–3,000 JPY depending on box size and destination; same-day drop-off windows often close mid-afternoon. Courier is the safest option for bulky items or multi-day absence.
Payment methods: most coin lockers accept coins and major IC cards (ICOCA, Suica); larger terminal lockers occasionally accept credit or smartphone payment. Bring spare change during peak periods when IC readers may be busy.
Prohibited contents include hazardous materials, perishables and high-value items – keep passports, cash, electronics on person. Unattended items left beyond allowed time may be removed by staff and processed under local lost-property rules.
Locate free locker maps on JR West and private railway websites, or follow signage marked “coin locker” on concourses and exits; when locker density is low, check nearby hotels and baggage services in shopping complexes for paid options.
Consider protecting high-value belongings with dedicated coverage; see best luggage travel insurance for policy comparisons and claim tips.
Where to find coin lockers and staffed baggage counters inside the Umeda terminal
Use the 2nd-floor central concourse next to the main JR ticket gates for the largest bank of coin-operated lockers; sizes range approx. S 300–400 JPY, M 500–600 JPY, L 700–900 JPY for 24 hours, with many units accepting IC cards (Suica/ICOCA) in addition to coins.
Primary locker locations: south concourse by Sakurabashi Exit, north concourse near the North Gate, the pedestrian passage toward Hankyu/Hanshin platforms, and inside the Grand Front Umeda complex (basement levels and near the shopping arcade). Look for the locker pictogram and directional signage in English on concourse signs.
Staffed left-baggage counters are operated by JR West Travel Service Center and by private courier desks located on the main concourse levels and inside Grand Front Umeda. Services include full-size item acceptance, multi-day storage, and same-day courier bookings (takkyubin). Typical staffed hours run roughly 08:00–20:00; verify opening times at the nearest information desk before arrival.
How to locate a staffed desk quickly: follow signs for “Information” or “Baggage Service”, head toward the main ticket gate areas, or ask at any staffed ticket window. Bring passport or photo ID for items deposited at staffed counters and keep the receipt number for retrieval or delivery arrangements.
If locker banks are full during peak commuter periods (weekday mornings, weekend afternoons), alternatives include large lockers inside Grand Front Umeda and department stores connected to the hub (Hankyu/Hanshin buildings), hotel concierge short-term holds, or direct courier pickup/drop-off services available at the staffed desks. For quick purchases of travel accessories such as umbrellas near the concourse areas, see best place to buy mens umbrellas.
Security tips: avoid leaving valuables; photograph the locker number and payment receipt; note that most lockers charge per 24-hour period and will block access if fee not renewed. For oversized items or long-term needs, use a staffed counter and request a written ticket with a telephone contact for back-up support.
Locker sizes, maximum dimensions and pricing by duration
Recommendation: measure length × width × height of bags and select the smallest locker class that fits; if total linear dimension (L+W+H) exceeds ~160 cm or any single side exceeds ~110 cm, use a manned counter or courier service instead.
Coin lockers – typical sizes, internal dimensions and fees
- Small – internal approx 35 × 34 × 50–55 cm. Suitable for backpacks, small daypacks, briefcases. Typical fee: ¥300 per 24 hours.
- Medium – internal approx 35 × 34 × 90–105 cm (often taller, same footprint). Fits carry-on suitcases (up to 55–60 cm height). Typical fee: ¥400–¥500 per 24 hours.
- Large – internal approx 35 × 57 × 90–110 cm. Fits standard checked suitcase (up to ~75–80 cm height and wider items). Typical fee: ¥600–¥800 per 24 hours.
- Jumbo / Extra-large – internal up to ~85–90 cm height or wider compartments; availability limited. Typical fee: ¥800–¥1,200 per 24 hours.
Most coin lockers charge in 24-hour blocks (fee applies again after the first 24 hours). Accepted payment: coins and many locations accept major IC transit cards (Suica/ICOCA) or electronic payment; credit cards rarely supported. Items left longer than several days may be removed by management.
Staffed counters – maximum accepted dimensions and sample tariffs
- Maximum accepted size: many counters accept items up to about 160 cm total linear size (L+W+H). Oversized parcels sometimes accepted up to ~200 cm by special arrangement; check with the counter beforehand.
- Weight limits: commonly up to 25–30 kg per piece without prior notice; heavier items may require special handling or courier service.
- Typical short-term fees (per day) – examples: small items ¥400–¥800, medium suitcases ¥700–¥1,200, large/oversized items ¥1,500–¥3,000. Exact rates vary by provider and location.
- Maximum hold duration: staffed counters frequently accept deposits for multiple days or weeks for a daily/flat fee; unclaimed items follow the counter’s lost-property procedure after a set retention period.
- If an item does not fit any locker size, opt for the manned counter or a same-day domestic courier (takkyubin) – courier prices usually start around ¥1,000–¥2,000 for a single medium-sized suitcase to nearby destinations.
- Before depositing, write contact details on the claim tag and photograph the item and locker number; keep receipts for retrieval and possible disputes.
How to use coin lockers and pay with cash, IC card or mobile
IC card payment is fastest: many electronic lockers accept ICOCA, Suica, PASMO and other major JR/IC cards; cash (100‑yen and 500‑yen coins, and frequently 1,000‑yen bills) works at most mechanical and hybrid units; FeliCa‑enabled mobile wallets (Mobile Suica / Mobile ICOCA / Apple Pay on compatible devices) work where NFC readers are present.
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Select an available unit (green or unlit indicator). Check the size label and front‑panel price for the rental period required.
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Place bags/suitcase inside and close the door fully so the lock engages. Most electronic doors stay unlocked until payment is registered.
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Choose payment method on the touch panel or mechanical slot:
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Cash: insert coins (100/500‑yen) or a 1,000‑yen bill into the validator. If the panel asks, confirm duration and press the finalise/OK button. Collect any change and the printed ticket or key (if provided).
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IC card: tap the card on the reader when prompted. The system will display the fee and lock the unit after confirmation. Keep the same card for retrieval; the card functions as the release key.
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Mobile (FeliCa): unlock the reader screen on the device (or open the Mobile Suica/ICOCA app) and tap against the reader area. Wait for the green light and confirmation beep. Some newer systems accept QR/app reservation codes–follow on‑screen prompts.
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Take and safeguard any physical key or receipt. Electronic systems will show the retrieval method (tap card, tap phone, or enter numeric code). If a printed ticket includes a 4‑ or 6‑digit PIN, record it separately from the ticket.
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To reclaim items: present the same IC card or mobile device at the locker reader, insert the key or enter the PIN on the keypad, then open the door. If time has expired, add extra fee at that unit or at a nearby change/payment machine.
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If payment fails or a device is incompatible, head to the staffed baggage counter or ask nearby station staff; most counters accept cash and IC card transfers and can issue a temporary retrieval method. Lost keys typically incur a surcharge (often several thousand yen); report immediately to staff.
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Carry small change: at least two 100‑yen coins for short/medium lockers; some older units are coin‑only.
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Use an IC card for multiple drops during a day to avoid handling keys and tickets.
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Check panel language options–many panels offer English and Chinese; press the language button before payment if needed.
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For phones: ensure NFC/FeliCa is enabled and the payment app is set as default for transit card use to avoid tap failures.
Oversized-item solutions: takkyubin delivery and nearby private lockers
Use takkyubin for pieces that exceed locker dimensions or weight limits; major carriers (Yamato Kuroneko, Sagawa Express, Japan Post Yu-Pack) accept standard parcel delivery up to about 160 cm total (L+W+H) and approximately 25 kg; larger or heavier freight requires a dedicated cargo quote.
Typical one-way pricing examples for metropolitan routes: 60 cm ≈ ¥1,200–1,600, 80 cm ≈ ¥1,600–2,200, 100 cm ≈ ¥2,200–3,000, 120–160 cm ≈ ¥3,000–5,500. Same-day local delivery is often available for an extra ¥500–1,000; airport or timed delivery may add fees.
Recommended handling steps: measure and weigh each item; take clear photos of all sides; declare contents on the waybill; book via carrier app, web form or counter; drop-off points include convenience stores (7‑Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson), carrier service centers and many hotels that accept shipments. Retain the tracking number and photograph the posted label for claims.
Short-term commercial options near major rail hubs include app-based locker networks and shop-hosted deposit services such as Ecbo Cloak, Stasher and Bagbnb – typical daily rates: ¥300–¥1,000 per item depending on location and size. Reservations via the provider app or website secure space and display a QR code for handoff; choose sites with staff-assisted handling for fragile or oddly shaped gear.
Restrictions: spare lithium batteries, explosives, strong chemicals and perishables are commonly rejected; high-value items may require separate insurance or be refused. For very bulky equipment (garden machinery, workshop tools) request palletized freight or courier bulky-item service. For examples of bulky consumer equipment and shipping considerations see best pressure washer without hose.
Operating hours, lost-item procedures and safety precautions when leaving bags
Prefer staffed baggage counters for valuables; counters typically operate 07:00–21:00 on weekdays and 08:00–20:00 on weekends (see table below).
Operating hours – practical notes
Staffed counters: generally open early morning until late evening; evening closures vary by terminal wing, so verify times at the main information desk. Coin lockers and unattended locker banks: most available 24/7, but some large-size units near retail zones are shut overnight for cleaning or inspection – check posted signs on the row. Railway lost-&-found windows: usually staffed from 06:30–22:00; after-hours reports may be accepted by the information counter or forwarded to the local police box (koban).
Service | Typical hours | What to do |
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Staffed baggage counter | 07:00–21:00 (weekdays), 08:00–20:00 (weekends) | Hand valuables to counter staff; keep deposit receipt and write contact details on slip. |
Coin lockers / unattended lockers | Mostly 24/7 (some rows closed nightly) | Retain key or digital code; photograph locker number and location. |
Railway lost-&-found | 06:30–22:00 (typical) | Report missing item in person or use online lost-and-found search; provide deposit receipt if available. |
Local police box (koban) | 24 hours | File a report for high-value or suspicious finds; reclaim items transferred from cleaning teams. |
Lost-item procedure – step-by-step
1) If an item is discovered missing, go to the nearest information desk and file a written report with a detailed description, last-known location, date and time, and any deposit/locker receipt numbers.
2) For locker-related issues: present the locker ticket or photo of the locker number; staff will check clearing schedules and advise whether contents have been transferred to police or lost-&-found.
3) For items handed to lost-&-found: identity verification and a signed claim form are required; expect holding periods of several weeks before transfer to the municipal lost-property office.
4) Use the official online search portals maintained by the rail operator and the national police for faster matching; enter brand, color, distinctive marks and deposit reference if available.
Safety precautions when leaving bags
– Never leave high-value items (passport, cash, electronics) inside a deposited item without using a staffed counter; insured acceptance is sometimes available at counters only.
– Photograph contents, exterior appearance and the receipt or locker number before leaving an item. Store photos off-device (cloud or separate device) for proof if a claim is needed.
– Use tamper-evident seals or small cable locks on zippers and note any serial numbers. Do not rely on unsecured straps; weak closures are inspected and may be opened by staff if deemed necessary for security checks.
– Label deposits with a name and reachable contact number and keep the deposit slip in a separate pocket. If travel plans change, call the counter or lost-&-found immediately with the deposit reference.
– Avoid leaving items unattended in concourses, on platforms or in paid-entry areas; unattended items may be removed and treated as suspicious by security or police, causing delays and potential forfeiture.