Luggage storage counters can be found at airports and usually charge between 500 and 1000 yen per piece and day, depending on the size of the item.
Please take valuables and breakables with you.” Hotels like APA, Toyoko and Super are budget business/tourist hotels. They will have no problems holding onto your bags before check-in or after check-out on the same day. Such hotels might not hold your bags beyond the very same day.
Luggage storage counters can be found at airports and usually charge between 500 and 1000 yen per piece and day, depending on the size of the item. Some larger train stations have manned storage counters too and typically charge about the same for luggage handling.
You might as well buy a decent suitcase that you can use again- there is a good range to be found in Japan. Cheap but decent suitcases cost around 10,000 yen. In Shibuya, go to Don Quixote (bargain) shop opposite Tokyu Dept head store at the top of Bunka dori. Luggage is sold upstairs, near the staircase at the back.
There is no dedicated area for luggage and only space for small suitcases and bags overhead. Even if someone is sitting in the very back seats if the space behind them is empty then you can still put your luggage there – even a very large suitcase will fit.
There are generally two types of Japanese coin lockers in Japanese train stations: those operated with actual coins and those operated by IC cards or PIN codes. The touchscreen-type coin lockers accept 500 yen coins and 1000-yen bills, but you can also choose to pay with IC cards such as Suica and PASMO.
For a very reasonable price, you can have your luggage delivered to your next accommodation the next day (with variations depending on the distance). For example from Tokyo, a suitcase can be delivered the next day in Kyoto for only 1900 yen, and in Kyushu for 2200 yen.
How to Find a Place to Store Your Bags When You're Not a Hotel Guest
- Train stations and airports. If you're planning to hang out in the vicinity of an airport or train station, it's worth looking at storage options in the station itself.
- Independent storage facilities.
- Mail-ahead solutions.
- Sneaky storage.
Shinkansen Toilets
We're on board the Shinkansen, the famous high-speed "bullet trains". The toilets on board are similar to airline toilets. That seems appropriate, given the speed of travel.Large luggage will be locked in a separate secure area while in transit. Reservations can be made online or at Shinkansen station service counters. Officially large suitcases can't weigh more than 30 kg per bag and must be less than 250cm in height plus width plus depth.
The Shinkansen is not a 24 hour service, but does run until late. For the last trains, you should choose Type: "arrival" and Time: "12am", and for all non-nozomi bullets you should deselect the "NOZOMI/MIZUHO Shinkansen" option. Here's an example showing the last times to travel from Kyoto back to Tokyo.
When you are ready to start your shinkansen journey, you can activate the pass and reserve seats. Japan Rail Pass holders do not need to pay a seat reservation fee. You'll probably be fine; it's generally only during peak travel times (e.g. Golden Week and New Year, also public holidays) that space becomes an issue.
Many passengers buy a food and drink before boarding. Now this service is available on the Shinkansen trains and a few limited express trains as of December, 2019.
You must order at least 3 days in advance before the day of travel. I would advise you to book your shinkansen tickets as far in advance as you can, during peak season like Christmas and New Year, cherry blossom season (April) and fall foliage season (November). It gets extremely busy and trains are often fully booked.
Luggage should be stored in the overhead luggage racks, under the seats and in the luggage compartments throughout the train. On some longer distance trains, it may be possible to store luggage in a separate area of the train.
Train Luggage Theft Prevention Tips
- Try not to sleep in a compartment alone if you can help it.
- Lock or chain your bag to the luggage rack.
- Daypacks are bigger targets than large suitcases.
- If you are in a group use it in your favor.
- Top bunks are more secure than bottom ones.
- Lock your train compartment.
When placing your luggage in the overhead compartment, try to keep them separate from other passengers' belongings and as close to your seat as possible. If you put smaller bags on the floor, keep them where you can see them.
It's a flat, zippered compartment that allows someone out to “flatten out” the belongings below so that it is easier to sit on and zip up a really packed suitcase.
Add-On Strap
- Pack your largest piece of luggage with the majority of the weight on the bottom.
- Place your large suitcase so it's standing upright.
- Open the add-on strap buckle and secure it to the top handle of your heaviest suitcase, with the attached hook facing out.
Don't Bring These Restricted Items to Japan
- Certain fresh fruits or vegetables & soil.
- Certain types of ham, sausage & bacon.
- Items made from CITES-listed species.
- Illegal drugs.
- Weapons such as guns & explosives.
- Fake products.
- Uncensored adult videos or books & child pornography.
- Counterfeit money & credit cards.
Urban Japan Packing List (7-10 days)
- 2 pairs of pants (one pair jeans, another khaki)
- 3 t-shirts.
- 3 button up shirts.
- 1 pair hiking shoes, like the Chacos Outcross (if you're in the countryside, you won't have any need for something dressy)
- 1 light rain coat or winter jacket depending on the season.
- 4 underwear.
- 4 socks.
You'll find women most often turned out in a sharp skirt, blouse, and heels. Since you'll be walking all day, dress comfortably, but in clothing that's neat and fitted. A tucked-in shirt or trim sweater, trousers, or dark jeans, and a comfortable but stylish shoe will help you avoid standing out.
You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.
10 things you'll definitely need on a trip to Tokyo
- Wi-fi pod or data SIM card. Unless your mobile provider has an awesome international travel plan, it's best to rent a wi-fi pod or purchase a data SIM card when you arrive in Japan.
- Portable battery and adapters.
- Train app.
- Translating app.
- Comfy shoes.
- Passport.
- A small umbrella.
- Hand wipes and sanitiser.
Pashmina or wool knit, heattech clothing, long pants, wool coat, down jacket (we recommend wearing a thin down jacket under the coat). Accessories & shoes: boots, sneakers, muffler, hat, gloves, warm tights, warm socks, ear warmers, mask, snow boots.
Business attire.
- From October thru April, most Japanese businessmen, especially senior managers, executives, and salarymen, wear dark navy, charcoal gray, or black suits, with a white shirt and subdued tie.
- Do not wear a black suit, white shirt, and black or near-black tie because that is funeral attire.
- How to prepare for a trip to Japan.
- Hire a pocket wifi or buy a 4G SIM card for your phone.
- Don't blindly buy a JR Rail Pass thinking all tourists need it.
- Take time to read these Japan travel books for inspiration.
- Choose your season carefully.
- Buy tickets in advance to popular activities.
What to Buy in Japan: 18 Souvenirs That You'll Love
- KitKat bars (the flavors!)
- Hanko: Japanese name stamps.
- Kimonos.
- Vending machine toys.
- Sake.
- Wagashi candies.
- Japanese cosmetics.
- Sensu folding fans.
