New Trip Editorial Department Updated: 2026.08.04

Suitcases at Your Feet on the Shinkansen! Size Guidelines and Seat Selection Guide

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Traveling by Shinkansen is an important means of connecting cities quickly and comfortably.

However, that comfort can be greatly affected by where your luggage is placed. In particular, whether you can place your suitcase at your feet is a concern for many passengers and is a factor directly related to travel satisfaction. If you can place your luggage at your feet, you have less to worry about theft and the peace of mind of being able to immediately access what you need during your journey.

 

This article will thoroughly explain everything from specific size guidelines for placing suitcases at your feet on the Shinkansen, tips for choosing seats to maximize foot space, and other storage options if you can't place it at your feet, to the latest baggage carry-on rules you should know. Please read to the end!

・Related articles:

　『A Complete Guide to Bringing Suitcases on the Shinkansen』

　『Shinkansen Suitcase Storage Guide: Tips to Avoid Trouble』

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Table of Contents

1. What is the approximate size of a suitcase that can be placed at your feet on the Shinkansen?

　1. Suitcase size chart for easy under-seat storage

　2. Specific Sizes and Dimensions

2. Choose seats that maximize legroom

　1. Seats with ample space

　2. Green Car Notes

3. Other Storage Locations You Should Know About!

　1. Basic carry-on rules

　2. Understanding the "Oversized Baggage" System

　3. Use of overhead racks

　4. Other Storage Areas

4. Advice for a Comfortable Shinkansen Journey

　1.Suitcases suitable for Shinkansen travel

　2. Etiquette and Precautions When Boarding

　3. Postal service

5. Summary

一、新幹線で足元に置けるスーツケースサイズの目安とは？

To comfortably fit a suitcase under your seat on the Shinkansen, choosing the right size is essential. There's a clear guideline for a common passenger question: "How large can a suitcase be to fit under the seat?"

新幹線の足元に置きやすいスーツケースサイズ早見表

When considering placing luggage at your feet on the Shinkansen, the first thing to check is the suitcase size.

In short, small suitcases with a total of three sides measuring 120cm or less are best suited for under-seat storage.

Generally, S-sized suitcases, which are close to carry-on size, tend to fit easily at your feet.

スーツケースサイズ 容量の目安 足元収納のしやすさ
SSサイズ（〜30L程度） 1〜2泊向け ◎余裕を持って置きやすい
Sサイズ（30〜40L程度） 2〜4泊向け ◎足元収納におすすめ
Mサイズ（50〜70L程度） 3〜6泊向け △座席によっては圧迫感がある
Lサイズ（80L以上） 長期旅行向け ×足元収納には不向き

However, even with the same S size, the outer dimensions may differ depending on the manufacturer.

When choosing a suitcase, it is important to check not only the capacity but also the actual outer dimensions, including the casters and handle.

具体的なサイズと寸法

As for specific dimensions,

approximately 55cm high, 40cm wide, and 25cm deep (approx. 40L) is a general guideline for what fits easily under the seat. This often corresponds to small suitcases that meet international carry-on size requirements, and it is recommended to keep this size in mind when planning your trip.
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二、足元スペースを最大限に活用する座席選び

To optimize luggage placement on the Shinkansen, seat selection is just as important as suitcase size. There are seats on the train that offer relatively more legroom.

広めのスペースがある座席

Among Shinkansen trains, the seats with particularly ample legroom are the front-row seats and the back-row seats.

Front-row seats tend to have more space for luggage at your feet because there is a wall in front of them.

On the other hand, back-row seats often have luggage space behind them, which can make the legroom feel more spacious.

 

Especially when designated as "seats with oversized baggage space," passengers who reserve these seats can use the large area behind their seats for luggage, making the legroom feel very open.

グリーン車の注意点

Many passengers likely choose Green Cars for a more comfortable journey.

Green Cars are appealing due to their spacious seats and extensive amenities, but they require caution when it comes to placing luggage at your feet. Most Green Cars are equipped with a footrest to enhance relaxation. This means the space available for luggage at your feet may be more limited than in ordinary cars.

Therefore, when using a Green Car, placing luggage at your feet is generally not recommended; storing it on the luggage rack is a better option.
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三、知っておきたい！足元以外の収納場所

To ensure a comfortable journey on the Shinkansen, it is crucial to not only utilize the foot space effectively but also to understand JR's baggage allowance rules and be aware of storage options other than under your feet. In particular, the "oversized baggage" system, introduced in recent years, is essential knowledge for passengers with large suitcases.

基本的な持ち込みルール

The basic rule for luggage allowed on the Shinkansen is that it must be within 250 cm in total for length, width, and height (with a maximum length of 2m), and weigh no more than 30 kg, with a limit of two pieces per person. These conditions are generally consistent across all lines. Most suitcases do not exceed 250 cm in total for their three dimensions, so the main point to watch out for is whether the weight exceeds 30 kg.

 

If your luggage is overweight, you will need to consider alternative methods such as shipping. More detailed rules for carry-on items and general information about baggage are explained in a previous article, "Complete Guide to Suitcases on the Shinkansen."

特大荷物」制度を確認しておこう

　　Image quoted from JR Odekake Net

On the Shinkansen, the available storage space for luggage varies depending on the size of your suitcase.

Specifically, on the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, and West Kyushu Shinkansen lines, luggage with total dimensions (length, width, and height) exceeding 160 cm is classified as "oversized luggage" and requires advance reservation.

If you are bringing oversized baggage, you must reserve a "seat with an oversized baggage area" or a "seat with an oversized baggage corner."

If you bring oversized baggage without a prior reservation, a prescribed fee may be charged.

If you plan to use a large suitcase, it is recommended to check the Shinkansen line you will be taking and the baggage rules in advance. (e.g., JR Odekake Net - About Baggage: https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/service/baggage/)

荷物棚の活用

　　Image quoted from JR Shinkansen Net

The most common option when you cannot or do not want to place your luggage at your feet is the overhead rack.

 

You can store luggage with a total of three sides generally 160 cm or less in the overhead rack. This is roughly equivalent to a medium-sized suitcase, which is slightly larger than international carry-on size. The overhead racks on the Tokaido Shinkansen have a depth of about 42 cm, so even if your luggage sticks out a bit, it can often be stored stably.

However, since you need to lift your luggage onto the rack, it is recommended to consider other storage methods if your luggage is too heavy or if you are not confident in lifting it.

その他の荷物置き場

In addition to the above, some Shinkansen lines may have non-reservable luggage storage areas in the passenger cars or decks.

 

For example, such luggage storage areas are available on the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa, Akita Shinkansen Komachi E6 series, and Hokuriku/Joetsu Shinkansen E7 series. While these spaces are convenient as they do not require reservations, they may not be available during peak times. Therefore, if you want to ensure your luggage is stored, it is recommended to either bring smaller luggage or board early to secure a spot.
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四、快適な新幹線移動のためのアドバイス

To ensure a comfortable journey on the Shinkansen, several practical tips can be helpful when preparing for your trip and during your time on the train.

新幹線移動に適したスーツケースを選ぶポイント

When carrying a suitcase on the Shinkansen, not only the size but also its usability inside the train is important.

Especially when using it around your seat, the following features are convenient:

  • A size that fits easily under your feet
  • Storage structure that allows easy retrieval of necessary items
  • Stability to prevent it from moving inside the train

For example, when traveling on the Shinkansen, there are times when you need to take out your wallet, smartphone, or drinks while on board.

Therefore, a front-opening type that allows easy access to your belongings even while seated is one convenient option.

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The New Trip 0702 series is designed with a total of 115cm on three sides, sized to fit under Shinkansen seats.

Additionally, its front-opening structure makes it easy to access small items without opening the main compartment, enhancing usability while traveling.

Furthermore, it features a stopper function, which prevents the suitcase from moving easily when stopped or on a shaky train, allowing for secure placement.

If you frequently use the Shinkansen, it's recommended to choose a suitcase that not only "fits for storage" but also offers "features for comfortable use inside the train."

New Trip 0702

New Trip 0702 スーツケース

S・40L｜ABS+PC

フロントオープン USB充電ポート TSAロック ストッパー付き

¥15,980

商品を見る

乗車時のマナーと注意点

Shinkansen trains are shared spaces for many passengers, so considerate behavior is expected from everyone. When placing luggage at your feet, please try to fit it neatly into the space under your seat, ensuring it does not obstruct the aisle.

Special attention is needed to ensure luggage does not get in the way, especially when seats are rotated or when other passengers pass through the aisle.

 

If your luggage does not fit under your seat or in the overhead rack, please do not force it. Instead, promptly consult with a conductor. Placing luggage in inappropriate locations can obstruct emergency escape routes or endanger other passengers.

郵送サービス

If your luggage is too large or heavy to carry, it's a smart choice to use courier services or postal services (e.g., Yamato Transport Takkyubin).

Especially for large items only used at your destination, or when your luggage has increased due to souvenirs, sending them to your accommodation in advance can make your Shinkansen journey lighter and more comfortable.

This method is particularly recommended for passengers traveling with small children, elderly passengers, and those who are not confident in their physical strength.

五、まとめ

A comfortable bullet train journey begins with choosing the right luggage and planning where to store it. If you're placing it at your feet, aim for a total of 120cm for the three dimensions. The first and last rows of seats offer more legroom, and be mindful of footrests in Green Cars.

 

By choosing a lightweight and easy-to-handle suitcase (such as the New Trip 0702) and considering delivery services if needed, your bullet train travel will become smoother and more comfortable. Utilize this information and a smart luggage strategy to fully enjoy your bullet train journey.

執筆・監修

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本記事は、スーツケース・旅行用品ブランド「New Trip」の編集部により制作されました。
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