Planning to travel on the Japan Shinkansen but don't know how to handle oversized luggage? This article will provide you with a complete guide to reserving and placing your baggage, so you can easily understand how to reserve a seat in the "oversized baggage area", as well as the size regulations and placement of your baggage. Whether you are returning home from a shopping trip or traveling, this guide will help you get on the Shinkansen without any hassle during your trip.
Dimensional requirements for oversized baggage
When traveling on the Japan Shinkansen, the size requirements for oversized baggage are quite strict. If the sum of the three sides of your baggage (A+B+C) exceeds 160 centimeters and is within 250 centimeters, it is considered oversized baggage. Any baggage exceeding 250 centimeters cannot be carried on the train, so it is important to measure your baggage accurately to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Baggage Size and Reservations
If your baggage is recognized as oversized baggage, you must make a reservation in advance for an "oversized baggage carrier" or "oversized baggage carrier". Reservations not only protect your luggage, but also ensure a smoother ride. If you miss a reservation, you will be subject to additional handling charges.
Limitations and Definitions of Excess Baggage
Oversized baggage is defined as baggage that exceeds 160 centimeters and does not exceed 250 centimeters on all three sides. The purpose of defining this type of baggage is to maintain the flow of traffic in the compartment and to prevent excessive baggage from affecting the safety and comfort of other passengers. Therefore, advance planning and booking is essential.
Understanding the limitations and definitions of oversized baggage will not only help you to travel smoothly on the Shinkansen, but will also help you to avoid traveling inconveniences caused by baggage problems. It is recommended that you carefully measure your luggage before departure and make reservations in advance to ensure that you have the proper area to place your luggage to make your entire trip more enjoyable.
Reservations are required for oversized luggage seats.
If you plan to bring "oversized baggage" on the Shinkansen, you must make a reservation in advance for an "Oversized Baggage Carrier Seat". From May 20, 2020, advance reservations will be required for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, and oversized baggage will not be allowed on the trains without a reservation. Reservations can be made at JR ticket offices, ticket machines, or online. For more information on how to make a reservation to ensure a smooth journey, please refer toA complete guide to purchasing tickets for the Shinkansen in Japan! Learn how to buy tickets in one go!.
Related Shinkansen Routes
Shinkansen routes that currently require reservations for oversized baggage-only seats include the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen routes. These routes are becoming increasingly crowded with passengers, so this reservation requirement has been put in place to ensure the proper placement of luggage. On other routes, such as the Hokkaido Shinkansen and Tohoku Shinkansen, there is no need to reserve an oversized baggage seat.
Difference between oversized baggage holding area and oversized baggage holding area
The main difference between the oversized baggage area and the oversized baggage area is the location and size of the baggage. The oversized baggage area is usually located behind the seat backs in the last row of the car and the permitted baggage size is 250cm on three sides. The extra-large baggage area is located outside the compartment next to the lavatory, the size limit is more stringent, you need to choose the appropriate miejscu to place the luggage according to the size of the upper and lower deck.
Fee for reserving a seat reserved for oversized luggage
When you make a reservation for an extra-large baggage seat on Shinkansen, you do not need to pay an extra fee, which is the same as for an assigned seat in the Ordinary Car or the Green (First Class) Car. However, if you bring oversized baggage on board without a reservation, you will be charged a handling fee of 1,000 yen if you are caught, so it is recommended that you make sure to make a reservation in advance.
Booking Process and Fees
To reserve a seat for oversized baggage, you can make a reservation at a JR station ticket counter, at a reserved seat ticket machine, or online. When making a reservation, please inform the JR station ticket office of the seat you would like to have, and the price will be the same as that of a regular reserved seat, so you can feel more secure about your baggage.
Related Notes
When reserving a seat for oversized baggage, you should be aware that the schedule may be fully booked, so it is recommended that you make a reservation in advance. In addition, if you are unable to travel on the reserved flight, you will not be able to carry your oversized baggage and will need to purchase a new reserved seat.
Please note in particular that reservations for oversized baggage need to be made in advance, as some trains may not be able to guarantee sufficient seating due to limited availability. In addition, check that the dimensions of your baggage are in accordance with the regulations (total over 160cm but not over 250cm) before making your reservation to avoid disruption to your travel plans.
Rules and guidelines for baggage handling
When traveling on the Shinkansen, if you are carrying oversized baggage, you must make a reservation for an "Oversized Baggage Carrier" or "Oversized Baggage Carrier Area Carrier" in advance to ensure that your baggage can be safely placed so that it does not interfere with the movement of other passengers. If you do not make a reservation, you will be charged a fee of 1,000 yen, so it is important to do your homework. For more information on Japanese travel etiquette, please refer toNew rules for Shinkansen! Reservations are required for oversized baggage..
Baggage under 160 centimeters
If your baggage does not exceed 160cm on all three sides, it can be placed in the luggage rack above the Shinkansen compartment. This type of luggage can usually be placed easily without special reservation.
Notes on carrying strollers, musical instruments, etc.
When bringing strollers, sporting goods and musical instruments on the Shinkansen, the oversized baggage rule does not apply to these items, but you still need to make a reservation in advance if you wish to make use of the "oversized baggage hold" or "oversized baggage holding area". During your trip, please be sure to take care of the safety and comfort of the passengers around you and ensure that your luggage and other items are properly placed.
Handling of unoccupied reserved seats
If you have booked a Shinkansen Oversized Luggage Carrying Area Concessionary Seat or Oversized Luggage Carrying Area Concessionary Seat but are unable to board the train, please note that you are not permitted to bring your oversized luggage to a non-assigned seat on the subsequent train departures. Therefore, you will need to purchase a new emergency ticket for the corresponding reserved seat to ensure that you can bring your luggage on board the train.
Procedure for Changing Appointments
If you need to change your reserved Oversized Baggage Carrying Area Seat or Oversized Baggage Carrying Area Seat, we recommend that you contact the ticket office or designated seat ticket machine at each JR station as soon as possible. When making changes, please have your old tickets and new requests ready at all times so that they can be processed quickly.
The solution when you're not in the car
If you are not able to board the original train, you will not be able to carry your oversized baggage on to the subsequent train. You will need to make another reservation and purchase a ticket in order to be able to travel on the subsequent train.
The solution after failing to board the train is simple: you must make a new reservation and purchase a new ticket for a seat attached to the oversized baggage area or a ticket for a seat attached to the oversized baggage area. Please note that while your ticket allows you to travel on other trains with unassigned seats, your oversized baggage must meet the reservation requirements and cannot be carried again without a reservation. Therefore, planning and booking in advance is your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before traveling on the Shinkansen, it is important to understand the rules and reservations for oversized baggage. If you need further information, please refer to this article.Shinkansen Ticket Purchase Tutorials and Seat Types! Must-see Tips for JR Train Rides in JapanThe shopping trip will help you to enjoy your shopping trip smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oversized Baggage
When traveling on the Shinkansen, the regulations regarding oversized baggage are a concern for many travelers. Remember that if your baggage exceeds 160 centimeters and does not exceed 250 centimeters on all three sides, you must make a reservation for an "oversized baggage area" or you will not be able to board the Shinkansen. In addition, a handling fee of 1,000 yen will be charged for unreserved oversized baggage.
Common Challenges in Reservations and Ridesharing
Many travelers may face difficult challenges during the reservation and boarding process. For example, if you don't make your reservation on time, you may not be able to bring your oversized luggage on board and will need to purchase a new reservation. It is recommended that you make reservations in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
Oversized baggage may cause inconvenience during travel on the new route, especially during peak hours when there are many passengers. Remember to make your reservation as early as possible to avoid the possibility of not being able to bring your baggage along with you when you have already booked your journey. If you need to change your schedule, you will have to re-apply for an oversized baggage seat, which may add to the hassle of scheduling your trip, so it is advisable to plan ahead and be flexible.
How to make a reservation for Shinkansen oversized baggage? A complete guide to placing your luggage
If you wish to carry oversized baggage on the Japan Shinkansen, you will need to make a reservation in advance for an "Oversized Baggage Carrier Seat" or an "Oversized Baggage Carrier Zone Seat". Reservations can be made at the ticket counter at each JR station, at designated seat ticket machines, or on the Internet. Be sure to measure your luggage accurately and make your reservation no later than one month before your departure date to avoid overcrowding. This way, you will be able to enjoy your trip to Japan without worrying about your luggage.
