Japan Shinkansen Luggage Allowance

Oversized suitcases, ski bags, pushchairs… Before you hop on board the Shinkansen, there's one essential rule you need to know: the size of your luggage determines whether you can board freely or if a reservation is mandatory!

Since 2020, JR (Japan Railways) has tightened its luggage policy on several lines, with a 1,000 JPY fine for any traveller who doesn't follow the new rules.

Ready to hop on board and book your train tickets? You've come to the right place! Here is everything you need to know about the Shinkansen luggage policy.

What Is the Shinkansen? Quick Overview

The Shinkansen transports hundreds of millions of travellers across Japan every year. On the Tōkaidō line alone (Tokyo–Osaka), over 150 million passengers hop on board annually! That's a train every 10 minutes during peak times.

When it comes to luggage, the Shinkansen operates without check-ins or security screenings: you simply board with your belongings – pretty straightforward, right? However, as with many transport services, there are a few rules to keep in mind before you book your ticket and hop on board.

Shinkansen Luggage Rules: How to Measure Your Luggage

First things first, there's one golden rule you absolutely need to keep in mind. A bag's size is calculated by adding up its three dimensions: height + width + depth.

It's this total in centimetres that determines which category your luggage falls into (and therefore the rules that apply on board).

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Standard Luggage (Under 160 cm): What You Can Bring Without a Reservation

You can bring any luggage with a total size of up to 160 cm on board for free, with no extra steps required! To give you a better idea, this is roughly equivalent to a cabin suitcase about 55 cm high or a standard hold suitcase about 65 cm high. Anything taller than 70 cm will often exceed that 160 cm limit.

Where can I store it on board?

• Overhead luggage rack: it runs the entire length of the carriage and measures between 40 and 42 cm deep by 60 cm wide, depending on the train model. The vast majority of standard suitcases fit perfectly.
• At your feet: if your luggage is compact, you can slide it under your seat or in front of you — though this will mean a little less legroom.

Rules for using the overhead luggage rack

• Your luggage must fit securely without overhanging, so it doesn't risk falling on another passenger;
• You must be able to lift it into the overhead locker yourself (space is limited and other passengers are not obliged to assist you);
• A maximum of 2 pieces per passenger, with a total weight not exceeding 30kg.

Oversized Luggage (160–250 cm): Reservation Requirements

This is where the rules get a bit tricky (and where most travellers get caught out). Any luggage with a total size exceeding 160 cm is classified as "oversized" and is subject to specific regulations on the Tōkaidō, San'yō, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.

Current policies

You need to book a "Seat with Oversized Baggage Area". This space is located behind the last row of seats in certain carriages. It's a secure compartment measuring 80 × 60 × 50 cm at the top and 80 × 60 × 40 cm at the bottom, accessible only to passengers who have booked the adjacent seats. You can even lock it with your IC card (Suica or Pasmo)!

The two available storage spaces

There are actually two options for oversized luggage:

• The space behind the last row (reservation required): linked to a specific seat that you book in advance (access is guaranteed and the space is yours alone);
• The inter-carriage luggage area (no reservation, on trial): some trains are currently testing a luggage space between carriages that you can use without a reservation. Just a heads-up, though: this space is designed for luggage up to 160 cm, not for oversized items.

What happens if you don't have a booking?

If you bring oversized luggage on board without a reservation, you will be fined 1,000 yen (about £5.20) per piece of luggage. The fine will be collected directly by the train attendant on the train (in addition, you will need to purchase a reserved seat if available).

Oversized luggage is also not permitted in non-reserved carriages; you simply won't be able to board with your large suitcase.

How do I book a seat with extra luggage space?

• On Trip.com: when booking, select a seat at the back of the carriage with a dedicated luggage space — this option is clearly marked on the carriage map;
• Via SmartEX: the JR Central app lets you filter for seats with luggage space on the Tōkaidō line;
• At station ticket counters or kiosks: ask for a "seat with oversized baggage area" — the staff will point out the relevant carriages for you.

Prohibited Luggage (Over 250 cm)

Simple and straightforward: any luggage with a total size exceeding 250 cm is not permitted on board the Shinkansen, regardless of the line. If you find yourself in this situation, there are several solutions available:

• Takkyubin service (ヤマト運輸 / Yamato Transport): a door-to-door delivery service between hotels or stations, available in almost all Japanese hotels. Expect to pay between 1,000 and 2,500 JPY per bag depending on the distance, with delivery within 1 to 2 working days.
• Station luggage storage (coin lockers): available at all major Shinkansen stations in a variety of sizes. Large lockers (for suitcases 26 inches and up) cost around 700 to 900 JPY per day.
• Shipping via Sagawa Express or Japan Post: a great alternative to Takkyubin that's slightly cheaper for certain distances.

Special Items: Shinkansen Rules for Skis, Instruments & Pushchairs

Some types of luggage are treated differently, even if they exceed the 160 cm limit. Trip.com explains everything you need to know:

Sports equipment (skis, snowboards, surfboards)

Skis, snowboards, surfboards, and bicycles (dismantled and packed) are exempt from the booking requirement, even if they exceed 160 cm (provided they are stored in their appropriate cases).

However, it is still highly recommended to book a seat with luggage space, especially during busy periods (winter holidays, Golden Week), to guarantee space on board.

Musical instruments

Guitars, cellos, and other cased instruments are also exempt from the oversized baggage rules. They can be placed in the overhead locker or at your feet, space permitting. Great news for travelling musicians!

Pushchairs and wheelchairs

Pushchairs and wheelchairs are always welcome, regardless of size, and no booking is required. However, we do recommend booking ahead for your own comfort.

❌ Things that remain strictly prohibited

• Luggage exceeding 250 cm in total size;
• Items weighing more than 30 kg;
• Any luggage emitting strong odours that may disturb other passengers;
• Live animals (with the exception of certain assistance animals).

Luggage Rules for Different Shinkansen Lines

Heads up: the rules for oversized luggage don't apply uniformly across all lines.

On routes where it isn't strictly mandatory, you won't be fined, but space is limited and it can be inconvenient for other passengers. Booking a suitable seat is always the best practice, whatever the circumstances.

Practical Tips for Travelling with Luggage on the Shinkansen

• 🧳 Weigh and measure before you head off. Get the tape measure out and add up the height + width + depth of each suitcase before you set off for Japan. A 28-inch suitcase often measures between 160 and 175 cm in total, which tips it into the "oversized" category.
• 📱 Book your seat with luggage space in advance. On Trip.com, when selecting your seat, choose a spot at the back of the carriage with luggage space. These seats are limited per train, so be sure to book ahead!
• 🚀 Send your large suitcases via Takkyubin. Japanese travellers rarely carry their large suitcases on public transport. The Takkyubin service allows you to send your luggage from hotel to hotel or to the airport for less than £17, meaning you can travel hands-free on the Shinkansen!
• 🎿 Planning a ski trip to Japan? Even if you're exempt, it's still worth booking luggage space. Your ski bag will almost certainly exceed the 160 cm total limit. Even if the exemption applies, having a reserved space at the back of the carriage means you won't have to leave it in the aisle and get in everyone's way.
• 🏷️ Label your luggage with your seat number. The Trip.com tip: stick a label with your seat number on every suitcase you store in the luggage area. If there's any confusion when you're getting off, you'll be able to spot your belongings at a glance.

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