Where to Store Luggage in Japan | Travel Tips - Off The Track Japan (2024)

Planning a trip to Japan and wondering where to safely store your luggage? Don’t worry! We hear this question a lot. Japan offers convenient and reliable options for luggage storage, allowing you to explore the country without the burden of heavy bags.

Let’s explore some hassle-free solutions that will ensure your belongings are well taken care of.

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.

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 (approximately57x34x57cm), typically range between 400-600JPY, andlarge lockers (approximately117x34x57cm) vary by train station, but generally cost500-800JPY.

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.

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.

Most major airports in Japan also offer luggage storage facilities. You can store your bags for a few hours or even several days, depending on your needs. It’s a convenient option if you have a long layover or want to explore the city before catching your flight. Just remember to check the opening hours and any restrictions or additional fees that may apply.

It may come at no surprise to some, but Shinkansen (Bullet Trains), and other long distance trains will also have a place to keep your heavy luggage like suitcases away from your seat and out of the aisles.

It should be noted that some Shinkansen will require you to book special seats if travelling with large luggage. A good rule of thumb would be to check in advance if you can carry luggage on your Shinkansen.

Luggage 160cm and over (sum of height x length x width) – about the size of a carry on luggage – will require a reserved seat on most shinkansen routes. Your standard suitcase sizes will require the reserved seat for your trip. These can be made for free using the Eki-Net app, at the train station ticketing window (Note, not all train station staff around the country will speak English). You can use yourJR Rail Passto reserve seats at the train station for free on most shinkansen routes. 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.