Kyoto is popular for good reason, as you can experience the best of Japanese history, culture, and nature. Each of the four seasons offers gorgeous scenery, so visiting is special at any time of year. Throughout the city, you'll find historical architecture preserved just as it existed hundreds of years ago.

However, this also means a lot of narrow streets and alleys full of tourists.

Sightseeing in Kyoto with large luggage is not a good idea. Many of the buses that run to popular sightseeing destinations are always full to bursting. Bringing large luggage aboard can cause problems for people with wheelchairs or strollers, block the aisles for those trying to get off, or block passengers from boarding. Juggling all that heavy luggage and constantly moving it around to avoid trapping others is enough of a hassle to exhaust you before you even reach your destination!

Take Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a top tourist spot in Kyoto. From the closest bus stop, it's a fifteen-minute uphill walk. This narrow path is usually packed with tourists, particularly on weekends. Imagine how exhausting it would be to haul heavy luggage up that steep, crowded slope.

To comfortably explore Kyoto's attractions, opt for hands-free sightseeing by leaving your luggage behind. Japan is known for its reliable security, so you can store your belongings worry-free. For added convenience, consider having your luggage delivered directly to your hotel.

Going hands-free by leaving large luggage behind makes using public transportation and sightseeing in Kyoto much more comfortable. Conversely, if you're carrying big luggage, boarding crowded buses, subways, or trains could become a real challenge.

Navigating crowded streets with large luggage not only slows you down but also limits you to wider roads. Traveling without baggage gives you the freedom to move as you please and makes photography a breeze without the worry of managing your luggage.

Carrying heavy suitcases or backpacks can distract you from your surroundings, increasing the risk of falls or collisions. Instead, stay focused on enjoying your visit to Kyoto by utilizing luggage storage facilities.

Kyoto Station offers a variety of luggage storage services. Learn more about each one to pick which best suits your needs.

Most major hotels and ryokan inns in Kyoto offer a service where your luggage is delivered directly to your accommodation. Drop off your luggage at Crosta Kyoto, near JR Kyoto Station's central underground ticket gate, between 8 AM and 2 PM, or at Kotochika Kyoto City Bus & Subway Information Center, next to Central Gate 1 of the Kyoto Station subway station, between 7:30 AM and noon, and it will be delivered to your stay the very same day.

Some accommodations in Kyoto go a step further, offering to deliver your luggage to Kyoto Station or transfer it between different stays within the city. If you arrange it at the front desk by 10 AM, you can collect your luggage at Kyoto Station between 2 PM and 8 PM, or at your next accommodation after 5 PM (or 6 PM during peak times).

This service eliminates the hassle of carrying your luggage or storing it in coin lockers, freeing up more time for sightseeing on your last day.

Besides Crosta Kyoto and Kotochika Kyoto City Bus & Subway Information Center, this delivery service is also available at various locations near Kyoto Station, like the Kansai Tourist Information Center Kyoto and the Sagawa Express Kyoto Station Delivery Service Counter.

Discounts are available with the Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass!
Also, the convenient Kyoto Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass, which offers unlimited subway and bus rides (including the Sightseeing Limited Express Bus), comes with a bonus: a discount on luggage delivery services. You'll save 100 yen at Crosta Kyoto. Additionally, at Kotochika Kyoto City Bus & Subway Information Center, the cost for delivering luggage to accommodations within Kyoto City drops from 943 yen to 838 yen.

At Kyoto Station, you can temporarily store various items, from large suitcases and backpacks to smaller souvenirs and hand luggage, at several facilities. This service is offered at locations like Crosta Kyoto and the Sagawa Express Kyoto Station Delivery Service Counter at JR Kyoto Station's Hachijo Exit, among others.

Moreover, if you have a Kyoto Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass, you'll enjoy a reduced baggage storage fee at the Kansai Tourist Information Center Kyoto, from 600 yen to 500 yen per item.

Coin lockers offer a straightforward solution for temporary luggage storage and are conveniently located throughout JR Kyoto Station, including at the Central Exit, Hachijo Exit, and within the underground shopping mall. They come in various sizes: small for hand luggage, medium for backpacks and satchel bags, large for small suitcases, and extra-large for bigger suitcases.

However, be aware that on weekends, availability can be tight due to high demand from domestic tourists. Given the limited number of especially large lockers, it's advisable to use a carry service or temporary storage service instead of spending time hunting for a locker.

Check the availability of coin lockers at Kyoto Station here ▶ JR Kyoto Station (akilocker.biz)

Here are some facilities for luggage storage and delivery services near Kyoto Station.
Make sure to double-check each location before visiting!

Kotochika Kyoto City Bus & Subway Information Center
Location: Kyoto Station, Basement 2nd floor, near Central Gate 1 of Kyoto Subway Station (*Delivery only)

Kansai Tourist Information Center Kyoto
Location: Kyoto Tower, 3rd floor

Sagawa Express Kyoto Station Delivery Service Counter
Location: JR Tokai Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto, 1st floor

MK Travel
Location: ibis styles Kyoto Station, 1st floor (*Storage only)

Check here for hours and prices ▶ Kyoto City Official (HANDS FREE KYOTO)