Before your trip aboard JR, please read our
Oversized Luggage Guide

  • Skis
  • Pets
  • Suitcases
  • Bicycles
  • Strollers
  • Musical instruments

Read on for clear instructions on what luggage may be brought on board, and where to store it during your ride to make the journey as comfortable as possible for both you and your fellow passengers.
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General Guidelines

  • Carry-On Fee
    Free

    No additional fees

  • Size (Total of 3 Dimensions)
    250 cm or less

    Up to 2 m long

  • Weight
    30 kg or less

    per item

  • Baggage Limit
    Up to 2​

    Excluding personal items (umbrellas, canes, handbags, etc.)

Items exceeding the limits above may not be brought on board.

For Tokaido Shinkansen, San'yō Shinkanseno, Kyushu Shinkansen and West Kyushu Shinkansen Lines:

See the website of the applicable provider for specific policies on oversized luggage.

Handling Specifications

You can scroll the table horizontally.

Type Fee Reservation Required Handling Requirements
Suitcases

Within specified dimensions (above)

 No No

No additional handling specifications.

Where to store:
Use the overhead racks, space at your feet or a designated luggage storage area.
Sports equipment, musical instruments, recreational equipment, etc.
 No No

Sports equipment, musical instruments, recreational equipment, and other similar items may be brought on board even if they exceed the length limit, as long as they can be stored upright while on board.

Store in a dedicated bag/case.

Where to store:
Use the overhead racks, space at your feet or a designated luggage storage area.

Refrain from using overhead racks for heavy or irregularly shaped luggage to ensure safety.
Some trains have additional luggage storage areas available to accommodate skis, snowboards and other equipment frequently brought on board in winter. Check the website for the specific train for more information.
Small dogs, cats, pigeons and other small animals (other than wild animals and snakes)
  • Your pet must be in a carrier that completely encloses them (including their head).
  • Animals in a dedicated animal carrier with dimensions for length, width and height totaling 120 cm or less.
  • Total weight of animal and carrier must be 10 kg or less.

Small amounts of small birds, small insects, newborn birds or aquatic animals (fish, etc.) may be brought on board free of charge.

 Yes (Additional Fee Required)

Present your luggage at the ticket gate of the boarding station to purchase a ticket for your carry-on (¥290).

 No

Passengers may not ride with their pet in their arms, on a leash, in a sling or stroller exceeding the size limit.

Where to store:
Use the space at your feet or a designated luggage storage area.
Bicycles
  • Disassemble and store in a dedicated bag (travel bag)
  • Fold and store in a dedicated bag
 No No

May not be brought on board unless disassembled/folded. All parts must be completely inside the bag (including seat/tires).

Where to store:
Use the space at your feet or a designated luggage storage area.
Strollers
 No No
  • Folding not required.
  • Some trains have an open area for wheelchairs and strollers.
Where to store:
If a luggage storage area is not available, use the space at your feet.
  • Your belongings are solely your responsibility.
  • Be careful to avoid inconveniencing other passengers, especially when the train is crowded.

Examples of Prohibited Items

Items that may endanger passengers or damage the vehicle are not permitted on board.

  • Flammable liquids: Gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel
  • Poisons, hazardous substances, acids: Chloroform, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid
  • High-pressure gases: Propane gas, liquid nitrogen
  • Pesticides: Copper-based pesticides, mercury-based pesticides
  • Explosives: Ammunition, dynamite
  • Improperly packaged blades: Kitchen knives (and other knives), scissors, saws, etc.

Luggage Storage Areas

Luggage Storage Areas on Shinkansen and Limited Express Trains

Some trains are equipped with designated areas for oversized luggage. These spaces vary by train, so the pictures and information below are for reference only.

For routes/trains where reservation for seats with oversized luggage storage are required, make sure to use the reserved area only.

Reservation not required:Storage available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Storage for ski equipment, large suitcases, etc.
Luggage storage area
Narita Express (N'EX) only:
Dial-locked oversized luggage storage space available.

See the list for storage availability on individual trains.

See here for Shinkansen and limited express train information

If Luggage Storage is Unavailable

Overhead Racks
Make sure luggage stored in the overhead racks is stable.

Overhead racks may not be used to store heavy or irregularly shaped luggage.

Space at Your Feet
Small suitcases and other similar items may be stored in the space at your feet.
On Your Lap, Etc.
Personal belongings may be kept on your lap. You may also use the hooks on the seatback in front of you.

For the safety of passengers and crew, luggage may not block the aisles or doorways.

FAQ

  • Q. Is space available for ski equipment and other oversized luggage on JR EAST Shinkansen and limited express trains?
    A.

    Shinkansen: Yes.
    Limited express: On some trains.

    Reservations are not accepted. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    • Some trains do not have a designated luggage storage area.
    • If room is not available in the designated location, it may be stored in the space at your feet. For GranClass service, please inquire with the attendant.
    • Be advised that space may be limited, especially during ski season.
  • Q. Can I reserve luggage storage space?
    A.

    Reservations are not accepted for luggage storage only.

    Reservations for luggage storage are not required on the Tohoku, Hokkaido, Akita, Yamagata, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines.
    For Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, and West Kyushu Shinkansen lines, check the website of the applicable provider.

  • Q. Can strollers be brought on board without folding them?
    A.

    Yes, strollers do not need to be folded to be brought on board.

    If the train does not have a designated luggage storage area, you may use the space at your feet or another location, but please avoid causing inconvenience to other passengers, especially when the train is crowded.

  • Q. Can I bring my bicycle onto the train fully assembled?
    A.

    No. Bicycles must be stored in a bag (a bike bag).

    Please disassemble or fold the bicycle and store it completely so that no parts are exposed. Except for certain designated trains, bicycles cannot be brought on board in their assembled state.

  • Q. Can I board with a pet?
    A.

    Yes, pets are allowed.

    Small dogs, cats, pigeons and other small animals (other than wild animals and snakes)

    • Animals in a dedicated animal carrier with dimensions for length, width and height totaling 120 cm or less.
    • Total weight of animal and carrier must be 10 kg or less.

    ​¥290 fee applied per item. Present your luggage at the ticket gate of your boarding station to purchase a ticket for luggage.

    Small amounts of small birds, small insects, newborn birds or aquatic animals (fish, etc.) may be brought on board free of charge.

  • Q. Can heavy luggage be stored on the overhead racks?
    A.

    No. Heavy or irregularly shaped luggage cannot be stored on the overhead racks.
    Such luggage may fall from the rack and injure passengers. Instead, store on the floor or the luggage storage area.

  • Q. May I bring luggage on board during peak hours?
    A.

    Generally, yes. However, we reserve the right to refuse in the event that the luggage would inconvenience other passengers or if the train is especially crowded.

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