Do i have to book luggage storage for shinkansen

Recommendation: If combined external dimensions of a case exceed about 160 cm, secure a reserved large-item space on Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu bullet services (reservation fee roughly ¥1,000). Standard suitcases, backpacks and smaller roller bags ride on overhead racks or tuck under seats without added fees.

Station options: coin lockers at major terminals come in three main sizes with typical charges: small ~¥300–400, medium ~¥500–700, large ~¥800–1,000. Large lockers are scarce during peak travel dates; use staffed left-luggage counters at ticket offices when lockers are full. Locker depth and length vary by model, so measure items before attempting to stow them.

Onboard limits: overhead racks accept normal carry items and smaller hard cases; very heavy pieces create handling issues, so aim under ~20 kg per item. Several high-speed services reserve specific areas at car ends for bulky items; those spaces require advance reservation on many trains and may carry the extra fee noted above.

Practical steps: Measure length+width+height of each case, check the operator’s official site or station signage for oversized-item rules, arrive 30–45 minutes early at busy terminals when planning to use a locker or counter, and consider dropping bags at hotel reception or via app-based cloak services near the station.

Costs and alternatives: locker rates outlined earlier; large-item seat reservation approximately ¥1,000; private cloak apps and staffed counters typically charge ¥300–1,200 depending on size and duration. Choosing a nearby drop-off point reduces boarding hassle and keeps aisles clear during peak times.

Must I reserve space when carrying oversized bags on bullet trains?

Reserve a large-item seat only when combined dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 160 cm; otherwise place suitcases in overhead racks or the dedicated rear area on many services.

Measurements and limits

Measure three dimensions and add them. If total ≤160 cm treat the item as standard carry-on. If total >160 cm and ≤250 cm use the large-item reservation service available on many high-speed routes. Items with total >250 cm are not accepted onboard.

Station alternatives and typical costs

Coin lockers at major stations accept small to medium suitcases, typical fees 300–1,000 JPY; oversized lockers are limited and fill quickly. Door-to-door courier (takkyubin) delivers same-day or next-day depending on origin and destination, usual charges roughly 1,000–3,000 JPY per piece. Midori no Madoguchi ticket offices, JR online portals, and some ticket machines let passengers reserve large-item seats. During holiday periods such as Golden Week, Obon, New Year reserve early or opt to use courier to avoid denied boarding.

When reservation is required on specific high-speed routes

Reserve oversized items on the Tokaido–Sanyo corridor (Tokyo–Osaka–Hakata) when combined dimensions exceed 160 cm; operators require designated-space reservations on some Nozomi and Mizuho services during peak periods.

• Size thresholds: total linear measurement (height + width + depth) over 160 cm up to 250 cm typically requires an advance reservation plus a surcharge (commonly around ¥1,000); items above 250 cm are usually prohibited on regular high-speed trains.
• Lines and services to check: Tokaido–Sanyo (Nozomi, Mizuho), Hokuriku (Kagayaki on Tokyo–Kanazawa runs), and certain Tohoku–Hokkaido through services (Hayabusa connecting to Hokkaido segment) commonly list reserved-space rules for oversized pieces.
• Peak-period pressure: Golden Week, Obon, New Year and weekday morning/evening commuting blocks see the fewest designated spots; secure a reservation well in advance on busy departures.
• Seat-class effects: Gran Class and Green cars may limit bulky items to assigned areas; non-reserved cars offer only overhead racks and limited floor space–select a reserved seat with a marked space when carrying large gear.
• Station options when a reserved spot is unavailable: coin lockers at major terminals accept standard-sized cases; manned ticket counters and depot check counters accept items within operator size rules; private courier services deliver cases between hotels and stations the day prior.
• How to secure a spot: use the official operator website, ticket offices, or ticket machines that include oversized-item selection during reserved-seat purchase; retain confirmation (printed or digital) for inspection at boarding.
• Camera gear note: pack heavy photo equipment into a compact daypack stowed under the seat where possible; consider best compact camera backpack.

How to reserve oversized-baggage space on Japan’s bullet trains prior to travel

Reserve an oversized-item slot at least 7 days before travel; if departure falls within 48 hours, contact a staffed ticket counter or the operator’s call center immediately.

Steps to secure a slot

Measure length + width + height and calculate the linear total (L+W+H). If the sum exceeds 160 cm, request an oversized-item reservation via the operator’s online portal or at a Midori no Madoguchi ticket window. Choose a reserved seat that includes the oversized-item option; confirmation will appear on your e-ticket or printed receipt.

Use official reservation sites (JR Central, JR-West, JR-East), dedicated mobile apps, or station counters. Third-party travel agents can process reservations when official slots remain available. If online sales are not yet open, repeat attempts when the standard seat-release period begins, since oversized slots sell out faster than regular seats.

Fees, limits, day-of checklist

Typical limits: threshold at 160 cm linear, maximum acceptance commonly around 250 cm and weight caps near 30 kg, though exact figures differ by operator–verify on the service page tied to your train. Many Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu services apply a supplemental fee near ¥1,000 per oversized piece; other lines may vary.

Carry the oversized-item receipt to the gate, attach any issued tag to the item, and place it in the designated rear-car area or assigned spot shown on the confirmation. Keep valuables with you and arrive 15–30 minutes earlier than usual to allow staff inspection. If avoiding a reserved slot is preferred, send bulky items ahead via Takkyubin courier to the destination station or hotel.

If traveling with a child, consider a compact carry option such as best backpack to use as diaper bag to keep essentials within reach and reduce bulk needing a reserved slot.

Using coin lockers and staffed counters near bullet-train platforms

Use a coin locker at station concourse when the stop is short (under 3 hours); use a staffed counter when items exceed locker dimensions, require same-day care beyond 72 hours, or need paperwork and receipt tracking.

Locker sizes, prices, rules

Standard locker sizes and typical fees: small ~W34×H34×D57 cm – 300–400 ¥; medium ~W34×H57×D57 cm – 400–700 ¥; large ~W34×H117×D57 cm – 700–1,000 ¥; extra-large/oversized lockers at major hubs – 1,200–1,500 ¥. Many machines accept IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) and coins; older units accept coins only. Common time limit is 72 hours; items left beyond that usually move to the station lost-&-found and incur additional handling charges. Keep the printed or electronic receipt; that token is required to retrieve goods. Lockers inside the paid area may require a valid platform ticket to access.

Staffed counters and courier alternatives

Station service counters (temporary baggage counters, courier drop-off desks operated by Yamato, Japan Post and local handlers) handle oversized trunks, sensitive items, and long-term deposits. Typical courier rules: total linear dimension (L+W+H) must be ≤160 cm for standard rates; weight limit commonly 25 kg; same-day or overnight delivery across main islands usually costs 1,200–3,000 ¥ depending on size and distance. Counters issue a claim slip and accept card payment at major stations; counters usually operate roughly 7:00–20:00 but hours vary by station. Measure your suitcase and weigh it at the counter if size is borderline; keep the claim slip until collection at destination or return to the station.

Consequences and practical options if you board with unreserved oversized items on a bullet train

Place oversized suitcases in the rear-car rack or on the overhead shelf immediately upon boarding; secure straps, attach a name and seat tag, and notify the car attendant when racks remain full.

If an item blocks an aisle or an emergency exit, crew will require repositioning; refusal to comply may lead to removal at the next station, service interruption, and possible sanction by staff.

Some high-speed operators mandate prior allocation of large pieces; unallocated items can be refused carriage or passengers may be directed to disembark at a staffed stop, particularly during peak windows (06:00–09:30, 16:30–19:30).

Theft and damage risk increases when items sit in vestibules or aisles; use a cable lock, keep passports and electronics on your person, note serial numbers, and photograph total dimensions (length+width+height in cm) and visible tags.

If already onboard without an allocated spot, immediate actions: move the case to the end of the car, stow on an overhead shelf if dimensions permit, ask the attendant to check adjacent cars, or arrange courier pickup at the next major station (same-day urban delivery commonly available).

If waiting-room air quality concerns arise while handling parcels, consult how to install air scrubber plus which explains setup in small rooms.

Summary of likely outcomes and recommended quick responses appears below.

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