Shinkansen Luggage Rules: Size Limit and Reservation Guide by Line
Planning to take the Shinkansen in Japan? Knowing the luggage rules can help you avoid extra fees and travel smoothly.
This guide explains size limits, which lines require reservations for oversized bags, and what to do if your luggage is too large.
Quick Answer: Can You Bring Your Luggage?
Most travelers can bring their luggage on the Shinkansen without any special reservation. Check which category your bag falls into based on its overall dimensions (Length + Width + Height).
- Small to medium bags (Under 160 cm / 62 in)
- Reservation: Not required.
- Storage: Use overhead racks or space at your feet.
- Typical size: Most carry-on and medium suitcases.
- Large / oversized bags (160 cm – 250 cm / 62 – 98 in)
- Reservation: Required on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.
- Storage: Must be stored in the designated "Oversized Luggage Area."
- Typical size: Large check-in suitcases with an “seat with an oversized baggage area” or an “oversized baggage compartment.”
- Important: Skipping this reservation results in a a baggage fee (1,000 yen, including tax) per bag onboard.
- Extra large bags (Over 250 cm / 98 in)
- Allowed? NO. These bags are prohibited on all Shinkansen.
- Solution: Use a luggage delivery service (Takkyubin).
Which Shinkansen Lines Require an Oversized Baggage Reservation
The reservation requirement depends on your line. Not all Shinkansen lines follow the same rule.
Group A: Reservation Required for Bags Over 160 cm
If you are traveling between these major cities with large luggage, you must book an "Oversized Luggage Seat." There is no extra charge when you reserve it in advance.
However, if you board without one, you will be charged a 1,000 JPY penalty fee, and the conductor will move your bag to a designated space.
Shinkansen Line | Major Stations | Popular Trains |
|---|---|---|
Tokaido | Nozomi, Hikari | |
Sanyo | Nozomi, Mizuho | |
Kyushu | Hakata, Kumamoto, Kagoshima-Chuo | Sakura, Mizuho |
Nishi-Kyushu | Takeo-Onsen, Nagasaki | Kamome |
Group B: No Reservation Required
These routes follow standard rules. You can bring large bags without a special reservation:
- Tohoku / Hokkaido: Tokyo ↔ Sendai ↔ Shin-Aomori ↔ Shin-Hakodate-Hakodate
- Hokuriku / Joetsu: Tokyo ↔ Nagano ↔ Kanazawa ↔ Niigata
- Yamagata / Akita: Fukushima ↔ Yamagata / Morioka ↔ Akita
The 160 cm Rule and How to Measure Your Bag
The 160 cm rule determines whether your bag needs a special reservation on the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen lines.
How to Calculate Total Size
The "160 cm rule" is simpler than it sounds. Just add up the three dimensions of your luggage:
- A: Length (longest side)
- B: Width (second longest side)
- C: Height (shortest side)
Formula: A + B + C = Total Dimensions
Conversion: 160 cm ≈ 63 inches (Total)
Note: While 62 inches is common, 160 cm is closer to 63 inches. For safety, many travelers use 62 as a guide.
Suitcase Size Examples
Use these common luggage sizes as a quick reference:
- Carry-on / Cabin size (35–45L)
- Total: about 115 cm
- Status: No reservation needed. Fits easily in overhead racks.
- Medium suitcase (60–70L)
- Total: 130–150 cm
- Status: NO reservation needed. Usually fits in overhead racks.
- Large check-in suitcase (80–90L)
- Total: 155–170 cm
- Status: May need a reservation. Check your measurements carefully.
- Extra large suitcase (100L+)
- Total: Often 160 cm+
- Status: Reservation required on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.
Weight and Bag Limits
Beyond size, the Shinkansen has strict but generous rules regarding the weight and number of bags you can bring onboard free of charge.
Number of Bags
- Maximum 2 pieces per person
- This limit does not include small personal items such as handbags, umbrellas, or small backpacks.
- If you have more than two large suitcases, you may be asked to use a delivery service.
Weight Limit
- Maximum 30 kg (66 lbs) per bag
- This applies to each individual piece of luggage.
- While staff rarely weigh bags, you must be able to carry and lift your own luggage safely.
Items Not Allowed
Certain items are strictly prohibited on the Shinkansen to ensure passenger safety.
Oversized baggage rules do not apply to strollers, sports equipment, or musical instruments. However, you need a reservation if you want to use an oversized baggage area or compartment.
- Extra-large items: Anything exceeding 250 cm (98 in) in total dimensions or 2 meters in length is not allowed.
- Dangerous goods: Flammable liquids, compressed gases, chemicals, and any hazardous materials.
- Bicycles: Bicycles must be dismantled or folded and placed in a dedicated bike bag (Rinko bag).
- Skis, snowboards, and surfboards: Allowed in bags. Even over 160 cm, these items (and strollers) are usually exempt from oversized luggage reservations. Book a dedicated seat if traveling during busy periods or to ensure space.
How to Book a Seat with an Oversized Luggage Area
If you're traveling on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines with a bag over 160 cm, you need a special seat reservation.
The good news is that this seat doesn't cost extra if you book it in advance—you simply pay the normal reserved seat fee. The bad news is that these seats are limited in number and can sell out during busy travel seasons, so booking early is essential.
Costs and Fees
- Advance booking: Same price as a regular reserved seat (No extra charge).
- Onboard baggage fee: If you bring an oversized bag without a reservation, you will pay a 1,000 yen baggage fee.
When to Book
- Book as early as possible: These special seats are limited in number and are often the first to be taken.
- Limited availability: The "Oversized Luggage Area" is only located behind the last row of each car.
- Peak season warnings: During busy periods like Cherry Blossom season, Golden Week, and the New Year holidays, these seats can sell out weeks in advance.
How to Book
- At JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi): Tell the staff you need an "oversized luggage seat" (In Japanese: Tokudai nimotsu seat / 特大荷物席), and they will manually check availability and assign the seat for you.
- Using ticket machines: Look for machines with seat selection capability and specifically choose the "Seats with oversized luggage area" option, though please note that not all machines have this feature.
If You Arrive Without a Reservation
Sometimes plans change, or you might not realize your bag needs a special seat until you're already at the station. Don't panic—there are still options available, though they require quick action.
- Before entering the gate: Visit the JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi) before passing the gates. Staff can switch your ticket to an oversized luggage seat on your train or a later one if it is full.
- If the train is full: You may need to wait for the next available train with luggage space.
- Penalty for no reservation: Bringing a bag over 160 cm on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines without a reservation costs a 1,000 yen penalty fee. You must also move your bag to a location designated by the conductor.
Alternatives for Hands-Free Travel
Experienced travelers often skip luggage reservations by using Japan’s excellent delivery and storage services. These options are often more comfortable when moving between multiple cities.
- Takkyubin (Luggage Delivery): Prices vary by size, distance, and location. Services like Yamato Transport (black cat logo) are highly reliable, usually delivering bags by the next day.
- Station Coin Lockers: Major stations offer lockers in various sizes for 300–700 yen per day. While perfect for day trips, be aware they fill up quickly at busy hubs like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
- Staffed Luggage Storage: Some stations provide staffed counters that accommodate odd-shaped or extra-large items that won’t fit in standard lockers. These offer more flexibility when coin lockers are full.
Related Guides
- Where to Put Your Luggage on the Shinkansen: Learn about overhead rack sizes, last-row storage space, and the best places to keep your bags during the journey.
- How to Book Japan Bullet Train Online: Step-by-step guide to purchasing tickets through Japan Bullet Train, including age categories and credit card payment options.
- Shinkansen Station Guides: Detailed information about major stations, including locker locations, ticket offices, and transfer information for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other popular destinations.
Book Your Ride
Riding the Shinkansen is simple once you know the luggage rules. Measure your bag, check whether your line requires a reservation, and you can travel without any confusion.
Ready to ride? Book your Shinkansen tickets online with Japan Bullet Train.
