Do japanese train stations have luggage storage

Quick recommendation: For a few hours or a day use coin-operated lockers (small ~300–400 JPY, medium ~500–700 JPY, large ~800–1,000+ JPY). For oversized suitcases or multi-day holds, send items via courier (takkyubin) – typical fees 1,000–2,500 JPY depending on size and distance – or use staffed deposit counters when available.

Locker specifics: Modern lockers cluster around concourses and ticket gates at major rail terminals. Small lockers suit backpacks and handbags; medium fit standard carry-ons; large accept checked-size cases. Many accept IC transit cards (Suica/PASMO) and cash; older units may be coin-only. Typical maximum unattended period ranges from 24 to 72 hours – longer holds can be removed by staff, so plan accordingly.

Alternatives and hours: Staffed left-baggage counters exist at larger hubs and usually operate daytime hours (roughly 06:00–21:00, varying by location). Courier companies (Yamato Kuroneko, Sagawa, Japan Post) will pick up and deliver to hotels, airports or municipal lockers next day; same-day service available in some areas. On-demand commercial options (apps and shop-based drop points) charge about 300–800 JPY per item for hourly/daily use and can be reserved in advance.

Practical tips: During peak tourism periods (cherry blossom, Golden Week, Obon) lockers fill early – if arriving at a busy hub, book an on-demand drop point or arrange courier delivery the previous evening. For very early or late arrivals, check staffed counter hours before relying on them. Keep receipts and locker keys/QR codes; lost-item procedures involve police reports and may incur fees. Use local station maps, Google Maps, or apps like ecbo cloak and official rail operator maps to locate available options before arrival.

Baggage options at major rail hubs

Use coin lockers for short-term bag holding: typical internal dimensions – Small ~35×34×57 cm, Medium ~35×57×57 cm, Large ~35×57×86 cm; fees generally 300 JPY (S), 400–600 JPY (M), 600–800 JPY (L), XL up to 1,000 JPY; most units accept IC cards (Suica/PASMO) or coins and allow 24 hours before an extra-day charge applies.

Lockers vs staffed deposit counters

Central terminals often feature thousands of lockers; rural or minor stops may offer none. Staffed deposit counters inside main concourses typically charge ~600–1,000 JPY per day, accept larger items that won’t fit lockers, require ID for check-in, and operate roughly 06:00–22:00. Unclaimed items are usually transferred to local police after about three days.

Forwarding services and practical tips

Door-to-door forwarding (takkyubin) is recommended for oversized suitcases: expect 1,000–2,500 JPY depending on size and route, with next-day delivery between major cities. Carry valuables and perishables with you; use coin lockers only for non-valuable items. Check locker maps or station apps before arrival, measure your case against listed dimensions, and consider compact sets – see best luggage sets australia – to increase chances of fitting standard units.

How to find and use coin lockers at major JR and subway hubs

Check concourse maps and follow the “Coin Locker” icon by central ticket gates; largest clusters sit near main exits (North/Central/South) and underneath shopping arcades.

Finding lockers

Look for rows of colored units marked with English labels or a locker icon; mall-level concourses, underground transfer corridors and near bus terminals usually contain the highest density. Use Google Maps or the JR app with keyword “coin locker” to show exact coordinates, or search “coin locker” plus the hub name. Stations on airport lines and major terminals often list locker locations on official site maps.

Using coin-operated vs electronic lockers

Coin-operated: insert required coins (typically 100- or 500-yen), close the door, and take the key. Retrieval requires the key; lost keys may trigger a removal fee and transfer to a manned left-baggage counter.

Electronic (IC-capable): tap a Suica/PASMO or contactless credit card, follow touchscreen prompts, then confirm slot number; to retrieve, tap the same card or enter the issued code. Electronic units often accept longer-term reservations via apps.

Tips: bring change or use nearby ticket machines that break bills; prefer electronic units if you plan multi-day stashes since many allow remote payment and avoid key loss. If a locker displays “in use” but appears empty, check with the nearby information desk before assuming full. For bags exceeding locker dimensions, use on-site manned left-baggage counters or courier services (takkyubin) to send items to your hotel or airport. For material and case-buying guidance, see best luggage set material.

Where staffed left-baggage counters operate: hours, fees and pickup rules

Use staffed left-baggage counters located in major rail terminals and central metro hubs; typical opening windows are 06:00–21:00 at large hubs, 08:00–18:00 at smaller counters, with a handful of principal terminals offering service until 22:00 or earlier morning starts for Shinkansen connections. Counters are usually found near main concourses, ticket gates, or underpasses rather than on platform levels.

Hours and locations

Major city hubs (Tokyo, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo, Hakata) run the most reliable manned services; regional terminals and local metro interchanges may only staff a counter during commuter hours. Weekend and holiday schedules differ–some counters close earlier on Sundays and national holidays. Verify exact opening times on the specific hub’s official website or by checking the information desk before dropping off.

Fees and sizing, payment

Typical fees per item per day: small backpacks/handbags ¥500–¥800, medium suitcases ¥700–¥1,200, large trunks/oversize items ¥1,000–¥2,000. Some counters charge an extra handling fee for items over 160 cm combined dimensions or for non-standard items (bicycles, skis) and may refuse very large items. Packing services, wrapping or protective covers cost an additional ¥300–¥1,000. Payment methods commonly accepted: cash, major credit cards and IC cards at larger counters; smaller offices may be cash-only.

Short-term rates usually count by calendar day; multi-day stays often incur a daily rate multiplied by nights stored. Some operators offer a flat “overnight” rate for same-day late pick-up–confirm at drop-off.

Pickup procedure and unclaimed-item handling

On drop-off you will receive a claim slip or numbered receipt–keep this until collection. Present the claim slip plus valid photo ID (passport or residence card for non-residents) when retrieving items. If someone else collects on your behalf, most counters require a signed authorization from the depositor plus photocopies of both parties’ IDs and the original claim slip.

Refused or restricted contents commonly include perishables, hazardous materials, large quantities of cash, and high-value items (jewellery, exclusive electronics); counters will state their prohibited list at the desk. If you miss the advertised pickup window, call the counter immediately; late retrieval typically incurs additional daily charges and may require pickup during staff hours only.

Unclaimed items are normally held between 7 and 14 days, though policies vary; after that period items are transferred to the hub’s lost-and-found or to the municipal police. For long-term holding or delivery to a hotel/airport, consider using a courier delivery service at the same terminal rather than leaving items for extended periods.

Oversized items: takkyubin courier and terminal drop-offs

Ship oversized bags via takkyubin (Kuroneko Yamato, Sagawa, Japan Post Yu-Pack): expect roughly 700–3,000 JPY for standard door-to-door service; size categories are measured as length+width+height and standard classes run 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160 cm, with a practical weight limit around 30 kg.

Courier specifics, timing and costs

Price depends on size class and distance: local/within-region trips sit at the low end (≈700–1,200 JPY for 60–80 cm), medium inter‑regional shipments ≈1,200–2,000 JPY, long-haul or 140–160 cm items ≈1,800–3,000 JPY. Oversized items beyond 160 cm or above 30 kg require freight service–expect ≥4,000 JPY. Standard delivery options include next-day for most mainland routes, 2–3 days for remote islands; same-day delivery can be arranged on limited routes if dropped before the morning cutoff at major sending points.

How to prepare and use terminal drop-off desks

Measure and weigh items before arrival; pack fragile goods in a hard box and tape seams. At major rail terminals, airports, large hotels and department stores look for company logos (Kuroneko, Sagawa, Japan Post) and their takkyubin desks; counters commonly operate ~07:00–21:00 at big hubs. Complete the form with recipient name and phone (preferably in local script), request a delivery date/time slot (morning/afternoon options), pay by cash or card and keep the tracking receipt. For hotel deliveries, use the hotel’s official name and guest arrival date and ask the sender to mark “hold at front desk.” For bikes, skis or oddly shaped goods call the courier in advance to confirm packing requirements and price class.

If an item exceeds courier rules or needs formal freight handling, contact major freight carriers or airport cargo services for quotes and collection scheduling; expect longer transit and stricter packing/insurance requirements. Use the tracking number for real‑time updates and keep the receipt until final delivery confirmation.

How to reserve or check locker availability with apps and rail-hub websites

Use ecbo cloak for guaranteed, bookable short-term spots; check operator web pages and Google Maps for coin-locker locations and contact numbers before arrival.

Apps and reservation services

• ecbo cloak – search by city or terminal, filter by size (small/medium/large), pick time slot, pay with card or mobile wallet, receive QR or booking code to show at pickup. Typical price: ¥400–¥1,200 for small/medium, ¥1,200–¥2,000 for large or baggage-sized items.
• Local private lockers apps – local marketplaces or station-area businesses may list rentable counters; book via the app, note opening hours and cancellation rules shown at checkout.
• IC-card / electronic lockers – some lockers accept contactless cards or in-app payment; when an app supports a locker, reservation steps usually require account sign-in, payment, and a QR code or numeric retrieval code.
• Google Maps – use “search nearby” for coin lockers or cloakrooms, check recent photos and user reviews to confirm size and hours before relying on availability.

How to check operator websites and confirm real-time availability

• Open the official webpage for the specific rail operator or metro line serving your arrival hub; look for pages titled “coin lockers,” “left baggage,” or “facility map.”
• On facility maps look for icons showing small/medium/large counts and exact locations (platform concourse, ticket gate A, north exit, etc.). If vacancy data is not shown, call the listed customer-service number for live status.
• Download PDF maps where available; they often list locker sizes, operating hours, and the operator’s office phone – save a screenshot with the locker number and map quadrant.
• When a web page lists electronic lockers, follow provided link to the vendor app or QR code page to reserve; reservation pages commonly display accepted payment methods and time limits (24h or multi-day options).
• If planning during busy periods (holiday, weekend, peak commute times), pre-book via ecbo cloak or choose a staffed left-baggage counter listed on the operator site to avoid full coin-locker rows.

Practical checklist before you arrive: screenshot reservation QR/code, note locker number and size, confirm hours and retrieval deadline, and carry the payment card used for booking.

Locker sizes, pricing tiers, maximum holding periods and penalty policies

Choose a medium locker for one carry-on (approx. 35×48×60 cm) or a large for a standard checked case (approx. 55×45×80 cm); small lockers (about 34×34×45 cm) fit backpacks and A4 bags.

Typical price bands (cash or IC card): small 300–400 JPY, medium 500–700 JPY, large 700–900 JPY, extra-large 800–1,200 JPY. Many units charge per 24-hour block from the time of deposit; some electronic lockers accept reservation apps and credit/QR payment with the same daily bands or slightly higher dynamic fares.

Most rail hubs enforce a maximum unattended period of 72 hours (3 calendar days). After that interval staff open the unit and transfer contents to the facility’s lost-property holding point; a handling fee (commonly 500–1,000 JPY) may be required on retrieval. Perishable items are removed and discarded sooner; hazardous items (liquids over limits, flammables) are confiscated immediately and may be turned over to authorities.

When items remain unclaimed beyond the facility’s holding window they are generally handed to the local police or municipal lost-property office; retrieval policies then follow police procedures, which can include a formal ID check and a longer retention period before disposal or auction. Some complexes add a daily overdue surcharge if the locker is extended but not paid.

Practical steps: photograph the locker number and payment receipt or save the electronic code; note the deposit time to track the 24‑hour billing blocks; keep the key/card or one-time PIN until you pick up. For small toiletries or damp items, use sealable bags–see are sealable freezer bags reusable–and label contents and contact details to speed recovery at the lost-property counter.

FAQ:

Do Japanese train stations have luggage storage options?

Yes. Most stations provide coin-operated lockers in various sizes, from small (for backpacks) to large (for suitcases). Major terminals and Shinkansen stations usually offer additional staffed baggage counters that can take larger items or hold luggage for longer periods.

How do coin lockers work and what payment methods do they accept?

Typical use: find a locker bank marked “コインロッカー” or “coin locker,” open an available compartment, place your bag inside, close the door and pay. Traditional lockers require coins (100–500 yen), while many newer units accept IC transit cards such as Suica/PASMO or a credit/debit option. Some modern lockers also issue a numeric code instead of a physical key. If you keep the key, hold onto it until you retrieve your belongings.

What are typical prices and maximum storage times for lockers?

Prices vary by size and location. Small lockers commonly cost around 300–400 JPY, medium 500–700 JPY and large 700–1,000+ JPY at busy stations. Many automated lockers allow items to remain for roughly 72 hours; after that, unattended contents may be moved to station lost-and-found and extra fees can apply. Staffed baggage rooms at larger stations usually charge more but accept longer-term storage, sometimes for several days or weeks, with rates set per item and per day.

What can I do if all station lockers are full?

If lockers are full, options include: using a staffed left-luggage counter at the station (if available), arranging luggage forwarding service (takkyubin) to your next hotel or airport, checking whether nearby hotels will hold a bag briefly, or using commercial luggage storage apps and services that list shops or kiosks offering short-term holding. At busy tourist spots it helps to plan ahead or book a private storage slot online.

Are there size or item restrictions for station storage?

Yes. Very large items may not fit standard lockers and may be refused at automated units. Dangerous or prohibited goods (flammable materials, certain chemicals, illegal items) cannot be stored. Perishable food, plants and live animals are usually not allowed. If you use a staffed baggage room, staff will ask for identification and may record details about stored items. If you have an unusually large suitcase or delicate equipment, ask station staff or use a forwarding service that handles oversized parcels.