If you are planning to travel on the JR Shinkansen with large luggage, it is important to understand the relevant reservation and placement regulations. This article explains how to make reservations for large luggage on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, and provides information on the best options for placing your luggage as well as the relevant regulations, helping you to have a smooth journey without unnecessary hassles and handling fees.
Definition of oversized baggage
When traveling on the JR Shinkansen, oversized baggage is usually defined as baggage with a combined length, width, and height of more than 160 centimeters. If your baggage weighs more than 30 kilograms or measures between 160 and 250 centimeters, you will need to make a reservation in advance for an oversized baggage area or a seat in the oversized baggage area in order to avoid additional handling fees after your journey.
Baggage Size and Weight Limits
The number of bags you can bring is limited to 2, and the weight of each bag must not exceed 30 kilograms. In terms of dimensions, the length of the baggage must be within 2 meters and the total length, width and height must not exceed 250 centimeters, otherwise it will not be carried on board.
Classification of Carryable Items
Items that can be carried on the Route include baggage, strollers, sporting goods, musical instruments and wheelchairs, but these items are not subject to baggage size restrictions. If it is not possible to place these items on the overhead luggage racks, you are advised to reserve a suitable seat in advance to ensure space.
Certain items, such as strollers and musical instruments, can be considered exceptions to the size limit, but this does not mean that you can carry oversized items as you please. However, this does not mean that you are free to carry oversized items. If these items are too large, we recommend that you still consider the experience of other passengers and book in advance to get a suitable space. Ensuring that you follow the rules will help make the ride more comfortable for you and other passengers.
Booking Process
Before traveling on the JR Shinkansen, you will need to know how to reserve a seat in the oversized baggage area or oversized baggage area. You can make a reservation online, at a designated ticket machine, or at the Green Window to ensure that your seat meets your luggage requirements and to avoid paying extra handling fees in the future. For more information, please refer to theA complete guide to purchasing tickets for the Shinkansen in Japan! Learn how to buy tickets in one go!.
How to make an online reservation
You can make an online reservation up to one month before departure, and from 10:00 JST you can book a ticket for the same day of the previous month, whether it's for the Tokaido Shinkansen, Sanyo Shinkansen, or Kyushu Shinkansen, and you can do it easily.
Other Reservation Methods
In addition to online reservations, you can also make reservations at designated seat vending machines or at JR's Green Window, which are also convenient for choosing the right seat for oversized baggage to ensure your experience.
In the reserved seat ticket machine, you can directly choose the seat with oversized baggage space or the general seat registration. If you are unsure of your location, we recommend choosing a seat with an extra large baggage allowance to ensure that you have enough space for your baggage, so you don't have to worry about the placement of your belongings.
Oversized Baggage Area and Place
When traveling on the JR Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen lines, you should be aware of the areas and places where oversized baggage can be placed in order to avoid handling charges. The use of the oversized baggage areas and cages is regulated to enhance the passenger experience and to ensure that everyone can travel comfortably. DetailedNew rules for Shinkansen! Reservations are required for oversized baggage.The program is designed to help you prepare your luggage in a more thorough manner.
Specific location of the placement area
Extra-large baggage areas are mainly located in the baggage rack areas of some reserved seats or in the dedicated baggage racks in the 16-seat carriages. Depending on the size of your luggage, you can choose the appropriate seat to ensure that your luggage is securely placed.
Rules of Use of Placement
If your luggage is between 160cm and 250cm in length, width and height when traveling in reserved seats, you must reserve a place or area for oversized luggage in advance to avoid subsequent handling charges, which are priced at 1,000 yen. If your baggage is less than 160 cm, you can choose free seating or use your own luggage rack.
When you use the holding area, it is recommended that you coordinate the placement of your baggage with other passengers, as the area is for the shared use of passengers in the seats in front of you. If your baggage is heavy or cannot fit in the overhead racks, you should make a reservation as early as possible to avoid unnecessary hassle. By reserving an oversized baggage area, you can ensure that you have enough space for your luggage and enhance the overall comfort of your ride.
Points to note when traveling on new routes
When traveling on the Shinkansen, it is important for passengers with large luggage to know the rules for placing their luggage in advance. If your baggage exceeds 160 centimeters in length, width and height, please remember that you must reserve a seat in the "oversized baggage area" or "oversized baggage area" beforehand, otherwise you will be charged a handling fee of 1,000 yen. Planning your itinerary properly will make your trip more enjoyable.
Baggage Management Tips
Before traveling on Shinkansen, you are advised to measure your baggage carefully to avoid unnecessary trouble. Baggage should be within the required length, weight (not exceeding 30kg) and number (maximum two pieces). If necessary, reserve a seat in advance where baggage can be placed, especially if the baggage is over 160cm, so that you can avoid paying extra handling charges.
Importance of passengers assisting each other
It is important for passengers to help each other on board, especially when dealing with large luggage. If you come across other passengers in need of help, lending a helping hand not only enhances the friendly atmosphere among people, but also makes the journey more comfortable for every passenger.
Remember, regardless of the size of your baggage, you can offer to assist other passengers, especially when placing heavy or bulky baggage, and support elderly or mobility-impaired travelers. In addition, by helping to stack luggage together, you can give all passengers more space and enhance the overall experience. Mutual understanding makes the journey more enjoyable.
Booking Costs and Fees
When traveling on the JR Shinkansen, if you need to make a reservation for an oversized baggage area or a seat in the oversized baggage area, this service is free of charge. However, if you bring baggage that exceeds the required size without making a reservation, you will be charged a handling fee of 1,000 yen, so it is recommended that you fully understand the regulations before traveling to ensure a comfortable and smooth journey.
Free of charge and fees
When traveling on a reserved seat, it is free to reserve a seat in the oversized baggage area or oversized baggage area. In contrast, if you do not make a reservation in advance, you will have to pay a handling fee of 1,000 yen if you bring baggage that exceeds 160 centimeters in length, width, and height. Therefore, proper planning can save you money.
Refund and Change Policy
If you need to return a ticket or change your itinerary after making a reservation, JR Shinkansen usually allows you to do so. Generally, you can return or change your ticket at a ticket counter or online within a specified period of time prior to departure, and fees may vary depending on the type of ticket selected. Please be aware of the specific refund conditions and fees to avoid unnecessary loss.
Refund and change policies vary, especially as the peak travel season approaches and booking flexibility may be reduced. It is recommended that you read the detailed terms and conditions regarding refunds and changes before purchasing a ticket, and keep a copy of your ticket so that if you need to make any changes to your itinerary, you will be able to do so quickly to ensure that your trip will not be jeopardized.
Differences between new routes
There are significant differences in baggage policies between Shinkansen. If you are traveling on the Tokaido, Sanyo or Kyushu Shinkansen and are carrying large baggage that exceeds 160 cm in length, width and height, you must make a reservation in advance for a dedicated seat and an area for oversized baggage. In contrast, other Shinkansen such as the Hokkaido and Tohoku Shinkansen do not require advance reservations. For more information on baggage regulations for Shinkansen in Japan, please refer toShinkansen Ticket Purchase Tutorials and Seat Types! Must-see Tips for JR Train Rides in Japan.
Tokaido and Sanyo
When traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka) and the Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka to Hakata), you must make a reservation in advance for a seat in the "Extra Large Luggage Holding Area" or "Extra Large Luggage Holding Area" if you are carrying baggage that is between 160 centimeters in length, width, and height and between 250 centimeters in height. If you do not make a reservation, you will be charged a handling fee of 1,000 yen.
Special Provisions for the Kyushu Shinkansen
The Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata to Kagoshima Chuo) also has specific baggage requirements. If your total baggage exceeds 160 centimeters, you must make a reservation for the appropriate seat in advance to avoid handling charges. In addition, for large and heavy baggage, you should consider using the oversized baggage area in the last row of the compartment for easy placement and use.
Special rules on the Kyushu Shinkansen ensure that you can carry your luggage conveniently during your trip. If you are unable to place your luggage in the overhead racks, it is recommended that you reserve a seat in advance. On the Kyushu Shinkansen, all oversized baggage must be carried within 30 kilograms to increase the overall comfort and safety of the ride. Regardless of the amount of luggage you carry, proper planning will always make your journey smoother.
How do I make a reservation for JR Shinkansen with large luggage? Luggage storage and regulations in Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu
When traveling on JR Shinkansen, if you are carrying oversized baggage with a total length, width and height of more than 160 centimeters, you must make a reservation in advance for a seat in the "oversized baggage area" or "oversized baggage area" in order to avoid a handling fee. For the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, you can make reservations online or purchase tickets at designated ticket vending machines. Knowing the rules and location of baggage will help make your trip smoother and more comfortable.
