Do I need to reserve luggage on Shinkansen?

Do I Need to Reserve Luggage on the Shinkansen?

When traveling on the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed rail network, passengers have a generous luggage allowance, eliminating the need for advance reservations in most cases.

Oversized Luggage Allowance

Passengers are permitted to bring two oversized pieces of luggage without reservation. Each piece must meet the following dimensions:

• Length + Width + Height < 250cm (98.4 inches)
• Weight < 30kg (66 pounds)

Hand-Carry Items

Hand-carry items are not included in the oversized luggage allowance and can be brought on board without restriction. However, they must be small enough to fit on the overhead luggage rack or under the seat in front of you.

Exceptions Requiring Reservations

In some exceptional cases, you may need to reserve luggage on the Shinkansen:

• Very Large Luggage: Luggage that exceeds the oversized dimensions of 250 cm or 30 kg requires advance reservation and may incur an additional fee.
• Bulky Sporting Equipment: Certain sports equipment, such as skis, snowboards, and golf clubs, may require reservation due to their size.

How to Reserve Luggage

If you have any concerns about the size or type of your luggage, you can make reservations through the following methods:

• Online: Visit the Japan Railways Group (JR Group) website and reserve your luggage online.
• Railway Station: Contact the staff at any JR Group station and inquire about luggage reservations.

Conclusion

For the vast majority of passengers, no luggage reservations are necessary on the Shinkansen. The generous oversized luggage allowance allows passengers to conveniently bring their belongings on board. However, if you have any concerns about your luggage exceeding the standard dimensions or requiring special accommodations, advance reservations are recommended.