Passengers who intend to bring baggage with overall dimensions of more than 160 cm onto the Tokaido-Sanyo-Kyushu Shinkansen (Tokyo - Shin Osaka - Hakata - Kagoshima-Chuo) need to reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area.
People Also Ask
Any bag with a sum of length, width, and height of greater than 62 inches will generally fall into the oversized category.
Luggage SizeFor our tours, we recommend one medium-sized suitcase that is about 25 inches or smaller, and one backpack. The 25-inch suitcase is the ideal size because it fits in the overhead luggage compartment on the Shinkansen, and it's under the size restriction for large suitcases.
Usually measuring 77 x 52.5 x 29cm or larger, you'll have enough space for everything: from countless look to your sunscreen. A 20kg suitcase is usually considered large luggage. Just keep in mind that most airlines consider large suitcases as checked baggage, so make sure to check with your airline before packing.
Though it isn't ideal, boarding the Shinkansen with large baggage without a reservation is still possible. However, once the train attendant comes by to confirm passenger tickets, they will be asked to purchase new train tickets and exchange their seats for an oversized baggage seat and pay a 1000 yen fee.
Oversized baggage feesAny bag with a sum of length, width, and height of greater than 62 inches will generally fall into the oversized category. Oversized baggage fees are usually charged in addition to any standard, excess, or overweight fee.
If your bag is over 50 lbs (23 kg), or if its length, width, and height added together are over 62 inches (157 cm), you may be charged an additional fee, on top of the normal bag fee.
There are no crowds on the intercity Shinkansen trains so free seats tend to be available. However, it is recommended to book a seat before boarding any train during the following peak seasons:April 27 to May 6. August 11-20.
Eating and drinking on Japanese trainsYou should eat on trains only when taking a long-distance train, such as the Shinkansen. These types of trains have a tray and cup holder at every seat, and snacks are sold from a vendor trolley. When taking this type of train, it is also acceptable to bring your own food.
Regular packing with normal items in a large suitcase will generate a weight between 20kg (44lb) to 26kg (57lb). Medium suitcases will generate a weight between 15kg (33lb) to 20kg (44lb) with regular packing.
Pick up your luggage and hold it like a suitcase by your side. If you're stood effortlessly it is 20kg or under. If you have to lean to balance the suitcase and it is pulling on your back uncomfortably then it is over 20kg.
While flip flops are a big no-no for most occasions (save for a trip to the beach or a midnight run to the conbini), comfy ballet flats, loafers, boat shoes, or even a nice pair of slip-on sneakers are practical options. You might also notice that open-toed shoes and sandals are uncommon.