From July 1, the use of oversized luggage storage without reservation will be trialed on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines.

TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) - In response to the continued growth in the number of tourists visiting Japan and the upcoming summer tourism peak, JR-Central announced that from July 1, 2025, it will trial the use of oversized luggage storage without reservation on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. This new measure aims to enhance the riding experience of foreign tourists and make it more convenient for passengers carrying large items to travel on the Shinkansen.

According to JR-Central, in the past, when taking the Shinkansen, if you carried oversized luggage (with a total length, width, and height exceeding 160 cm), you were required to make a reservation in advance for the designated storage area. Otherwise, you may not be able to board the train smoothly or even have to pay extra fees. After the new system adjustment, as long as the total luggage does not exceed 250 cm, you can use the designated storage area in the carriage directly, eliminating the need for a reservation procedure and significantly improving convenience.

The service is for passengers who carry bicycles, strollers, and large items that are inconvenient to take into the carriage seats. This reform will help alleviate the crowded space in the carriages and allow passengers to enjoy their journeys more comfortably, especially during summer vacation and long holidays when there are many tourists.

JR-Central said that each Shinkansen train will have six oversized luggage storage areas located in the connecting passages of carriages 3, 5, 7, 9, 13, and 15, and there will also be storage areas behind the last seats in some carriages. These spaces will be marked, and passengers can place large luggage according to the signs without needing to go through additional procedures with station or train attendants.

Many Taiwanese people who love to travel to Japan have discussed issues related to taking large luggage on the Shinkansen on the Internet. Experienced passengers noted that because the Shinkansen has a very short time for passengers to board the train, they should try to avoid rush hour to minimize the impact on passenger boarding and alighting routes. If you plan to bring large luggage, it is safer to reserve a seat that can accommodate oversized luggage in advance.

JR-Central also reminds passengers that, although this service is free of reservation, it is recommended to board the train as early as possible to ensure there is enough space available, especially on holidays or for popular trains, where storage space may be quickly occupied. In addition, passengers are required to keep their luggage safe to avoid loss or damage of valuables.

The implementation of the "free reservation extra-large luggage storage service" is part of JR-Central 's continuous efforts to optimize the riding experience of foreign passengers and also reflects the positive response of Japanese transportation operators to the needs of the international tourism market. Whether it will be expanded to other Shinkansen lines in the future will depend on the trial's results and passenger feedback evaluation.