Japan's Train Luggage Rule Is Catching Tourists Off Guard
# Japan's Train Luggage Rule Is Catching Tourists Off Guard
## Overview
In this essential travel guide filmed at Tokyo Station, John Daub walks viewers through Japan's often-overlooked oversized luggage rules for Shinkansen bullet trains. The video is particularly valuable because many tourists arrive in Japan unaware that three major Shinkansen lines—the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu—require advance seat reservations if your luggage exceeds 160cm in total dimensions (length + width + height). John demonstrates exactly how to use JR ticket vending machines to secure the proper seats with oversized luggage space, explains which lines are exempt from mandatory rules, and offers practical alternatives for travelers hauling large bags. His candid advice about avoiding commuter trains during rush hour with luggage and considering airport buses instead reflects the considerate approach seasoned Japan travelers adopt.
## Highlights
- [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA) John explains the 160cm total dimension threshold for oversized luggage and the 250cm absolute maximum—no bags over that can board Shinkansen
- [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=61s) Tokyo Station suitcase lockers: small (34×33×65cm), medium (700 yen, 34×50×65cm), large (34×86×65cm)—all too small for large suitcases
- [00:01:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=104s) John clarifies which Shinkansen lines require mandatory oversized luggage reservations (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu) versus which don't (Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Hokkaido)
- [00:02:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=140s) Practical tip: arrive 20–30 minutes early for Shinkansen without mandatory rules to secure back-row luggage space
- [00:03:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=181s) Live demonstration: booking a Tokaido Shinkansen seat with oversized luggage space through the vending machine in English
- [00:05:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=309s) How to identify valid oversized luggage seats—cars 1 and 11 have space behind seats 13D/13E, row 18 is designated space
- [00:05:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=336s) John confirms the process: select "seat with oversized baggage area," pick back-row seats
- [00:06:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=400s) JR Pass holders: use newer vending machines with pass insertion, or visit the MIDORI no Madoguchi window for older machines
- [00:07:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=442s) Alternative: Takkyubin (luggage delivery service) via convenience stores—takes 1–2 days but saves train stress
- [00:07:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=466s) Airport buses to Narita/Haneda cost ~1200 yen (under $10 USD), accept large luggage under the bus
- [00:08:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=498s) John advises taking a taxi with large luggage instead of commuter trains—polite and practical, ~800 yen from Tokyo Station to Ginza
- [00:09:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=553s) Final tip: buy a suitcase or use free boxes from supermarkets, pack at the end, bus to airport stress-free
## Timeline / Chapters
**00:00 – Introduction at Tokyo Station**
John introduces the oversized luggage rules, explains the 160–250cm threshold and which three lines are affected (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu).
**00:53 – Suitcase Lockers**
Tour of Tokyo Station lockers: small (34×33×65cm), medium (700 yen, 34×50×65cm), large (34×86×65cm). John notes they sell out early and won't fit large suitcases.
**01:43 – Lines With and Without Mandatory Rules**
Clarification: Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, and Hokkaido Shinkansen do NOT have mandatory oversized luggage rules—first come, first served for back-row space. Tokaido DOES require reservation for oversized luggage.
**02:59 – Vending Machine Demo Begins**
Selecting English language, choosing Tokaido Shinkansen, destination Kyoto, traveling today, ordinary seat class.
**03:53 – Oversized Baggage Prompt**
The system prompts for oversized baggage selection—must choose "seat with oversized baggage area."
**04:25 – Seat Selection Process**
First train (2:00pm Nozomi) sold out for oversized luggage. Trying 2:30pm train, still sold out in back rows. Finally finding availability in car 1 or car 11 (seats 13D/13E have space behind them).
**05:36 – Reservation Confirmed**
John confirms the process: select oversized baggage option, choose back-row seats with designated luggage space.
**06:03 – Tohoku Shinkansen Example**
Demonstrating that even Japanese travelers must book oversized luggage seats in advance—ordinary seats completely sold out on weekends.
**06:41 – JR Pass Holder Instructions**
Insert JR Pass into newer vending machines to book. For older machines, visit MIDORI no Madoguchi ticket window and ask for back-row seats.
**07:22 – Alternative: Takkyubin Delivery**
Use convenience store luggage delivery services—takes 24–48 hours but eliminates train carrying problems.
**07:46 – Airport Buses**
Airport limousine buses cost ~1200 yen to Narita or Haneda, allow large luggage underneath, less than $10 USD.
**08:18 – Taxi Advice for Large Luggage**
Take taxis with oversized luggage instead of commuter trains—polite approach, ~800 yen to Ginza.
**08:46 – Historical Context and Final Advice**
John reflects on how 25 years ago travelers carried less. Advises buying a suitcase in Japan or using free supermarket boxes, packing at the end, taking the bus to the airport.
**09:36 – Closing**
Call to action for comments.
## Japan Travel Tips
- **Reservations are mandatory** on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines if your luggage's total dimensions (L+W+H) exceed 160cm.
- **Book 1–2 weeks in advance** for weekend travel, especially morning trains—oversized luggage seats sell out quickly.
- **Arrive 20–30 minutes early** for Shinkansen without mandatory rules (Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Hokkaido) to secure back-row space.
- **Airport buses (~$10 USD)** are a budget-friendly alternative for travelers with large luggage going to or from Narita/Haneda.
- **Use Takkyubin (luggage delivery)** via convenience stores if you need your bags at your destination within 24–48 hours.
- **Take a taxi** (~800 yen within central Tokyo) rather than commuter trains or buses with oversized luggage—it's considered polite.
- **Buy a new suitcase in Japan** or use free boxes from supermarkets for your return journey instead of wheeling extra-large bags.
- **Lockers at Tokyo Station** are too small for large suitcases and sell out early—don't rely on them for big bags.
## Japanese Language & Culture Notes
- **Oversized luggage (taijū tanmatsu/大型荷物):** The 160cm threshold applies to the sum of all three dimensions. A standard 29-inch suitcase typically exceeds this.
- **MIDORI no Madoguchi (みどりの窓口):** The JR ticket office window found at major stations. Staff can assist with seat reservations, including finding trains with available oversized luggage space.
- **Takkyubin (宅急便):** Yamato Transport's door-to-door delivery service. Available at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart). Charge based on size and distance; typically arrives next day within the same region, 1–2 days for longer distances.
- **Luggage etiquette in Japan:** Commuter trains during rush hour are extremely crowded. Transporting large suitcases on local trains and buses is considered inconsiderate. Locals with large bags typically take taxis—a social norm that surprises many tourists but reflects Japan's high taxi affordability and space-conscious culture.
- **Historical context:** John notes that 25 years ago, travelers carried significantly less. The explosion of duty-free shopping and "omiyage" (souvenir) culture has dramatically increased luggage volume, prompting JR to implement stricter rules on popular Shinkansen routes.
## Food & Drink Guide
No food or drink items are featured in this video.
## People
**John Daub** — Host and creator of Only in Japan Go. With 30+ years of living in Japan, John's expertise shines as he explains the often-confusing oversized luggage rules. His practical, viewer-focused advice reflects his deep understanding of both Japanese culture and tourist needs. He demonstrates the vending machine process in English, making this accessible for non-Japanese speakers.
## Key Takeaways
1. **Check your luggage dimensions before booking Shinkansen tickets** — the 160cm rule catches many tourists off guard.
2. **Three major Shinkansen lines require advance oversized luggage reservations**: Tokaido (Tokyo–Osaka), Sanyo (Osaka–Hakata), and Kyushu (Hakata–Kagoshima).
3. **The vending machine process is straightforward in English**: select Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen, choose destination, pick "seat with oversized baggage area," select back-row seats.
4. **Weekend travel requires advance booking** — both ordinary seats and oversized luggage spaces sell out quickly.
5. **Alternatives exist**: airport buses (~$10, large luggage OK), Takkyubin delivery (24–48 hours), or buying a suitcase/using boxes for the return journey.
6. **Consider taxis for large luggage** within cities — it's polite, affordable (~800 yen), and avoids chaos.
7. **JR Pass holders can use newer vending machines** or visit the MIDORI no Madoguchi window for assistance.
## Notable Quotes
[00:00:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=23s) "Between 160cm to 250cm of total dimension, length, width and height. If you're over 160, it's oversized luggage. If it's over 250, it's actually not even allowed to be brought on board."
[00:01:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=85s) "They're a lot bigger than they used to be, but they're square. They won't fit very large suitcases. And if you have a soft suitcase that is bulging, it's going to be a problem getting it in there."
[00:02:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=135s) "These don't have a mandatory oversized luggage rule like the Tokaido Shinkansen... You need to have a seat reservation if you have 160 to 250 centimeter total dimension."
[00:03:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=225s) "If bringing oversized baggage on board, be sure to select a seat with oversized baggage area. Non oversized baggage cannot be brought on board."
[00:06:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=389s) "You have to make reservations if you're doing it on the weekends for oversized luggage, like a week or two in advance, they are gone early, especially in the morning."
[00:07:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=466s) "The buses are a great way to get away with having oversized luggage to the airports. I think it's like 1200 yen. It's less than $10 to go to Narita or Haneda."
[00:08:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=502s) "The polite thing to do is to take a taxi if you are coming with oversized luggage. Even though it's more expensive. Take a taxi to be polite. That's the way people do it."
[00:08:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGrZVSwZZA&t=538s) "You can buy a suitcase here or a duffel bag or get a free box at any supermarket in Japan. Pack up the box on the last day, take that to the airport, put it underneath the bus and you'll pick it up when you arrive at your home country."
## Related Topics
- JR Pass usage and tips
- Tokyo Station navigation guide
- Narita Airport access options
- Haneda Airport access options
- Japanese train etiquette
- Budget travel in Japan
- Shopping in Japan and luggage management
## Search Tags
#only-in-japan-go #tokyo #tokyo-station #shinkansen #tokaido-shinkansen #oversized-luggage #japan-train-travel #jr-pass #luggage-rules #japan-travel-tips #narita-airport #haneda-airport #airport-bus #takkyubin #luggage-delivery #japan-transport #bullet-train #japan-travel-hack #onlyinjapango #traveling-japan
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Full Transcript
00:00:00 John Daub: Hey everybody, I'm inside of Tokyo Station. This is one of the guides to oversized luggage. It's between 160cm to 250cm of total dimension, length, width and height. If you're over 160, it's oversized luggage. If it's over 250, it's actually not even allowed to be brought on board. Three specific Shinkansens. The Tokaido, which runs from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka. The Sanyo Shinkansen from Osaka down to Hakata, which is Kyushu, and. And the Kyushu Shinkansen, which is Hakata to Kagoshima. Those three lines, which is basically Tokyo to Kagoshima, they have oversized luggage rules. The other ones, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the Joetsu Shinkansen, the Tohoku Shinkansen, the Hokkaido Shinkansen going up north, they don't have oversized luggage rules. Those are soft, oversized luggage rules. As you can see, this is just for the Tokaido Shinkansen.
00:00:53 John Daub: We're going to go to a vending machine and I'm going to show you how to make an oversized seat reservation using a JR Rail pass. And if you don't have it, this is all very valuable information. Let's go. So before I go to the vending machine, these are the lockers here. You can see they. They're a lot bigger than they used to be, but they're square. They're supposed to fit particular bags. As you can see here, they're all sold out. They go out really early. The small ones, which are 34 cm by 33 cm by 65 cm. The medium sized ones, which are 700 yen 34 x 50 x 65, and the large ones, which are 34 by 86 by 65. They won't fit very large suitcases. And if you have a soft suitcase that is bulging, it's going to be a problem getting it in there.
00:01:43 John Daub: You can't force them in there, by the way. Get them early because they're gone. And there's only a limited amount of these suitcase lockers here. So gets you that poor family. They're not going to get a locker. Good luck.
00:02:00 John Daub: To illustrate it, this is the Tohoku, the Joetsu and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. These don't have a mandatory oversized luggage rule like the Tokaido Shinkansen, which is right here. This one does. You need to have a seat reservation if you have 160 to 250 centimeter total dimension. These do not. And it's first come, first serve. On these for the back seats. If you can't put it on the overhead luggage above, you gotta put it in the back row and it's first come, first serve. If there's no space, you're out of luck. Some of the newer trains have oversized luggage space, but I've noticed that people are just traveling more with these bags here. It's just. They fill up so fast these days. I highly recommend that you get to the platform like 20 or 30 minutes before your train and make sure you get it on these other Shinkansen trains.
00:02:59 John Daub: Let's go to the vending machine over here and see what we can do here.
00:03:01 John Daub: I'll switch it to. It is in English here. So purchase ticket Shinkansen. Let's go with the reserve seat on the Tokaido and the Sanyo from Tokyo. And let's say we're going to Kyoto, which is a popular destination, and we're going today. Let's see if there's even anything available.
00:03:20 John Daub: I want to leave at 2:00. Clock.
00:03:23 John Daub: One adult. There's the ordinary, the green car, and the non reserved car. Let's go with the ordinary. And then it gives you a prompt for oversized baggage. This is interesting here. If bringing oversized baggage on board, be sure to select a seat with oversized baggage area. So you have to. Let's just go ahead and do it. It's a Non oversized baggage cannot be brought on board.
00:03:53 John Daub: If you have the following types of seat, non reserved and seats with oversized baggage without it. Okay, let's confirm. I'm gonna go with seat with oversized baggage. Sold out on ordinary. Okay. Non reserved seats are. Okay, let's see. All right, so let's go back to the previous screen. So we got to go back because this particular Nozomi. It's sold out. So let's go to the one at 2:30. Okay, got it. Oversized baggage. Okay. Ordinary seat. Please. Please wait. Select from the seat maps. So let's see here. This one has the least occupied cars. All right, so this one is sold out. You see the back here. Row 18 is the oversized luggage. So they're sold out on this one. Sold out. 20 all gone.
00:05:09 John Daub: 13. Here's one on this side. This is the car number one. So it's. It's a little bit shorter, less rows. There's one seat here and then car 11 seats 13D and 13E have spaces behind them.
00:05:24 John Daub: So it prompts you and lets you know that that back aisle has oversized baggage space space. So we would confirm here. I confirmed a seat with an oversized baggage space.
00:05:36 John Daub: That's how you do it. You pick the rows in the back. Got it.
00:05:41 John Daub: You could do it in Japanese. Shinkansen Non reserved. Reserved. Let's go. Reserve seat Tohoku Shinkansen Tokyo Kara Kyoto made. Let's go on Sunday.
00:06:03 John Daub: See what's available at 9am. Wow, there is some oversized baggage, even for Japanese. That's the point of this was you have to make the point of this was you have to make reservations if you're doing it on the weekends for oversized luggage, like a week or two in advance, they are gone early, especially in the morning.
00:06:41 John Daub: If you do have a JR rail pass, you can insert the pass in the newer type of vending machines and that'll get. And then you can enter in the seat reservation that way. For the older vending machines. If you can't find them in some of the stations, you got to go to the Mato Gucci to the window and ask for seat reservation in the back. The person behind the window will be really happy to find a train that has an available one. But if they don't, even at the stations, if there's a convenience store, you might be able to send your suitcase by Takubin. It might take a day or two to arrive, but then you'll just take out what you need for 24 or 48 hours and you're fine. Just a little bit of advice for rail pass holders.
00:07:46 John Daub: So my advice to you is to just not bring large luggage onto the Shinkansen trains. The buses are a great way to get away with having oversized luggage to the airports. You can see a lot of people lining up for the bus. I think it's like 1200 yen. It's less than $10 to go to Narita or Haneda. Maybe it's about 10, about $10, a little bit less. Used to be 1000 yen, which is ridiculously cheap. You can take large luggage on the bus that go underneath the bus there. That's fine. But on the Shinkansen, on the trains in particular, the commuter trains, the local trains in the mornings, you want to avoid those times with large luggage. The polite thing to do is to take a taxi if you are coming with oversized luggage. If you're coming with large bags or wheel suitcases, avoid the trains. Even though it's more expensive. Take a taxi to be polite. That's the way people do it. Don't take local buses. Don't take local, local transportations. Unless it's. Unless it's a time that's really empty. What locals do? We take a taxi and I don't know for about. From Tokyo station to ginza, it's like 800 yen, $5. And you save. You go straight to the door. You save yourself a lot of pain. Don't try to get on public transportation with large bag suitcases. But these days, everyone is just wheeling the suitcases everywhere. It creates a lot of chaos in the station. It's different than when I came here 25 years ago or even 10 years ago. A lot of people had backpack packed a lot less stuff. And I know that tourists are coming here with bigger bags for empty space to take home stuff back to their home country, which is great. You can buy a suitcase here or a duffel bag or get a free box at any supermarket in Japan. Pack up the box on the last day, take that to the airport, put it underneath the bus and you'll pick it up when you arrive at your home country. That would be my advice to you, not to wheel around an extra large suitcase. Hands free, stress free. It's the way to go. If you have any questions, leave in the comments below. Have some fun when you travel to Japan. The airport bus here. It.