Travelling on Japan’s Shinkansen high-speed rail network is not only one of the most efficient but also one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the country. Understanding the luggage regulations and utilising forwarding services makes the journey even more convenient.
In 2020, Japan Rail (JR) introduced new luggage policies to ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers.
These regulations apply to large suitcases on all Shinkanesen routes, including the three most popular with international travellers: Tokyo to Osaka (Tokaido Shinkansen), Osaka to Fukuoka (San’yo Shinkansen), and Fukuoka to Kagoshima (Kyushu Shinkansen).
While it’s possible to reserve space for luggage on these routes, availability is limited. EXO Travel instead recommends utilising luggage forwarding services, known as takuhaibin, to avoid the hassle of carrying large suitcases through train stations and onto the Shinkansen.
Read on to learn more about this service and the Shinkansen luggage policies.
Luggage Restriction on Shinkansen routes
On most shinkansen trains, including those that operate along the Golden Route, the following restrictions apply. Please note that when referring to the size of the cases, the centimetres reflects the sum of the height, width and length (depth) of the suitcase.
- Luggage under 160 cm in total dimensions (usually suitcases smaller than 21 inches) is permitted on board.
- Luggage over 250 cm in total dimensions (usually suitcases 29 inches or larger) are not allowed on board.
- For luggage between 160 cm and 250 cm (such as 23-28 inch suitcases), travellers must reserve seats with oversized luggage spaces in advance. These spaces are limited, and EXO cannot guarantee availability. If travellers arrive without a reservation, they may incur extra charges or have difficulty storing their bags.
To mitigate any difficulties, EXO recommends guests travel with one main suitcase and a separate, smaller overnight bag. This will allow for easy use of the luggage forwarding services.
Basics for Luggage Forwarding in Japan
Luggage forwarding services are an affordable and convenient alternative to carrying large bags onto Shinkansen. EXO does not offer an in-house service, however they are available at most hotels, airports, train stations and even convenience stores.
- How it works: Along the Golden Route, travellers can arrange for luggage to be picked up directly from the hotel and dropped at the next hotel on the itinerary. EXO recommends informing the front desk upon check in so that arrangements can be made to send the luggage to the next destination. Alternatively, travellers can use luggage forwarding counters at train stations or convenience stores.
- Timeframe: Most luggage forwarding services in Japan operate with a 24-48 hour delivery timeline, depending on the distance between the pickup and drop-off locations. For example, forwarding a bag from Tokyo to Kyoto usually takes two days, with guests needing an overnight bag for 1 night.
- Affordability: Luggage forwarding in Japan is surprisingly affordable. The fee must be paid on the spot when dropping off the bag, with a typical cost being around 3000 JPY (approximately 20-25 USD) per piece.
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognized penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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