Dragging your luggage through the bustling streets of Tokyo or the quiet alleys of Kyoto can quickly turn an exciting adventure into a tiring ordeal—especially when faced with one of Japan’s countless staircases. There’s nothing worse than having to lug your cumbersome luggage with you everywhere you go.
Japan offers convenient and reliable luggage storage and transport, allowing you to explore the country unencumbered by heavy and awkward luggage. In this guide, we’ll share with you where to store luggage in Japan, helping you explore the country unencumbered by heavy baggage.
Where to Store Luggage in Japan
Hotel - Airport Baggage Delivery
For an utterly hands-free experience, delve into the convenience of a top-notch luggage delivery service. Imagine effortlessly sending your bags from your hotel to the airport or vice versa. Just drop off your luggage at the designated counter or opt for a pickup service – your bags will swiftly journey to your desired destination. This allows you to wander light, relishing your day without wrestling with bulky bags.
Explore reliable baggage delivery services available at most international and domestic airports across Japan. On platforms like Klook, numerous highly-rated providers can securely transport your bags to and from the airport.
Coin Lockers
When it comes to convenient luggage storage, train station coin lockers are your best bet. You can find them in almost every major train station across Japan. These lockers come in various sizes, accommodating suitcases, backpacks, and other travel items. Simply insert coins or use a digital payment system, store your luggage securely, and retrieve it when you’re ready. It’s a great option for short-term storage while you explore nearby attractions. Small coin lockers (approximately 35x34x57cm) usually start at around 300JPY. Medium-sized lockers (approximately 57x34x57cm), typically range between 400-600JPY, and large lockers (approximately 117x34x57cm) vary by train station, but generally cost 500-1000JPY.
Hotel Storage
If you prefer keeping your luggage with you at all times, check with your hotel. Most hotels provide luggage storage services, allowing you to leave your bags with them before check-in or after check-out. It’s a convenient option if you want to explore the city without being weighed down by your luggage. However, do check if there are any limitations on the duration or size of storage, as some hotels may have restrictions.
If you have booked through Booking.com, Agoda, or other major hotel booking platforms, make use of the contact property feature and enquire if this is an option offered.
Storage Shops
Luggage storage shops can easily be found in busy, touristy areas where you usually don’t want to be lugging around big suitcases. You can even find them in large train stations and airports, typically close to the coin lockers. These shops are a care free place to leave your bags for a few hours, for usually a pretty affordable rate.
Using a luggage storage shop is super simple, drop your bags, pay the storage fee, and the worker at the store will keep your bags safely stowed away while you walk away and explore Japan.
On the train
If you are travelling between cities and need to store your luggage, you will find storage options on the train while you travel. You’ll find overhead storage like on a plane, as well as dedicated luggage areas for larger items.
Some Shinkansen lines, like the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka, require special bookings if you are travelling with larger luggage. Luggage 160cm and over (sum of height + length + width) will require an oversized luggage seat reservation. Luggage under 160m is included as part of your seat reservation on the Shinkansen, while oversized luggage may incur an additional fee.
Seat reservations, and oversized luggage seats can be made for free using the Eki-Net app at the train station ticketing window. You can use your JR Rail Pass to reserve seats at the train station for free on the shinkansen routes included with the pass.
Limited Express Trains also typically have overhead luggage storage, and dedicated luggage areas as well. Please enquire at the time of booking for availability, or reservation requirements.
Failure to book a reserved seat with luggage between 161cm and 250cm will likely result in you being fined. Luggage over 251cm will not be allowed on shinkansen, and you will have to make alternative arrangements.
Remember, with any travel plans, it’s important to ensure that know what you’re going to do with your luggage. And believe us, lugging bulky suitcases down the streets of Akihabara, or up one of Japan’s many stair cases, makes for a rather unpleasant experience. Before you go anywhere with your luggage, it’s important to keep in mind the different storage options available to you to make your life much easier. This concludes the list on where to store luggage in Japan. Happy exploring!
