Seats with Oversized Luggage Space are a service introduced on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, which run from Tokyo through Shin-Osaka and Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo.

Under this system, passengers traveling with luggage above a certain size must reserve these special seats in advance.

Oversized luggage storage spaces are available in both ordinary reserved cars and Green Cars, allowing passengers to store large bags securely during the journey.

Shinkansen passengers are allowed to bring luggage with total dimensions (length + width + height) of up to 250 cm, weighing no more than 30 kg, with a limit of two items per person.

Depending on the size of your luggage, the storage location and rules may vary. For oversized items, designated storage spaces are available.

Luggage with total dimensions (length + width + height) of 160 cm or less does not require an advance reservation. These suitcases can be stored at your feet or placed on the overhead luggage rack above the seats.

Luggage with combined dimensions exceeding 160 cm is classified as oversized luggage. As a general reference, 28-inch suitcases are usually just under the 160 cm limit, while 29-inch or 30-inch suitcases often exceed it and require a reservation. When purchasing luggage, be sure to check the actual measurements rather than relying solely on the airline check-in standard of 158 cm.

Luggage with total dimensions (length + width + height) exceeding 160 cm but not more than 250 cm is classified as oversized luggage. This size is roughly equivalent to paid checked baggage on international flights, although exact limits vary by airline. If you plan to bring luggage of this size onto the Shinkansen, you must reserve a seat with an oversized luggage space or access to a designated luggage area in advance. Please note that oversized luggage is not permitted in non-reserved (unreserved) seats.

Oversized Luggage Space

The "oversized luggage space" is generally located behind the last row of seats in each car. By reserving a seat with an oversized luggage space, you can store your luggage close to your seat for convenience and peace of mind. Since these seats are limited, it's recommended to reserve early.

Oversized Luggage Compartment

The "oversized luggage compartment" is often located in the deck area near the restrooms. Depending on the train, it may be situated away from your seat, so be mindful of this when making your reservation.

Luggage with total dimensions (length + width + height) exceeding 250 cm is not allowed onboard the Shinkansen and must be sent separately using a luggage delivery service.

There are also some items that fall under the “oversized luggage” size range of over 160 cm and up to 250 cm, but do not require an advance reservation to be brought onto the Shinkansen:
・Sports equipment
・Musical instruments
・Wheelchairs
・Strollers

However, if you wish to place any of these items in an oversized luggage space, an advance reservation is still required.

Starting July 1, 2025, the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen will introduce partial changes to their luggage rules. On 16-car trainsets operating on these lines, oversized luggage spaces will be opened on a trial basis and can be used without a reservation. However, please pay close attention to the following points.

Oversized luggage still requires a reservation:
Passengers traveling with oversized luggage must continue to reserve a seat with an oversized luggage space in advance. This remains the only permitted way to bring oversized luggage onboard.

Do not place oversized luggage in the “oversized luggage area” yourself:
Although the oversized luggage area on these trains will be available without reservation from July 1, this space is intended for regular luggage only. Oversized luggage must not be placed here, as it may interfere with other passengers.

To ensure a smooth journey, always confirm whether you need to reserve a seat with oversized luggage space when purchasing your ticket.

Is there an extra fee for bringing oversized luggage?
If you reserve a designated seat together with an oversized luggage space or area, there is no additional charge beyond the seat fare. However, if you fail to make a reservation in advance, you will be required to pay an additional baggage fee of 1,000 yen, and your luggage must be stored in a location by the train staff.

Method 1. Reserve Online Before Departure
You can make reservations in advance and pay online through services such as the SmartEX app, JR West Ticket Reservation, or JR Kyushu’s online train reservation system after registering your credit card.

When traveling on the Shinkansen, collect your tickets at ticket pickup machines or reserved-seat ticket machines inside Shinkansen stations. You can also link your reservation to a nationwide transportation IC card, allowing you to board directly without picking up a paper ticket.

Method 2. Reserve at a Station Ticket Counter After Arriving in Japan
At JR ticket counters, you can reserve Shinkansen seats and purchase tickets in person. Simply tell the staff that you will be traveling with oversized luggage and request a seat with oversized luggage space.

Method 3. Reserve Using a Station Ticket Machine
If ticket counters are crowded, you can use the reserved-seat ticket machines inside the station to make your reservation and purchase your ticket. Just select a seat that includes oversized luggage space during the process.

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When boarding the Shinkansen, first check the car number and seat number printed on your ticket. Place your luggage in the reserved oversized luggage space behind your seat, then take your seat.

For smaller luggage with total dimensions of 160 cm or less, store it on the overhead luggage rack above your seat. Be sure to push it in securely so it does not fall. Valuables such as wallets and smartphones should always be kept with you.

Below are answers to the most common questions travelers have about reserving seats with oversized luggage space on the Shinkansen.

A. No. Unreserved cars and some reserved cars do not have seats with oversized luggage space. Availability is limited on each train, so early reservation is strongly recommended.

A. Yes, if you have a specific reason to use the oversized luggage space and are traveling with someone who can help lift your luggage, you may reserve these seats even with smaller bags. However, since availability is limited, it is best to choose a regular seat if possible. Also note that placing luggage behind the seat may prevent the seatback from reclining.

A. No. Seats with oversized luggage space are reserved exclusively for passengers who have made an advance reservation.

A. Reservations open one month before the travel date, the same as standard Shinkansen reserved seats.

A. Do not move the luggage yourself. Please notify a train attendant and let them handle the situation.

A. No. The oversized luggage reservation system does not apply to the Tohoku Shinkansen. Passengers may bring large luggage onboard without reserving a special seat. However, luggage must still be stored safely without blocking aisles or doors, and space may be limited during busy travel periods.

Traveling with large luggage can be stressful, which is why this reservation system was introduced to ensure a comfortable journey for everyone. By reserving in advance, you can avoid worrying about where to store your luggage and enjoy a smoother travel experience.

Although the oversized luggage rules may seem complicated at first, the main goal is to encourage advance planning and maintain comfortable space onboard. Remember the 160 cm size threshold, roughly equivalent to 29-inch suitcases and larger, and reserve a seat with oversized luggage space when purchasing your ticket. By doing so, you can use the space at no extra cost and avoid the additional 1,000 yen baggage fee, making your Shinkansen journey relaxed and hassle-free.

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