Subways and Local Trains
Most subways and local trains don’t have designated areas to store your luggage. And while riders with smaller bags like backpacks or duffel bags may be able to use the overhead racks, it’s not as simple for those with large suitcases. But if you stand in the space near the doors, there tends to be a bit more room to place larger bags by your feet.

Getting Around During Rush Hour
If you can, it’s generally best to avoid traveling with suitcases during the morning and evening rush hours. However, if you have no choice but to travel at those times, try boarding the first or last car of the train, which are often less crowded. Be aware that in some cases, the train may be too full to board, and you’ll have to wait for the next one, so be sure to leave with extra time just in case.

Riding the Shinkansen
The Shinkansen is one of the fastest, most comfortable, and safest ways to travel around Japan, but it can still be tricky for those with large suitcases. There aren't many spots to store oversized luggage, and in most cars, the only available option is the overhead rack.

Suitcases exceeding a certain size are classified as oversized luggage, and require advanced reservations. There are Oversized Baggage Area Seats available on the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, and West Kyushu Shinkansen lines (Tokyo–Shin-Osaka–Hakata–Kagoshima-Chuo, and Nagasaki–Takeo Onsen). Passengers can also make a reservation to use the designated luggage storage area free of charge. This service is available in both reserved ordinary cars and Green Cars. For more information, check the link below.

Highway Express Buses
Highway buses have large storage compartments underneath the vehicle that are usually spacious enough to accommodate large suitcases without any issues, making them one of the most convenient options for those with big suitcases. And just like the trains, there are overhead racks inside the bus for smaller items like backpacks. Buses to and from Haneda and Narita Airports typically come equipped with these storage spaces.

Local Buses
Local buses are primarily used by residents, so boarding with large suitcases may be frowned upon, especially on crowded routes. Whenever possible, avoid using local buses with bulky luggage, and consider taking a taxi or train. It’s also worth checking if your hotel offers a shuttle bus service.

For shorter distances, taxis in Japan are reasonably priced, and can usually accommodate luggage without issue. Unless you’re carrying an excessive amount of luggage, you should be fine using the trunk and the rear seats. If you’re traveling with family or in a group, however, opt for a mid-size or large taxi with extra space.

Smaller vehicles like kei cars naturally have limited luggage space, while larger vehicles offer more. A kei car can usually fit one backpack per person, with a little extra wiggle room. A sedan can typically hold four people plus two large suitcases, and a wagon can fit four people and three large suitcases. Based on this, you can select an appropriate vehicle for your party size and amount of luggage.


Many airports also offer shuttle services and limousine buses, designed with travelers in mind to accommodate large luggage. Be sure to take advantage of these options when available.

Coin lockers are one of the most convenient ways to store luggage while traveling. Here’s what you need to know.

Coin lockers are generally available at most train stations across Japan, with more lockers available in larger stations. For example, Shinjuku Station in Tokyo (one of the busiest in the world) is said to have nearly 3,500 coin lockers! However, keep in mind that most of them are on the smaller side, with only around 300 large lockers out of the 3,500 available. Stations usually have signs showing locker locations, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.

You’ll usually find a mix of both older and newer coin lockers. The older ones are operated with coins and a key with the locker number written on it. The newer machines have a touchscreen and accept payment in cash or with IC cards like Suica or Pasmo. The receipt also contains the password you'll need to unlock the locker.

As a general guideline, small lockers cost around 300-400 yen, medium around 400-500 yen, and large ones about 600-800 yen. Most lockers can be used for up to three days max, so keep that in mind if you’re looking to store items long-term. If you can’t find a locker available for multiple days, services like ecbo cloak are a convenient alternative. It’s easy to use, just leave your luggage at a participating shop or cafe!

Most hotels and hostels in Japan offer luggage storage for guests, and hotels in particular will usually hold your bags both before check-in and after check-out. We recommend checking with the property in advance for availability of these services.

If you’re traveling across multiple cities, some hotels may offer luggage delivery services. Details and pricing vary, so be sure to inquire at the front desk. And if you’re shipping between hotels, don’t forget to notify the receiving hotel in advance!

International airports in Japan have luggage storage counters. Many also offer delivery counters, so you can send your bags from the airport to your hotel, or vice-versa.

Narita Airport
At Narita Airport, Yamato Transport and JAL ABC counters are available in Terminals 1 and 2, and Yamato also has a counter in Terminal 3. The JAL ABC counter is located on the first floor of the international arrivals lobby and offers delivery, luggage storage, coat check, and even Wi-Fi rental.

Haneda Airport
At Haneda Airport, Sagawa Express and Yamato Transport have counters in Terminals 1 and 2. In Terminal 3, you’ll find JAL ABC and Yamato Transport.

Kansai International Airport
If you're flying in or out of Kansai International Airport, you’ll find JAL ABC, Kansai Airport Baggage Service, and Lawson in Terminal 1. Terminal 2 and the adjacent Aero Plaza also have Lawson counters.

If you need to ship something while you’re already out and about, look for tourist information centers at popular sightseeing spots, train stations near tourist areas, or service counters in major department stores.

Japan’s leading courier company, Yamato Transport, can deliver just about anything, from personal items to household goods. You can even use their service through convenience stores like 7-Eleven. For example, shipping a suitcase under 25kg from Tokyo to Kyoto costs about 2,630 yen, and to Okinawa it’s about 4,680 yen.

As you can see, there are lots of services available throughout Japan to help you get around light and hassle-free. But should you find yourself needing to bring large luggage onto public transportation, be sure to follow the rules and travel safely.

Information in article as of March 2025. For the latest updates and information, please inquire the respective service providers directly.