Michael Turner
Onboard allowances: Small bags and standard carry‑ons fit in overhead racks, under seats or between feet on regional and long‑distance rail services in Japan. Aim for a combined dimension below 160 cm and a single‑piece weight under ~20–23 kg to avoid handling problems and to sit without occupying an extra seat.
Station lockers and dedicated storage: Most stations offer coin lockers in sizes roughly small/medium/large with typical fees of ~¥300–¥900. Availability drops at major hubs and during holidays; lockers are intended for short‑term use (hours to a few days). Larger permanent left‑luggage offices exist at major terminals for extended storage.
Courier forwarding (takkyubin): Yamato, Sagawa and Japan Post run nationwide services that deliver suitcases between airports, hotels and stations. Typical door‑to‑door prices fall in the range ¥1,500–¥4,000 depending on box size and route, with next‑day delivery on most common routes; drop‑off deadlines are usually by early afternoon for next‑day arrival.
Practical rules: avoid rush hours on urban commuter lines (roughly 07:00–09:30 and 17:00–19:30), keep aisles clear, tag bags with contact details, keep valuables with the passenger, and check the specific operator’s website for any designated large‑item zones or reservation requirements on high‑speed services before departure.
Permitted baggage and storage on Japan rail
Keep to one medium suitcase plus one personal bag per passenger for standard seat carriage on most Shinkansen and limited‑express services; bulky items whose combined length+width+height exceeds 160 cm require either a reserved large‑baggage space on some high‑speed services or delivery via courier.
Small suitcases and backpacks: use overhead racks or the space at your feet; large roller bags are acceptable in designated rear compartments on selected high‑speed trains but are discouraged on crowded commuter services. Stow bags so they do not block aisles, doors or seats; avoid placing cases on empty seats during peak commuting hours.
Coin lockers at major stations handle small, medium and large sizes, with typical fees roughly 300–1,200 JPY depending on size and location; large lockers sell out fast at gateway hubs. Door‑to‑door courier (takkyubin) services cost about 1,000–3,500 JPY domestically for next‑day delivery and commonly accept parcels up to ~25–30 kg and prescribed size limits – Yamato Transport and Sagawa are widely used. For oversized sports gear or fragile items opt for courier forwarding rather than onboard storage.
Etiquette and safety: label all items with contact details, keep valuables on the person, and never leave bags unattended. During rain season carry a compact, robust umbrella – see best blade runner umbrella for a durable option that stows easily in overhead racks or under seats.
Allowed size and weight for Shinkansen, limited express and local services
Reserve an oversized-seat for any item whose combined dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 160 cm; items larger than 250 cm are generally prohibited.
Shinkansen
Standard allowance: combined dimensions up to 160 cm stowable in overhead racks or between seats. Between 160 cm and 250 cm: oversized-baggage reservation required (online or at ticket office); some operators apply a small surcharge for the reservation. Over 250 cm: refused for carriage. No formal per-item weight limit published by major operators, but items must be liftable into storage and not block aisles or doors; very heavy pieces should be shipped by courier or handled at station counters.
Limited express and local services
Limited express: rules mirror Shinkansen on many routes–items under 160 cm acceptable if stowable; items 160–250 cm may need advance reservation or conductor approval and are subject to carriage-space availability. Local services: stricter practical limits due to shorter cars and crowded conditions; oversized or bulky items likely to be refused during peak periods. Folding bicycles must be fully bagged/boxed and sized to fit within the 160 cm threshold unless specific onboard space is offered.
Practical recommendations: measure combined dimensions before travel; use oversized-seat reservation for 160–250 cm items; avoid boarding with bulky pieces during peak commuter hours; use station coin lockers, manned station baggage service, or door-to-door courier (takkyubin) for items that are heavy, awkward, or exceed the 250 cm cap.
How to store and secure suitcases on-board: overhead racks, between seats and baggage areas
Place the heaviest suitcase in the end-of-car baggage area and secure it to a rail with a short cable lock or a hooked bungee; keep medium-weight cases on overhead shelves and valuables or fragile items under the seat in front.
Overhead shelf technique: slide the case fully onto the shelf with wheels facing the carriage wall, handle pointing toward the aisle, and push back until front lip engages. If the shelf has a retainer bar, lock the zippers to the bar with a small cable lock. Limit single-item weight on the shelf to about 10–15 kg to reduce risk of fall during sudden braking.
Between-seat stowage: orient a suitcase with wheels down and handle toward the aisle so the case nests under the seat frame; use a luggage strap passed around the seat leg or a compact combination cable to prevent forward slide. For narrow-seat pairs, place suitcase centrally between feet to keep aisles clear.
End-of-car baggage area: stand large suitcases vertically with handles up, align against interior walls or guard rails, and secure with a long bungee or ratchet strap hooked to the fixed railings. If a lockable compartment exists, use it for checked-size cases. Photograph placement and lock positions before leaving the carriage for confirmation on return.
Security and theft-prevention: use a thin steel cable lock threaded through handles and around a secure fixture; wind a luggage strap with integrated lock around the case center; keep passport, electronics and cash in a small daypack stored under the seat or clipped to your person. Add a visible name tag and a discreet label with a contact phone number.
Handling considerations: avoid blocking emergency doors or carriage aisles; do not stack more than two items on an overhead shelf; if a suitcase overhangs, move it to the end baggage bay or ask staff for direction. During long-distance services, wheel-lock devices or strap attachments reduce shifting on gradients.
| Storage location | Best orientation | How to secure | Recommended max single-item weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overhead shelf | Wheels toward wall, handle toward aisle, fully pushed back | Cable lock to retainer bar or luggage strap; anti-slip pad under base | 10–15 kg |
| Between seats / under seat | Wheels down, centered, handle toward aisle | Short cable or strap around seat leg; keep small bag on top clipped to seat | 10–20 kg |
| End-of-car baggage area | Vertical, handle up, against wall or rail | Bungee or ratchet strap to rail; use lockable compartment if available | Any size within service rules; secure larger items firmly |
| On platform / during transfer | Not applicable | Keep carry-on on person; never leave unattended | Not applicable |
Rush-hour rules and etiquette for baggage on commuter services
Avoid wheeled suitcases on peak commuter services (approx. 07:00–09:30 and 17:00–19:30); use station coin lockers or door-to-door courier (takkyubin) for items that cannot be carried on the body.
Boarding and alighting
- Stand clear of doors and let passengers exit before stepping into the car; pause at the platform edge to orient the bag so it won’t block flow.
- Enter only when there is space to fully move forward; do not wedge a case in a doorway or aisle gap.
- When exiting, move toward the nearest door early enough to avoid sudden shunting of other passengers.
- If staff or announcements request removal of large items, comply immediately and move items to platform or locker.
On-board positioning and handling
- Seated: place items on lap or at feet; never occupy an adjacent seat with a bag. Small soft bags under the seat; wheels inward to minimize tripping risk.
- Standing: remove backpacks and wear them on the front. Keep cases low and centered; one hand on the bottom to stabilize during braking.
- Overhead racks: use only when carriage is not crowded and the item fits entirely on the rack without protruding into standing space.
- Wheels and handles: lock retractable handles and set brakes where available. Collapse or secure loose straps to avoid snagging handrails or clothing.
- Aisles and priority areas: never block aisles, doorways, priority seating, wheelchair spaces or spaces reserved for strollers.
- Noise, smells and hygiene: keep zippers closed, prevent leaking liquids, and silence any devices stored in bags.
Quick checklist before entering a peak service:
- Is the item wearable or small enough to sit on lap? If not, use a locker or courier.
- Can the item be stowed without blocking doors/aisles? If no, do not board with it.
- Are straps secured and wheels locked? If no, secure them before boarding.
If only a large hard-case is available: wait for off-peak travel, drop into a nearby coin locker, or arrange takkyubin pickup from the hotel or station rather than attempting to transport it on a crowded service.
Options for oversized or extra bags: takuhaibin delivery, paid seat reservations and station lockers
Ship oversized suitcases via takuhaibin whenever dimensions exceed onboard allowances – typical parcel limits: up to 160 cm (L+W+H) and 25 kg for standard rates; express/oversize handled up to 250 cm with special procedures.
Takuhaibin (door-to-door courier)
Major carriers: Yamato TA-Q-BIN, Sagawa, Japan Post (Yu-Pack). Common size categories: 60/80/100/120/140/160 cm (sum of three sides); weight cap normally 25 kg per parcel. Price band: roughly 800–3,500 JPY depending on size and distance (example: Tokyo→Osaka usually 1,200–2,200 JPY for medium/large boxes). Drop-off deadlines: same-day often requires morning/early-afternoon depot receipt; overnight delivery between major cities usually possible for items dropped before 17:00. Hotel pickup/drop-off widely available – provide guest name, arrival date and room if sending ahead. Restricted items: valuables and prescription medications may be refused or require declaration; fragile items need extra packing and insurance option. For short transfers, consider compact carry alternatives such as a best messenger bag for doctors to reduce parcel volume.
Paid-seat reservations, oversized-item rules and station storage
Shinkansen large-item policy: items with sum dimensions over 160 cm up to 250 cm require a booked large-baggage spot and a supplementary fee (generally 1,000 JPY per large item) on specified services (Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu routes). Seats with allocated large-item areas are assigned at reservation; items above 250 cm are typically prohibited. Reservation methods: online ticketing, station ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), or vending machines that offer the large-item option. Limited-express services vary by operator: some provide end-of-car racks or vestibule storage free of charge but space is limited and availability differs by service – check operator rules before travel.
Coin lockers: sizes labeled S/M/L/Jumbo; typical day rates: S ~300–400 JPY, M ~400–600 JPY, L ~600–800 JPY, jumbo/oversize 700–1,200 JPY. Time limit: most lockers accept up to 24 hours before extra charge; some stations allow multi-day rentals or offer staffed baggage counters (station cloakrooms) for 24–72 hours at higher fees (800–1,500 JPY/day). Locker supply falls sharply during holiday peaks; use map apps or reservation services (third‑party temporary-storage platforms) to secure space in advance. For pet crates or unusual crates, confirm station counter acceptance and consider crate securing guidance such as how to keep dog in wrought iron fence for stable transport setup.
Practical checklist: measure sum of (length+width+height) before departure; choose takuhaibin for door-to-door convenience when size/weight exceed onboard allowances; reserve a seat with a large-item allocation on high-speed services when dimensions fall between 160–250 cm; if using station lockers, arrive early and have a backup plan (courier or staffed storage) for peak periods.
FAQ:
Can I bring luggage on Japanese trains?
Yes. Most trains in Japan allow suitcases and backpacks. Small and medium bags can usually be placed on overhead racks or in designated luggage zones; avoid leaving luggage in aisles or on seats during busy periods. If you prefer not to carry a suitcase, coin lockers at stations and door-to-door delivery services are widely available.
Are there size rules for luggage on the Shinkansen (bullet trains)?
Many high-speed services set limits based on the combined length, width and height of your case. Items with a combined size up to around 160 cm typically fit in standard storage. Cases between about 160 cm and 250 cm often require a reserved large-luggage space and a small fee, while items exceeding roughly 250 cm are usually not accepted on board. You can book the required space when you buy a ticket or at a station ticket counter; check the operator for the exact policy on your route.
What happens if my suitcase is oversized but I didn’t reserve space?
If you travel without the necessary reservation, staff may ask you to move the bag, buy an extra seat where that option exists, or in some cases refuse boarding for safety reasons. To avoid problems, consider leaving the bag in a station locker or using a luggage delivery service to forward it to your hotel or next stop. If you have fragile or valuable items, keep them with you rather than shipping them in bulk.
Can I bring a bicycle or a large musical instrument on Japanese trains?
Policies differ by train type. Foldable bicycles that are packed in a proper bag are usually accepted on many services, but non-folding bikes often need to be shipped or carried on special trains or after prior arrangement. Small and medium-sized instrument cases are normally fine if they do not block aisles or doors; very large instruments may require purchasing an extra seat or using a courier. When carrying bulky items, travel outside peak commuter hours if possible and consult station staff if you are unsure about the correct procedure.
