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Traveling across Japan via the Shinkansen is both convenient and cost-effective. However, are you familiar with the regulations for oversized luggage on Shinkansen trains to avoid unnecessary hassles? Let Mytour guide you on how to register oversized luggage for your Shinkansen journey in Japan.
Planning a trip to Japan using the high-speed Shinkansen trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, or Kyushu lines? If yes, this guide is tailored for you, helping you determine whether you need to reserve special seating for passengers with oversized luggage. Be aware that failing to comply with these rules could result in a fine of up to ¥1,000 (~170,000 VND).
When Did the Oversized Luggage Policy on Shinkansen Trains Take Effect?
Starting in May 2020, Japanese railway operators implemented this policy to prevent overcrowding in luggage storage areas, ensuring a safer and more comfortable journey for all passengers.
Which Shinkansen Lines Enforce the Oversized Luggage Regulations?
If you plan to travel on any of the following Shinkansen lines with oversized luggage, you will need to reserve seats in the designated area:
- Tokaido Shinkansen Line: Operates between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, including a stop in Kyoto.
- Sanyo Shinkansen Line: Runs from Shin-Osaka to Hakata, Fukuoka, with stops in Himeji and Hiroshima.
- Kyushu Shinkansen Line: Travels from Hakata to Kagoshima Chuo.
How to Measure Oversized Luggage for Japan's Shinkansen Trains
You will need to measure your luggage by calculating the total of length + width + height. Oversized luggage is defined as follows:
Length + Height + Width = 160cm – 250cm
If your luggage exceeds 160cm in total dimensions, meaning it is larger than a standard 26” suitcase, you must reserve a seat in the oversized luggage area.
Quick Tip for #teamMytour: Sports equipment or strollers with total dimensions exceeding 160cm also require prior reservations if you intend to store them in the oversized luggage area.
For carry-on luggage that fits cabin size or is smaller than 24”, you can safely place them on the overhead luggage racks on Shinkansen trains. This means you do not need to reserve seats in the oversized luggage section.
Measuring devices are conveniently located near Shinkansen boarding gates, allowing you to double-check your luggage dimensions and determine if you need to reserve a spot in the special area.
Where Are the Seats for Passengers with Oversized Luggage Located?
The oversized luggage area is situated behind the last row of seats in certain reserved cars. Once you secure a seat here, you can utilize the space behind to store your luggage.
This area is typically found in the last five seats of Ordinary Cars or the last four seats of Green Cars. Note that non-reserved cars do not have designated oversized luggage storage.
Pro Tip for #teamMytour: Remember to book your seats in advance during peak seasons, as the number of seats with oversized luggage areas is quite limited.
How to Reserve Seats on Shinkansen for Passengers with Oversized Luggage
When booking a Shinkansen ticket with an oversized luggage area, you will automatically have space allocated for your luggage. In other words, you only need to reserve your seat as usual, without any additional steps to secure luggage storage.
You can easily do this by locating ticket vending machines at JR stations and following these steps:
- Select 'Seat reservation with coupon ticket' (Reserve seats with discount tickets)
- Insert the JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) for all passengers into the machine.
- Choose your route, date, and departure time.
- Select 'Confirm' when prompted about the need to reserve oversized luggage space for this route.
- Choose 'Seat with oversized baggage area'
- Select 'Select from seat map'
- Pick your preferred car and seat.
- Remember to collect your JR Pass and reserved seat ticket.
Pro Tip for #teamMytour: Options on the machine are displayed as green circles. Yellow triangles indicate available choices, while red crosses mean the spot is no longer available.
Is the Reservation Fee Included in the JR Pass?
If you have a Whole Japan JR Pass, you can reserve seats for free on most Shinkansen trains, excluding Nozomi and Mizuho services.
If you hold regional JR Passes, you should verify whether Shinkansen seat reservations are covered under your pass.
What If I Can’t Reserve a Seat for Oversized Luggage?
Don’t worry too much if all seats with oversized luggage areas on your desired train are fully booked. Fortunately, Japan offers a convenient luggage delivery service that allows you to send your bags from one hotel to the next. This service is especially useful if you plan to travel extensively using public transport and want to make multiple stops along the way.
Are rising ticket prices making you hesitate about purchasing a JR Pass? Don’t fret—Mytour has a cost-saving solution for you. Did you know you can buy Shinkansen tickets for individual segments to save on travel expenses?
Shinkansen tickets for individual segments are essentially one-way tickets. Instead of purchasing a JR Pass for unlimited travel, you can simply buy tickets for each specific journey in your itinerary.
Reserving seats for oversized luggage on Shinkansen trains is essential to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. This guide aims to provide you with comprehensive information on how to make reservations, luggage storage areas, and important considerations.
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Do you now fully understand how to reserve seats for oversized luggage on Shinkansen trains?
