How do you lock your luggage on Shinkansen?

You can lock your things in place with an IC card — such as Suica or Pasmo. You will also need to reserve certain seats to be able to put your things in the baggage compartment. Note: This is only available in some cars on the Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodoma Shinkansen services.



On the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines in 2026, new security measures require reservations for "oversized baggage" (total dimensions over 160 cm). For those using the oversized baggage compartments located in the deck areas between cars, a sophisticated locking system is provided. To use these locks, you typically need a contactless IC card, such as a Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca card. You place your luggage in the rack, wrap the provided wire cable through your bag's handle, and tap your IC card on the sensor to lock it. The same card must be used to unlock the bag later. It is important to note that mobile terminals (phones) sometimes have compatibility issues with these locks, so carrying a physical IC card is recommended. For standard-sized luggage stored on the overhead racks above your seat, there are no built-in locks; however, Japanese trains are remarkably safe, and most travelers feel comfortable leaving bags there without additional security.

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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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There are numerous lockers in Japan's airports, train stations, bus stations, and tourist attractions that can hold various sizes of bags and luggage. These are perfect for travellers carrying one or two pieces of luggage and wishing to leave them for a number of hours while they explore.

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Generally, you can keep your items in a locker for up to three days. Check this before you leave the locker area. After the maximum time has passed station staff will take your belongings and there is no advertised way to get them back. Lastly, do not lose the key, you will need to pay at least another ¥1000 if you do.

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You are still allowed to carry on two pieces of baggage weighing 30 kg or less and with total dimensions of 250 cm or less and a maximum length of 200 cm. However, you need to reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area or a seat with an oversized baggage compartment if you intend to travel with oversized baggage.

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Generally, an overweight or oversized piece of check-in luggage is one that exceeds the standard baggage weight and size limits set by the airline. British Airways, for one, has a maximum standard checked baggage of 35 x 30 x 17 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm) – anything larger than this is considered oversized.

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When boarding directly from a Shinkansen station, please insert your tickets into the Shinkansen ticket gate prior to boarding. Your tickets are required for on-board ticket checks and exiting the station at your destination. Please do not lose or forget to take your tickets.

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Some trains do not have non-reserved seats (all seats are reserved). There are no Green Cars on most “HIKARI” and “KODAMA” trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line (Shin-Osaka—Hakata), or on Series 800 trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen Line.

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Hazardous materials, sharp objects*1, furnaces / stoves, animals*2, deceased biological material, unclean objects, objects that emit offensive odors, items that may hurt other customers, and objects that may damage the train are not allowed on board. *1: Sharp objects packed as to not hurt other customers are allowed.

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All shinkansen are equipped with multiple toilets, which are sometimes separated by gender. The toilets are Western-style except on some older train sets.

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Never talk on your phone while on the train, unless using the designated phone area of the shinkansen. Silence and use headphones so that your media cannot be heard by others. Finally, turn your phone off if sitting near the priority seating area.

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Carry-on baggage must be stowed either overhead or under the seat in front of you (standard Amtrak trains usually have rather large overhead areas for storing luggage).

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You + Two Bags = No Extra Charge Unlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. 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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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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Items designated as prohibited by the Civil Aeronautics Act cannot be placed inside checked baggage. (Examples include toxic gases, flammable gases, flammable liquids, compressed gases.) Although dry ice, alcoholic liquids, and cigarette lighters fall under the “Prohibition for Carriage of Explosives etc.

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