Are Japan coin lockers safe?

Coin Lockers are secure and safe to use as train stations in Japan are all under video surveillance. 1. Locate the lockers in a train station, generally they will have signs to point you in the right direction near the exits.



Japan's coin lockers are considered some of the safest in the world and are a cornerstone of convenient travel in the country. They are found in nearly every train station, department store, and major tourist hub. In 2026, most lockers have transitioned to "cashless" systems where you pay using a Suica or Pasmo IC card, which then serves as your digital key—meaning there is no physical key to lose. For lockers that still issue a paper receipt with a PIN or QR code, it is vital to take a photo of the receipt immediately, as the thermal paper can be easily lost. While theft is extremely rare, the lockers have strict time limits (usually 3 days), after which the management company will empty the locker and move your items to a secure warehouse. For oversized items or for those seeking an extra layer of human security, staffed "Luggage Storage" counters (like those from Yamato Transport) are also widely available.

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Small lockers range between 100 and 300 yen, medium-sized lockers generally cost 300 to 500 yen, while large lockers cost 500 to 800 yen on average. If you plan on storing your luggage for longer than a day, you can do so for 3 to 4 days. The storage fee is billed with each passing day.

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Coin Lockers in Japan: Types and Prices. Japanese coin lockers can be categorized into two main types. The most common type is the kind you'll find inside most train stations, many of which are located right near the ticket gates. In larger stations, you'll usually find them both inside and around the station.

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Cash + Coin Purse It's also good to note that 500 Yen and smaller are all given in coins. To avoid weighing down your wallet, we recommend bringing along an extra coin purse to put all of the loose change you may obtain. These coins are also very handy for vending machines and also arcades, as well as gacha machines!

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Japan, being the efficient country it is, has plenty of coin lockers in major and minor stations to store your suitcase or backpack in for up to 3 calendar days (at busier stations times may vary so be sure to check the signs).

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Luckily, it's a very safe country (one of our favorite things about Japan), and the biggest risk is probably losing or misplacing your cash. Regardless, of course, be smart and take reasonable precautions if carrying large sums of money.

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Cash, credit and debit cards are all accepted, with credit cards and cash the most relevant. Since a credit card is your best choice for a significant amount of your spending, a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card provides lots of value.

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That being said, I would say you should bring enough cash so that you have at least 10,000 yen of spending money per day. This will be enough to cover any transportation fees and cash-only establishments you visit, provided you also have your debit/credit card to cover the rest of your expenses (e.g. accommodation).

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The areas with the largest number of crime incidents, namely Shinjuku, Setagaya, and Edogawa, are also areas with a comparatively high population. Likewise, few people live in the low-crime areas of Bunkyo, Meguro, and Arakawa.

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You may be surprised at how many places accept cash only, so it's a good idea to bring enough currency or withdraw money when you arrive, especially if traveling with a large group. Most major Japanese banks accept international cards at their ATMs. Post office ATM are another option.

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If just want to simply store your luggage, you can easily use coin lockers of various sizes at most stations and tourist facilities in Japan. The cost varies on the size, but expect to pay between 300 and 600 yen.

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LEFT OVER JAPANESE COINS: WHAT TO DO WITH THEM
  1. Use them! ...
  2. The convenience stores contactless payment system. ...
  3. Vending machines. ...
  4. 100 yen shops. ...
  5. Put it on your PASMO or SUICA cards. ...
  6. Towards the end of your trip?


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Though use of credit cards and e-currency has increased in recent years, Japan is still largely a cash-based society. The national currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥). It's best to get some cash converted before you leave home so you have change handy to catch the train to your destination once you arrive.

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A Few Final Notes and Links While credit cards are become more widely accepted in Japan, cash is still king in Japan. Don't assume that you can use a credit card in small stores, restaurants and accommodations, particularly “mom and pop” places. Always carry sufficient Japanese cash as a backup.

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Generally there is no need to buy Japanese yen in your home country before your trip, as you will most likely pay a higher commission (about 3%) and a worse exchange rate than you would get at the airports, banks, or ATMs in Japan.

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BRINGING MONEY INTO JAPAN You may bring Japanese yen from your country and there is no upper limit on the amount you are allowed to bring into Japan. If the amount exceeds 1,000,000 yen, you must complete a customs declaration. This is also the case if you carry more than this amount when leaving Japan.

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