Do you want to take your luggage with you on the Shinkansen Bullet Train in Japan? Maybe you want to send it separately? Here’s everything you need to know about luggage and the Shinkansen
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If you are looking for our Beginner’s guide to booking a Shinkansen you’ll find it here.
Can I take my luggage on the Shinkansen?
Yes you can take your luggage with you on the Shinkansen. People traveling with luggage over a certain size must book special seats with room for luggage. These are called Oversize Baggage seats. These are usually the back row of each reserved seat carriage.
Where does my luggage go in the Shinkansen?
There are overhead shelves for carry on luggage size. You should take extra care when lifting cases up and down. They are not allowed to be used for large suitcases.
Are there luggage racks in the Shinkansen?
There are some trial luggage rooms in some Shinkansens currently, however for most Shinkansens at the moment, if you have larger suitcases you’ll need to book one of the few Oversized Luggage seats which are available in each reserved carriage.
What are Oversized Baggage Shinkansen seats?
If you have reserved an Oversized Baggage seat, these are usually right at the back of the train carriage. Your suitcase goes in the reserved space directly behind the seat (which is available only for the last seats).
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How do I reserve Oversized Baggage seats?
You can reserve Oversized Baggage seats easily by ticking a box when booking Shinkansen reserved seats on Klook here.
Can I still take my suitcases onboard if the large luggage seats aren’t available?
Yes, you can still take your suitcases into reserved seating carriages if you haven’t reserved an oversized luggage seat. You’ll need to keep your luggage clear of the aisle and fit your suitcase in front of your knees. You may be fined as you are supposed to reserve the correct kind of seat. The fine or fee for carrying oversized luggage on a standard reserved seat is 1,000JPY.
Can I take large bags into the Shinkansen unreserved cars?
No, oversized baggage is not allowed in unreserved Shinkansen bullet train cars.
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What size is oversized luggage on a Shinkansen?
Baggage with total dimensions of between 160cm and 250 cm is regarded as Oversized Luggage and requires a reservation.
How do I work out if my bag is classed as oversize luggage for the Shinkansen?
Add the height, width and length of your suitcase. If it is between 161cm and 250cm, then it is regarded as oversized and requires you to reserve a special oversized luggage seat.
What is the Shinkansen luggage limit?
Baggage with total dimensions of over 250cm is regarded as over the acceptable size limit and cannot be taken on the Shinkansen. You should arrange to take or send this using an alternative transport service.
Can I take my pram, bicycle or wheelchair on the Shinkansen?
Prams, strollers, wheelchairs and mobility devices and bicycles are all excluded from the luggage dimensions size limit, however if you wish to store them in the oversized baggage area you will need to reserve the oversized baggage seats.
Can I send my luggage same day from Kyoto to Tokyo?
Yes, there is a company you can use to send your luggage same day from Kyoto to Tokyo or Tokyo to Kyoto. Luggage Express can receive your luggage in the morning and have it there by the evening. You can find their website here.
More luggage transfer options in and around Tokyo and Osaka can be found here.
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