Michael Turner
Where to find: Coin-operated storage units sit in arrival lobbies, near transfer corridors and major concourses across Terminals 1–3. Staffed baggage counters operate inside arrival halls and behind check-in zones; those counters accept oversized items and offer sealed, ticketed storage. Coin units commonly accept 100‑yen coins and IC transit cards; staffed counters take cash and major credit cards.
Pricing and sizes: Compact compartments typically cost about 300–500 JPY, medium units around 600–800 JPY, large boxes roughly 900–1,200 JPY per 24-hour period. Staffed counters charge per item with additional daily rates for extended deposits and surcharges on oversized pieces.
Practical tips: Keep valuables with you and store only non-essential items. If arriving late at night, choose coin-operated units since some manned counters close overnight. Photograph unit number and receipt, and retain any digital confirmation. Check terminal maps and the official HND site to verify exact locations and opening hours before travel.
Alternatives: Baggage forwarding services (Yamato, Sagawa and others) provide same-day or next-day delivery to hotels and other terminals; expected fees range 1,000–2,500 JPY depending on size and destination. When space is limited, pre-book a pick-up slot via the carrier app or ask hotel concierge to coordinate dispatch.
Storage options at Tokyo International (HND)
Use coin-operated storage units or staffed left-baggage counters inside Terminals 1, 2 and the International Terminal (HND) depending on item size and duration.
Locations & hours
Coin-operated units are positioned near arrival halls, the Keikyū and Tokyo Monorail station access points, and within concourses; most units operate 24 hours. Staffed left-baggage counters are located in each terminal’s arrivals or transfer zones and usually run early morning until late evening (hours vary by operator), so check the terminal information desk on arrival for exact opening times.
Sizes, pricing and practical tips
Typical coin-unit pricing: Small ~¥400, Medium ~¥600, Large ~¥800–¥1,000, Extra-large ~¥1,200+; dimensions differ by bank, so measure soft bags or check posted size charts before inserting. Payment: most accept 100‑yen coins and many accept IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo); staffed counters accept cash and cards and can issue receipts for longer storage.
Most unattended compartments are cleared after about 72 hours; staffed services accept extended deposits (days to weeks) at a higher rate and can handle oversized items, sports equipment and fragile goods. Do not place passports, cash or electronics inside unattended units – use a staffed counter for valuables.
Alternatives: use airport-area courier (takkyubin) to send bulky suitcases to hotels or stations, or reserve commercial short-term storage through apps such as Ecbo Cloak that list shops and kiosks inside terminals and allow pre-booking.
Quick action: if you need same-day drop-off and pickup, head to the nearest coin unit; for multi-day storage, oversized pieces or valuables, go to the staffed left-baggage counter and get a stamped receipt.
Exact coin-operated storage locations in Terminals 1, 2 and 3
Terminal 1 (Domestic T1)
B1 arrivals – North Wing: adjacent to baggage belt 1, beside Exit 2 and the Tokyo Monorail transfer corridor.
B1 arrivals – South Wing: beside baggage belt 3, close to the Keikyu Line transfer passage and the domestic transfer counter.
2F departures – central check-in zone: near counters 10–18, opposite the main information desk; small and medium compartments concentrated here.
Terminal 2 (Domestic T2) and Terminal 3 (International T3)
Terminal 2, B1 arrivals: next to the arrivals hall by the train access escalators (Keikyu/Monorail side) and near the domestic transfer counter.
Terminal 2, 3F departures: near airline check-in cluster and the south waiting area; useful when dropping baggage prior to check-in.
Terminal 3 (International), 2F arrivals: immediately after immigration, on the left side of the arrival lobby near the transfer desk and Keikyu station entrance.
Terminal 3, 3F departures: beside the main departure hall near check-in islands 2–4 and opposite the international information counter.
Sizes and payment summary: typical compartment sizes small/medium/large (approx. 350×340×580 mm, 540×350×580 mm, 590×350×980 mm). Usual fees: small ~300–400 JPY, medium ~500–700 JPY, large ~700–1,200 JPY. Payment methods include 100‑yen coins; many units accept IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo. Maximum continuous storage generally up to three days; oversized or long-term storage should be placed at staffed left‑baggage counters located in each terminal’s arrivals area.
Storage unit sizes, dimensions and permitted weight per unit
Select a medium storage unit (internal ≈ 35×57×51 cm; max weight ~20 kg) to hold standard 55 cm carry-on suitcases; choose a large unit (internal ≈ 35×92×51 cm; max 30–35 kg) to accommodate typical 29–32″ checked cases; use extra-large/trunk-style units (internal ≈ 64×93×51 cm; max 35–45 kg) when packing bulky sports gear or multiple boxes.
| Type | Internal dimensions (W×D×H, cm) | Approx. external footprint (cm) | Max permitted weight | Common contents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 35×34×51 | 40×40×60 | ~10 kg | Daypack, small handbag, souvenirs |
| Medium | 35×57×51 | 40×63×60 | ~20 kg | Carry-on suitcase up to 55 cm, briefcase, small box |
| Large | 35×92×51 | 40×98×60 | 30–35 kg | 29–32″ checked suitcase, stroller |
| Extra-large / Trunk | 64×93×51 | 70×100×60 | 35–45 kg | Bulky boxes, folded surfboard, sports equipment |
Actual internal space and weight allowance vary by machine model; each unit displays its exact internal dimensions and weight limit on the front panel. Test-fit items before payment when possible, avoid stacking beyond the stated weight, and use staffed left-baggage counters for irregular shapes or items exceeding listed limits. Need temporary storage of a folding beach chair? Check extra-large units or staffed left-baggage counters; see best beach chairs with umbrella – many compact models will fit medium units.
Operating hours, peak availability and where to check real-time status
Use coin-operated storage near arrival halls outside peak windows (before 06:30 or after 21:30); if guaranteed space is required, reserve via on-demand storage apps or use staffed left-bag counters (hours listed below).
Typical operating hours and peak windows
- Coin-operated units: available 24 hours in many terminal arrival and departure lobbies; some units inside secured/airside zones close with the terminal gate area – check access rules when planning.
- Staffed left-bag counters: typically run approximately 06:00–22:00 in domestic terminals; international terminal counters often operate shorter shifts (around 06:00–21:00). Individual operator hours change by season.
- Peak shortage windows:
- Weekday mornings: ~06:30–09:30 (heavy outbound flows).
- Evening arrivals: ~17:00–21:00 (arrival waves and connecting passengers).
- Large holiday periods (Golden Week, Obon, New Year): sustained high occupancy across the day.
- Payments and charges: most coin units accept 100‑yen coins and major IC cards; typical 24‑hour fees range roughly 400–1,200 JPY depending on size.
Where to check real-time availability and alternatives
- Official HND terminal map and facilities page – interactive maps may indicate available coin-operated storage; use the terminal site search to locate current info.
- On-site digital displays in arrival halls that show occupancy or point to closest available units.
- Call the HND information center at +81-3-5757-8111 for immediate confirmation about staffed counter hours and access rules.
- On-demand storage apps (Ecbo Cloak, BAGbnb and similar) list nearby shops and service points with live availability and reservation options.
- Google Maps entries at terminal storage locations include Popular Times and recent user photos – useful to assess current busyness before arrival.
- Rail operator apps (Keikyu, Tokyo Monorail) may report coin-box availability at connected stations, handy when terminal units are full.
Practical tactics: if travel falls inside identified peak windows, pre-book via an app, use nearby station units, or send bags to the next hotel or a delivery service to avoid last-minute searches.
Prices, payment methods (coin, IC card, credit) and refund policies
Use an IC card (Suica/PASMO) at electronic units when available; carry 100‑yen and 500‑yen coins as backup; choose staffed storage counters to pay by credit card.
Typical rates and billing rules
Standard 24‑hour rates: Small ¥300, Medium ¥400–¥600, Large ¥700–¥900. Charges apply per 24‑hour block starting at placement time; if stored past the initial block an additional full block charge is applied. Rates can vary slightly by terminal and by proximity to boarding gates; check posted stickers on each unit before depositing.
Accepted payments and operational notes
Coin-operated units accept 100‑yen and 500‑yen coins; many also accept 1000‑yen bills, but change may be limited. Electronic units accept Suica/PASMO and other major IC transit cards; the same card used to pay must be presented or tapped at retrieval. Select large electronic units and staffed counters accept contactless and chip credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX); the transaction is processed at placement time and tied to the issued receipt.
Coins placed into mechanical units are consumed by the mechanism; these machines do not dispense refunds unless a malfunction is confirmed by staff. If an IC payment fails to register, do not remove items; contact the nearest service desk and present the IC transaction history if possible. Credit refunds require the original card and the receipt issued at payment; processing time may take several business days.
If a unit malfunctions and retains payment, report the issue immediately at the terminal service counter with a photo of the machine and proof of payment; staff can verify transaction logs and issue refunds or open the unit. Keep all receipts and take a timestamped photo as proof of placement.
Unclaimed items are transferred to the local police after the published retention period (typically 7 days); retrieval after transfer requires a police report and proof of ownership and may incur additional handling fees. If a key is lost, contact the service desk right away so staff can document the case and arrange supervised opening.
Practical tip: when planning a longer stay, use staffed baggage storage counters that accept credit cards and provide a receipt containing exact payment details and contact information. Also see an unrelated pet safety guide: how to fence off a pond for a dogs.
How to use a storage unit step-by-step and what to do if you lose the key
Step-by-step use
Keep the claim ticket or electronic code on your person; it is required to reclaim items.
Locate a numbered storage compartment and confirm the displayed maximum weight and size label on the door. Place small valuables in an inner pouch, then position bags with zippers toward the door.
Choose payment: insert coins, tap an IC travel card, or pay by credit at the terminal touchscreen. If the unit issues a physical token take it; if it prints a paper ticket photograph it and store the image separately from the ticket.
Close the door firmly until you hear a click and verify the indicator light or red/green panel shows a secured state. Note the unit number and the retrieval deadline printed on the ticket or screen.
To reopen, insert the ticket into the slot or enter the numeric code on the keypad; if you used an IC card, tap the same card. Keep the ticket until you reclaim items; lost tickets complicate recovery.
If you lose the key or claim code
Return immediately to the nearest terminal information or service counter and report the unit number, deposit time and payment method. Present photo ID and the payment receipt or bank/IC transaction record if available.
Staff will verify ownership and normally open the compartment with a master key or service override. Staff will inspect contents; if high-value items or identification documents are present they may involve police, so be prepared to answer questions.
Some facilities charge a handling fee; amounts commonly range around ¥1,000–¥2,000. If a fee is applied, request a written receipt and a reference number to track the case.
Do not attempt forced entry. Cutting, prying or breaking the unit will incur additional fees and may result in loss or damage. If the unit uses an electronic code and displays a help button or hotline number, call that line first; remote reset often resolves access without physical intervention.
Preventive tips: photograph the ticket, save the numeric code in a note app and email the image to yourself. Small items such as umbrellas can be stored safely – see best geeky umbrellas.
Alternatives: staffed baggage counters and same-day bag delivery
Use staffed baggage counters when you need documented storage, insurance options or guaranteed access during your stay in Terminals 1–3; choose same‑day courier when you prefer door‑to‑door delivery to a hotel, office or station.
Where to go (terminals): staffed baggage desks are located in the arrivals/ground‑floor lobbies of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 near the public exits and information desks. Look for signs labeled “Baggage Service” or company names such as JAL ABC, Yamato (TA‑Q‑BIN) and Sagawa.
What to bring and what you’ll get: present passport or government ID and your flight/booking info; counters issue a numbered claim tag and a receipt that shows storage start time and any declared value. Keep the receipt–it is required for retrieval and insurance claims.
Typical staffed‑desk rules: item acceptance is normally per piece (no loose piles), weight limit usually 30 kg per item, declared‑value insurance optional, prohibited items include cash, passports, valuables and perishables. Expect surcharges for oversized items (over 160 cm total linear size).
Common staffed‑desk rates: short stays (up to 24 hours) often run JPY 600–1,200 for small/medium pieces; larger items 1,200–2,000 JPY. Rates vary by terminal and company–ask at counter before handing over bags.
Same‑day courier (door delivery): drop off at a service desk in any terminal or arrange pickup from the arrivals curb. Major providers: Yamato Transport (TA‑Q‑BIN), Sagawa Express, Japan Post and JAL ABC delivery service. Hotels usually accept incoming parcels–confirm acceptance and earliest delivery window with the hotel.
Typical pricing and size tiers (domestic, within Tokyo area): small (~60 cm) JPY 1,000–1,300; medium (~80 cm) JPY 1,300–1,700; large (~100 cm) JPY 1,800–2,500. Expect extra fees for same‑day priority service and for very large or heavy items.
Cutoff times and delivery windows: to reach central Tokyo addresses same day, handover is usually required by 09:00–12:00; later drop‑offs typically deliver by evening or the next day. If you need guaranteed evening delivery, request the timed‑delivery option and confirm the pickup deadline at the counter.
How to prepare a parcel: pack securely, remove old address labels, write recipient name, hotel name, phone and planned check‑in date; declare fragile contents when applicable. Keep the courier receipt and tracking number; most carriers provide online tracking and phone support in English.
Security and valuables: never send cash, passports, travel documents or irreplaceable items via staffed desk or courier. Carry those on your person or place them in the airline’s checked baggage if necessary.
If problems arise: lost claim tag or missing delivery–contact the issuing counter/company immediately with ID, receipt copy and tracking number. Staffed counters maintain a lost‑and‑found log and will require ID to release stored items; couriers will open an inquiry and may require the sender’s details and declared value for compensation.
Quick decision guide: choose staffed counters when you need flexible pickup times, receipts and short‑term storage; choose same‑day couriers when you want bags sent ahead to a hotel, event or a different city address without carrying them yourself.
