Michael Turner
Quick rule: total dimensions (length + width + height) up to 160 cm fit overhead racks or the space between seats without extra charge; items whose total measures fall between 160 cm and 250 cm require a paid oversized-item reservation (many rail companies charge about ¥1,000 per item on most bullet-train services); parcels over 250 cm are not permitted aboard and must be forwarded by courier or transported separately.
Measure the suitcase before ticketing: use a tape measure along the three axes and add numbers. When booking, select the baggage-aware seat option or the dedicated space behind certain seat rows (check the seating map for that service). Failure to reserve for items in the 160–250 cm range may lead to refusal to store the item on board or request to use platform/terminal storage.
Alternative options and cost guidance: station coin lockers typically accept medium to very large bags (fees roughly ¥200–¥800 depending on size); domestic door-to-door courier services (takkyubin) offer next-day delivery between hotels and addresses – expect typical charges from about ¥1,500 for compact parcels up to ¥3,000–¥4,000 for oversized shipments, with most carriers limiting single parcels to around 30 kg unless special handling is arranged.
Practical tips: compact or collapse the case to keep total dimensions under 160 cm; when a reserved oversized slot exists, book it simultaneously with the passenger seat; arrive at the platform early to stow items safely; when in doubt, contact the specific rail operator (JR East, JR Central, JR West, etc.) for line-specific rules and fee confirmation before travel.
Oversized suitcases on bullet trains: immediate guidance
Reserve an oversized-baggage seat or send bulky cases by takkyubin for any item whose combined length+width+height exceeds 160 cm.
Measurement method: add the three external dimensions (cm). Items with a total of 160 cm or less normally fit in overhead racks or under seats; totals between 160 cm and 250 cm require special handling; totals above 250 cm are not permitted inside passenger areas and must travel by freight or courier.
When a seat reservation is required
On Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu bullet train services an additional reservation option exists for items between 160–250 cm; a fixed supplementary fee (approx. ¥1,000 per item) is charged when selecting the oversized-baggage slot at booking. Use the official operator website, ticket machines with seat-reservation options, or station ticket counters to add the tag at the time of purchase.
Other JR companies (Tohoku, Hokkaido, Joetsu, Hokuriku lines) may accept bulky cases without the dedicated tag but space is limited and staff may request relocation of obstructive items to station storage or courier services.
Practical alternatives and tips
Ship suitcases with Yamato/ Sagawa/ Japan Post takkyubin to hotels or stations–typical next-day delivery fees run roughly ¥1,200–¥3,500 depending on size and distance; urban–regional long-haul shipments can cost more. For items too big for coin lockers (most lockers accept up to ~100–140 cm combined), use station manned baggage storage counters or prepaid courier drop-off points.
Packing advice: use soft-sided cases or compression cubes to keep totals under 160 cm; distribute weight below ~30 kg per piece for safe lifting by one person. If an oversized item must travel aboard and oversized-seat slots are sold out, purchase an extra adjacent seat where allowed or book a later/earlier train with availability.
At boarding, place tagged or permitted items only in designated rear-of-car stowage or overhead racks; avoid blocking aisles, doorways or emergency exits. For final confirmation of fees, permitted dimensions and booking procedure, consult the specific operator’s official page before departure.
Exact size and weight limits for carry-on items on Japanese high-speed trains
Keep each carry-on item’s combined length + width + height at 160 cm or less; aim for a single-piece weight under 30 kg for safe handling.
Pieces with combined dimensions over 160 cm but no more than 250 cm require a paid large-item reservation (typically ¥1,000 per reserved seat) and must occupy designated storage space behind the reserved seat or in the car’s allocated area. Reserve the space during seat booking or at the ticket counter.
Items whose combined dimensions exceed 250 cm are not permitted aboard; arrange station freight or door-to-door delivery services instead.
There is no universally published strict weight limit for hand baggage, but very heavy items may be refused by staff for safety reasons. Practical guidance: keep individual pieces at or below 20–30 kg and ensure they can be lifted into overhead racks or moved into designated spaces without assistance.
Soft, compressible bags that fit under the seat or on overhead racks (i.e., total dimensions ≤160 cm and modest weight) avoid the need for a large-item reservation and speed boarding.
How to use the bullet train oversized-baggage reservation system and fees
Reserve an oversized-baggage slot when purchasing a reserved-seat ticket; a fixed surcharge of 1,000 JPY per item, per train applies and failure to reserve may result in refusal to board or requirement to send the item by courier.
Booking channels: official online services (SmartEX, JR‑WEST e5489, JR‑EAST Eki‑net), ticket offices (Midori no Madoguchi) and licensed travel agencies. Holders of nationwide rail passes should visit a ticket counter to add the oversized option because some pass reservation portals do not accept the surcharge online.
Selection process: choose the “oversized baggage” or “bulky item” option during seat reservation, declare the number of items and follow prompts for seat assignment. At a ticket counter, request an oversized-baggage reservation, show measurements and receive a ticket with the surcharge printed.
Availability is limited per service; reserve as early as possible for popular routes and peak travel dates (Golden Week, Obon, New Year). If no slots remain for a chosen train, arrange takkyubin delivery to hotel or station, or rebook an earlier/later service with available slots.
Payment and segments: the 1,000 JPY fee is charged per item per train segment. Transfers that require a separate reserved-seat ticket will usually require an additional oversized reservation and fee for the next segment. Keep the reservation confirmation (paper or mobile) for staff inspection.
Onboard placement and conduct: store the item only in marked oversized-baggage zones or behind designated seats as indicated by pictograms and car signage. Do not block aisles, doors or emergency exits; retain valuables in the passenger’s seat area. Station staff or onboard crew may require relocation of improperly stored items.
Changes, cancellations and refunds follow reserved-seat ticket rules: cancel before departure for refund according to the ticketing policy; a train-change requires rebooking the oversized option. For questions at any time, contact the point-of-purchase or station ticket office.
Measuring and preparing suitcase to fit overhead racks and seat areas
Recommendation: measure external length, width and height with wheels and retractable handle in place; pack to reduce the largest single dimension so the case slides onto overhead shelf without forced angling.
- Measure precisely:
- Place suitcase on a flat surface; measure longest side (length), the side perpendicular to length (width), and the distance from base to highest point including wheels and retracted handle (height).
- Record each value in centimetres and calculate linear size = length + width + height.
- Measure diagonal clearance by lifting one corner while noting the maximum combined width×depth it will pass through; some shelves accept diagonal insertion even when linear size is borderline.
- Simulate fit at home:
- Use two chairs or a shelf with a known depth to test sliding the case in at the angle planned for train storage.
- Try wheels-first and flat-on-side orientations to discover which minimizes required clearance.
- Dimension-reduction techniques:
- Switch to soft-sided outer shell or use a compressible tote inside a rigid frame to shave centimetres from one axis.
- Use packing cubes and vacuum compression bags for bulk items (coats, sweaters); save up to several centimetres off thickness.
- Remove or collapse detachable handles, telescoping tubes and external pockets that increase profile.
- Packing layout for stowage:
- Place heavy items near the wheels and base so when the case is stored upright it stays stable and occupies less horizontal shelf depth.
- Align elongated items (tripod, umbrella) along the case length rather than across width to avoid increasing height.
- Use internal straps to flatten contents; fill gaps with soft items to prevent bulging under pressure.
- On-board handling tips:
- Before boarding, ensure external straps and tags are flush against shell to prevent catching on doors or aisle rails.
- When placing on overhead rack, slide in wheels-first at a slight angle, then level; for seat-area storage, orient wheels toward the wall to keep walkway clear and simplify retrieval.
- Keep critical items (medication, travel documents, one change of clothes) in a small daypack that fits under the seat for immediate access.
- Final pre-ride checklist:
- Three-dimensional measurements recorded and stored on phone.
- Case tested for simulated fit at home or station area.
- Compressible items packed; detachable parts removed.
- Visible name tag and a small strap or bungee attached to aid quick removal.
After trips that involve dirty gear, use appropriate cleaning equipment to extend bag life – see best pressure washer for farm equipment for heavy-duty cleaning options.
Send oversized suitcases via takkyubin or use station lockers when items won’t fit on the bullet train
Takkyubin courier: exact limits, costs, steps
Use Yamato (Kuroneko), Sagawa or Japan Post Yu-Pack for door-to-door delivery. Maximum standard parcel size: 160 cm (sum of length + width + height); typical weight limit: 25 kg per parcel. Standard transit: next-day delivery across Honshu when dispatched early; same-day pickup and same-day delivery available inside the same metro area for an extra fee.
Typical fees: 900–2,500 JPY per parcel depending on size bracket (60/80/100/120/140/160 cm) and distance. Airport deliveries (Narita, Haneda, Kansai) and timed-delivery options add ~300–1,000 JPY. Insurance up to a basic amount included; declared-value coverage available for higher compensation.
How to ship: hand parcel to a service counter at major stations, post offices or hotel front desks; request delivery to a specific hotel name and check-in date or to a named airport terminal and flight time. Keep the tracking number on the receipt. For parcels over 160 cm or >25 kg, request a special freight service at the courier counter–rates rise steeply.
Station coin lockers and manned storage: sizes, availability, tips
Coin lockers: immediate, hourly/daily rates, but occupancy spikes during holidays and morning commuter peaks. For guaranteed space, reserve via locker-reservation apps (eg. ecbo cloak) or use staffed baggage rooms at major hubs.
| Service | Approx. internal size | Typical price (per 24h) | Where to arrange | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coin locker – Small | ~35 × 35 × 50 cm | 300–400 JPY | Locker banks at stations | Backpacks, small carry-ons, day bags |
| Coin locker – Medium | ~35 × 57 × 50 cm | 400–600 JPY | Locker banks at stations | Standard cabin suitcases, medium cases |
| Coin locker – Large | ~35 × 92 × 50 cm | 600–800 JPY | Locker banks at major stations | Checked-size cases under ~160 cm total |
| Jumbo / Manned baggage room | Over 160 cm or irregular shapes | 1,000–2,000+ JPY per day | Station service counters (baggage office) | Oversize items, instruments, long stays |
Operational tips: arrive earlier than planned to secure a locker; if lockers are full, go to the station’s manned baggage office (手荷物預かり所) and request a tag and receipt. For hotel stays, ask reception to accept an incoming takkyubin drop-off; hotels usually hold parcels until checkout. Keep valuables, travel documents and electronics in a small personal bag; see best messenger bag for ipad mini for a compact option that fits an iPad and passport.
Boarding tips and on-train rules for stowing oversized bags safely
Board through the door nearest the marked storage section and allow disembarking passengers to leave before attempting to load a suitcase.
Stowage procedure
Place heavy case first and wheels-toward-window so center of gravity sits close to the seatline; slide fully under the overhead lip or into the end-of-car compartment where provided. For upright placement, align handle toward the aisle to keep faces clear during movement. Use internal compression straps or an external luggage strap to prevent shifting; loop strap around a rail or seat frame if anchor points exist.
Safety and etiquette
Keep aisles and doorways completely clear; do not block vestibules or emergency exits. Personal items and valuables must remain on-person or inside a secured carry bag. Attach a visible name tag and seat number to the handle. If staff request relocation of an item for safety or boarding flow, comply immediately and move the case to the designated space. At platform stops, retrieve belongings promptly before doors close; for heavy items, ask crew for assistance rather than forcing awkward lifts.
