This page has been updated with the latest information for travel in 2025 and 2026.
Traveling Japan by bullet train with a suitcase or two is easier than you might think. The Shinkansen has a clear, well-organized luggage system — and as long as you know the rules in advance, boarding with your bags is a smooth, stress-free part of the journey.
This guide covers everything: size and weight limits, how to make a free luggage reservation, what to expect on regular trains in Japan, and smart options for storing or forwarding bags you'd rather not carry at all.
This post is part of our partnership with Bounce — our preferred luggage storage service in Japan. Find out how to save on storage below.
Which Shinkansen Will You Ride?
Before we get into the luggage specifics, it helps to know a little about the trains themselves — especially since Japan's fleet has been going through an exciting upgrade in recent years.
The most common bullet trains you'll encounter on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines (the main routes between Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka) belong to the N700 family. Here's a quick breakdown:
N700 Series — The original, introduced in 2007. A major leap forward in speed and comfort, with a tilting mechanism that allows smooth operation through the tight curves of the Tokaido Shinkansen. Maximum operating speed of 300 km/h on the Sanyo line.
N700A ("Advanced") — An incremental evolution launched in 2013, featuring enhanced braking systems and improved ATC (Automatic Train Control). The upgrades allowed the maximum operating speed on the Tokaido Shinkansen to be raised to 285 km/h, shaving minutes off the Tokyo–Osaka journey. All original N700 sets were eventually retrofitted to the N700A standard.
N700S ("Supreme") — The current flagship, launched into revenue service on 1 July 2020 and actively replacing older sets across the network. The S stands for Supreme, and the improvements are substantial: a 5% reduction in emergency braking distance, roughly 7% less power consumption thanks to silicon carbide traction motors, and a battery self-propulsion system that can move the train to the nearest station during a power outage — an important safety feature. During high-speed trials in 2019, the N700S reached a recorded top speed of 363 km/h (226 mph) on the Tokaido Shinkansen — 28 km/h faster than the N700A had ever achieved. While the current operating speed remains at 285 km/h (Tokaido) and 300 km/h (Sanyo), that test result points to exciting headroom for future upgrades. Passenger-facing improvements include full-active suspension, wider seats in business class cars, and a power socket at every seat.
Looking ahead, JR Central has confirmed that select N700S Nozomi services will feature private rooms from October 2026 — the first time private compartments have been available on the Tokaido Shinkansen in over two decades. Each room will accommodate one or two passengers and include dedicated Wi-Fi, adjustable lighting, and reclining seats with leg rests.
You can tell an N700S apart from an N700A at the platform by its distinctively angular headlights (around 80% larger than the N700), a subtly different nose profile, and a gold "N700S" logo on the side of each car.
Whichever set you board, the luggage rules are the same — but it's worth knowing which train you're on. You can learn more about the N700S Shinkansen here.
Luggage on the Shinkansen
When boarding the Shinkansen, the following regulations apply:
You may bring up to two pieces of baggage on board free of charge. For each piece, the total of length + width + height must not exceed 250 cm, the single longest dimension must not exceed 2 meters, and the weight must be no more than 30 kg.
The system is split into two tiers based on size:
- Under 160 cm total (length + width + height): No reservation needed. Just bring it on board.
- Between 160 cm and 250 cm total: A prior reservation is required. The good news — this reservation is completely free of charge.
If you board with an oversized bag (160–250 cm range) and haven't made a reservation, a ¥1,000 fee applies and the train conductor may move your luggage. It's easy to avoid: just book your luggage space at the same time you book your seat.
Luggage exceeding 250 cm total cannot be brought on board and will need to travel via an alternative service (see the forwarding options at the end of this guide).
We strongly recommend making your luggage reservation in advance — especially during peak travel seasons when trains fill up quickly. Pairing your seat reservation with your luggage reservation at the same time keeps everything organized in one step.
How to Make Luggage Reservations
Luggage reservations are quick to make and won't cost you anything. There are three convenient ways to do it:
- Eki-Net App — Japan's official online rail reservation platform, available in English
- Ticket machines at Shinkansen stations — follow the on-screen instructions
- Ticket window (Midori no Madoguchi) — speak to a staff member in person; they're accustomed to helping international travelers
The easiest approach, especially if you're using the Japan Rail Pass, is to sort both your seat reservation and luggage reservation in a single visit to the ticket window when you arrive at the station.
Are Luggage Reservations Free with the Japan Rail Pass?
Yes — luggage reservations work exactly the same way for Japan Rail Pass holders as they do for standard ticket holders. The reservation itself is free of charge, regardless of how you're traveling.
The key is to make the reservation before you board. If you haven't sorted it ahead of time, a ¥1,000 excess luggage fee can be charged on the spot. A quick visit to the ticket window when you exchange or activate your pass is the cleanest way to handle everything at once.
For tips on making the most of your pass across the whole journey, check out our guide to buying and using the Japan Rail Pass. If your itinerary covers a specific region of Japan, you may also want to explore whether a Regional Pass makes more sense for your trip.
Baggage on Japanese Trains
On conventional trains in Japan outside the Shinkansen network, the same size and weight rules technically apply — but there's no reservation requirement, and enforcement is considerably more relaxed.
The practical standard is broadly social rather than regulatory: bring what you can manage without inconveniencing other passengers. Japan's train culture places a high premium on consideration for fellow travelers, and large suitcases during crowded commuter hours tend to stand out — not in a welcoming way.
The most important unwritten rule: avoid bringing large luggage onto local trains during rush hour. Morning (roughly 7:30–9:30) and evening (17:30–20:00) peak periods on urban lines can be intensely crowded, and a large rolling suitcase takes up meaningful space that commuters need. If your schedule allows, traveling slightly before or after peak hours makes for a noticeably more comfortable experience for everyone.
Special Luggage Rules
Small animals — Dogs, cats, pigeons, and similarly small animals may travel on board for a fee, provided they are kept in an appropriate carrying case throughout the journey.
Bicycles — Bicycles can be brought on board for free if packed in a dedicated bike bag. The total circumference of the packed bike must not exceed 250 cm.
Wheelchairs — Foldable wheelchairs and mobility aids with dimensions no greater than 120 cm in length/height and 70 cm in width can be brought on board.
Luggage Storage at Japanese Stations with Bounce
Most major stations in Japan offer coin lockers for smaller bags (¥300–¥1,000 per day), but they're frequently full at popular destinations and often limited to Japanese-language interfaces.
For larger bags — or anytime you want a guaranteed, multilingual booking experience — Bounce is the solution.
Trusted in over 100 countries with more than 35,000 locations worldwide, Bounce has an exceptional presence across Japan: over 6,000 storage points in 650+ cities, including more than 670 locations in Tokyo alone. Bounce works with local shops and small businesses, and also operates a dedicated locker network, making it straightforward to store your bags near major stations and tourist attractions — for a few hours or several days.
Pricing starts from ¥500 (~$3/day), with ¥1,000,000 bag protection, 24/7 multilingual support, and free cancellation. Book instantly via the Bounce app or website.
JRPass users get 10% off with code JRPASS — valid anywhere in Japan, anytime, with no restrictions.
Alternatives: Luggage Forwarding
Traveling with a large suitcase that you'd rather not carry through multiple stations? Japan's luggage forwarding services (called takkyubin) are reliable, affordable, and genuinely convenient. You can send bags directly from your hotel or accommodation to your next destination, typically arriving the following day.
Recommended services include:
- TA-Q-BIN by Yamato Transport — Japan's largest door-to-door delivery network, widely available at convenience stores and hotels
- SWB by Sagawa Express — A reliable alternative with competitive rates
Forwarding your luggage ahead to your next destination is a great way to travel light on the Shinkansen and explore arrival cities freely before checking in.
Ready to plan your journey? Use our JR Fare Calculator to estimate your routes, or browse Regional Passes if you're focusing on a specific part of Japan.
.png)
