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Quick answer
For a few hours: coin lockers in almost every station. Many take Suica or PASMO. Large lockers fill up first.
Lockers full? Use a luggage storage service near the station, usually bookable online.
Changing hotels or cities: send your suitcase ahead with a luggage delivery service. It usually arrives the next day or later.
Shinkansen: on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, bags over 160 cm (length + width + height) need a seat reservation with an oversized baggage area.
Big suitcases and Tokyo’s busy stations do not mix well. The good news is that Japan has several easy ways to store or send your luggage, so you can explore with just a day bag.
| Option | Good for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Coin lockers | A few hours or a day near a station | Found in most stations. Large lockers are limited and busy stations can fill up |
| Luggage storage services | Big suitcases, or when lockers are full | Shops and counters that store luggage. Book online or in an app |
| Luggage delivery | Traveling between the airport, hotels and other cities | Send your suitcases ahead and travel hands-free. They usually arrive the next day or later |
Coin lockers
Almost every station has coin lockers in several sizes. Many can be paid with a Suica or PASMO card, and some use the card as your key. Large lockers that fit a big suitcase are the first to go, especially at busy stations, so find one early in the day. Check the maximum storage time shown on the locker.
Luggage storage services
If the lockers are full, look for a luggage storage service. Shops, cafés and counters near stations keep your bags for a fee, and you can usually reserve a space online.
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Luggage delivery
Japan’s luggage delivery services can send your suitcases from the airport to your hotel, between hotels, or to your next city. Look for luggage delivery counters at the airport, or ask at your hotel’s front desk. Delivery usually takes at least a day, so send bags a day ahead and keep what you need for the night with you.
Big suitcases on the Shinkansen
On the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, luggage with a total size (length + width + height) over 160 cm and up to 250 cm is “oversized baggage”. You must reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area when you buy your ticket. It costs nothing extra, but if you board with oversized luggage without a reservation, you may be charged ¥1,000. Luggage over 250 cm is not allowed.
Tips for traveling with luggage
- Avoid the morning rush hour when you move between hotels with big suitcases.
- Many stations have elevators, but they can be far from the exit you want. Look for elevator signs, or allow extra time.
- Smaller hotels and apartments may not have an elevator or luggage storage. Check before you book.
- A small day bag makes crowded trains and narrow streets much easier.
FAQ
Where can I store luggage in Tokyo?
In coin lockers at almost every station, or at luggage storage services near stations, which you can usually reserve online.
Can I pay for coin lockers with Suica?
Many lockers can be paid with a Suica or PASMO card, and some use the card as your key.
Can I send my suitcase to my hotel?
Yes. Luggage delivery services can send bags from the airport to your hotel or between cities. Delivery usually takes at least a day.
Are large lockers easy to find?
Large lockers are the first to go, especially at busy stations, so find one early in the day.
Keep reading
Sources
The Shinkansen oversized baggage rules come from JR Central (checked November 2, 2026). Rules and services can change, so please check the official information before you travel.
