Can you bring luggage on Japanese Rail Pass?

You may bring up to 2 baggage items with a total length, width, and height of up to 250 cm (up to 2 meters in length) and a weight of up to 30 kg.



Yes, you can bring luggage when using a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, but there are strict rules for oversized baggage on specific Shinkansen (bullet train) lines. As of 2026, if your luggage's total dimensions (length + width + height) are between 160 cm and 250 cm, you are required to make a specific "Oversized Baggage" reservation. This reservation is free for JR Pass holders but must be made in advance to secure a seat in the back row of the carriage, where the designated storage space is located. If you bring oversized bags without a reservation, you will be charged a 1,000 yen fee on the train and may be asked to move to a different car. Luggage with total dimensions under 160 cm (standard large suitcases) can be stored on the overhead racks without a reservation. Bags over 250 cm are generally not permitted on the trains at all. For travelers with multiple large bags, it is highly recommended to use Japan’s world-class "Takuhaibin" (luggage forwarding) services, which can deliver your bags from hotel to hotel for a small fee, allowing you to travel through the stations hands-free.

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The JR Pass does not allow you to ride on subways or trams within cities. However, most big cities have a few JR lines that you can use to go around, like the Osaka Loop or Kanjo line and the Tokyo Yamanote line, for example.

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You + Two Bags = No Extra Charge (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches. two carry-on items, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each (Pacific Surfliner: up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each)

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Carry-on and personal items must be kept with you, stored in overhead racks, under seats or designated baggage areas.

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There are luggage racks at the ends of each car for large luggage pieces, and smaller hand luggage and backpacker packs easily fit in the overhead racks above the seating. As the overhead luggage racks are the easier option, don't underestimate the weight of your luggage.

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On trains. There is not much room for large suitcases on urban and long-distance trains especially during rush hours. Some exceptions are airport trains such as the Narita Express and Haruka, and an increasing number of shinkansen in eastern Japan, which have designated storage space for large luggage.

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Up to 2 items of a combined weight of 30kg or less and less than 250cm in total dimension, (Travel trunks, skis, etc.), will be allowed for carry-on.

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The JR pass is only worth it if you travel through different cities, if you are just travelling to Tokyo to Kyoto for example, I would just pay on the Suica. You can do the online calculator or just use google to calculate which trip is easier - paying individually on Suica or getting a JR Pass.

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When you travel with us, you can carry-on two free pieces of luggage. Each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and needs to be 28 x 22 x 14 inches in size.

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Contact the train operator: The first step is to contact the train operator to report the lost luggage. They will have a lost and found department that can help you search for your luggage and provide you with information on how to claim it if it is found.

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If you have a lot of luggage, you may want to consider using a luggage forwarding service. These services will pick up your luggage from your home or hotel and deliver it to your destination. This can be a great option if you are traveling with a lot of gear or if you are worried about losing your luggage.

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Most major stations have cloak rooms and lockers where you can leave your luggage, on payment of prescribed charges. This passenger amenity ensures safe custody of your luggage, giving you the freedom to spend a day or two as you desire.

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How early must I check-in for departure? We are recommending travellers to be at the station 45 minutes prior to departure if you are travelling in the Corridor and 1 hour prior for the long hauls and regional services.

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Are electrical outlets available on board your trains? All HEP train cars feature at-your-seat power outlets in both Business class and Economy class.

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