New Trip Editorial Department (Last updated: June 26, 2026)

新幹線のスーツケース置き場ガイド｜サイズ別の置き方とJR Rules

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Have you ever had trouble finding a place for your suitcase when traveling on the Shinkansen?

It's still fresh in our minds, the issue during Golden Week when two suitcases placed in the footwell of a four-person box seat prevented other passengers from sitting down, becoming a hot topic.

"It won't fit on the luggage rack."
"If I put it at my feet, it might block the aisle."
"Where should I put a large suitcase?"

To solve these problems, this guide summarizes the following:

  • How to choose a place to put your suitcase
  • JR rules and etiquette you should know
  • Practical tips to prevent trouble
  • Smart options for not bringing luggage on board

With preparation and consideration, Shinkansen travel can be much more comfortable. Let's dive in!

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Table of Contents

1. Where to put your suitcase on the Shinkansen

　1. Foot of the seat: Ideal for compact luggage

　2. Luggage rack: For medium-sized suitcases

　3. Oversized baggage area: Reservations required for oversized baggage

　4. Luggage Storage: Large items are also safe

2. JR Rules and Suitcase Etiquette on Trains

3. Tips for Avoiding Trouble

4. Option of not bringing luggage

5. Recommended Suitcases for Shinkansen Travel

6. Conclusion

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一、新幹線でのスーツケースの置き場所

While there are rules about the size of suitcases you can bring on the Shinkansen, you might sometimes wonder, "Where should I put it?"

Here are 4 main storage locations. Find the spot that's right for your suitcase!

■ 1. 足元：コンパクトな荷物に最適

・Suitable size: Compact suitcases with a total of 120cm for the three sides (e.g., 25×40×55cm)

・Points to note
　In Green Cars, there is no space to place a suitcase because of the footrest. Please use the luggage rack or other storage areas.

　When placing it at your feet, place it closer to the window side rather than the aisle side to avoid obstructing the person next to you or the aisle, making it more comfortable.

■ 2. 荷物棚：中型スーツケースに

・Suitable size: Total of 3 sides 160 cm or less (e.g., 30 × 50 × 80 cm). For N700 series trains, the luggage rack has a depth of approximately 42 cm, so surprisingly large luggage can be stored.

・Points to note
　If you find it difficult to lift a heavy suitcase onto the luggage rack, you can ask the crew for assistance with loading and unloading your luggage. Please do not hesitate to ask for help.

　Luggage racks are on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is recommended to secure your seat early during crowded times.

■ 3. 特大荷物置き場：大型荷物は予約必須

・Suitable size: Large suitcases with total dimensions (length + width + height) exceeding 160 cm but less than 250 cm.

・How to use
　To use this storage area, you must book a "seat with oversized baggage area" or a "seat with oversized baggage corner" in advance. Please note that you cannot use it without a reservation!

・Important points
　The "oversized baggage area" is a shared space, so please be considerate of other passengers. Also, if your luggage does not fit in the "oversized baggage corner," please use the "seat with oversized baggage area."

　*Changes from July 1, 2025: The "oversized baggage corner" installed on some decks of Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen trains (16-car formations) will become a baggage storage area that can be used without prior reservation.

For detailed usage instructions, please check JR Odekake Net. It's best to check in advance.

■ 4. 荷物置き場：大型荷物も安心

・Suitable for: Large suitcases that do not fit in the overhead racks

・How to Use
　Dedicated spaces are installed on Tohoku, Hokkaido, and Akita Shinkansen trains. This luggage storage area is available to all passengers, not just those in the rearmost seats. Even luggage too large for the overhead racks can be accommodated here.

　Luggage storage areas are often located at the ends of the train cars, so it's easier to move around if you choose a seat closer to the end of the car when reserving your seat.

<Related Articles>

・Complete Guide to Bringing Suitcases on the Shinkansen
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二、JRのルールとスーツケースの電車でのマナー

When bringing suitcases onto the Shinkansen, be sure to be aware of the rules set by JR and basic manners.

■ JRの持ち込みルール

There are restrictions on the size of luggage that can be brought onto the Shinkansen.

項目 制限
3辺の合計 250cm未満
重さ 30kg以下
持ち込み数 2個まで
  • If the sum of the three sides exceeds 160cm, a prior reservation for the oversized baggage area/corner is required.
  • If brought without a reservation, an additional 1,000 yen handling fee will be charged.

■ 乗客へのマナー3つのポイント

Based on the etiquette officially promoted by JR West, we have summarized three particularly important points.

  • ① Do not block aisles or doorways.
    Leaving suitcases in aisles or doorways obstructs other passengers' movement. The basic rule is to store them under your feet or on the luggage rack.
  • ② Store luggage on the rack "upright."
    If you place your suitcase horizontally, it takes up space for other luggage. When placing it on the luggage rack, store it upright as much as possible.
  • ③ Be especially considerate during crowded times.
    During peak seasons and crowded periods, oversized luggage spaces and luggage racks tend to fill up quickly. Board early and make reservations in advance, and don't forget to be considerate of those around you.
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三、トラブル回避のコツ

Even if you follow the rules, unexpected problems can occur in a crowded train car.  

With a little preparation and consideration, you can prevent problems with those around you.

Tip 1: Always reserve oversized baggage space in advance

If you are bringing a suitcase with a total dimension exceeding 160cm, advance reservation is required for the oversized luggage space.

  • During peak season, reservations fill up quickly, so we recommend making a reservation at the same time you purchase your ticket.
  • Reservations can be made on JR Odekake Net, at Midori no Madoguchi ticket offices, or at reserved seat ticket vending machines.
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Tip 2: Board early during peak hours

During peak seasons such as Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's, it's not uncommon for luggage racks and oversized luggage spaces to fill up immediately after boarding.

  • Board early to secure space for your luggage.
  • If using non-reserved seats, be especially mindful of arriving at the platform early.
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Tip 3: Pack Light

If you have too much luggage in addition to your suitcase, it can be difficult to manage space inside the vehicle.

  • Bags should be either packed inside your suitcase or stored in the overhead compartment above your seat.
  • The rule is to keep the number of luggage items to two or fewer.
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Tip 4: A word to those around you is important

When lifting your suitcase into the overhead compartment, saying a word to the person sitting next to you can make a big difference.

  • If it's too heavy to lift, don't hesitate to ask a flight attendant for help
  • Be sure to check the space available so you don't accidentally use another passenger's luggage space
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四、荷物を持ち込まない選択肢

The idea of "if you don't bring a suitcase on the Shinkansen in the first place, you don't have to worry about where to put it" is also important. If you effectively utilize services to send your luggage in advance, your trip will be much easier.

■ 選択肢① 宅配便で送る

This is how to send your luggage to your accommodation before the day of your trip. Delivery services: Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express, Japan Post, etc.

  • If you also send your luggage from your accommodation back to your home, you can travel hands-free both ways.
  • Highly recommended for family trips with lots of luggage, or trips where you'll be walking around sightseeing spots.

■ 選択肢② 手ぶら観光サービスを使う

Some tourist destinations offer a service that takes your luggage on the day and delivers it to your destination.

  • Available in major tourist destinations such as Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka
  • The biggest advantage is being able to walk around the city unencumbered while sightseeing

Examples of common services

■ 選択肢③ コインロッカー・荷物預かりサービスを使う

Shinkansen stations are equipped with coin lockers and baggage storage counters.

  • Convenient for picking up luggage and boarding after sightseeing
  • During peak seasons, lockers tend to fill up, so consider using services that allow advance reservations.

Recommended Apps/Services

  • ecbo cloak: A sharing service that allows you to store your luggage at cafes and stores.
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五、新幹線旅におすすめのスーツケース

If you're looking for a suitcase suitable for Shinkansen travel, we recommend the New Trip 0201. Available in S, M, and L sizes, it fits perfectly in all Shinkansen storage areas, including under seats, overhead racks, and oversized luggage spaces.

Features of New Trip 0201

  1. Expandable for plenty of storage
    Unzipping expands the gusset by approximately 5cm, increasing capacity by about 20%. This allows you to flexibly accommodate souvenirs or unexpected increases in luggage.
  2. Lightweight & Durable Polycarbonate Material
    Made with 80% PC material, it achieves both lightness and impact resistance. Equipped with a TSA dial lock, ensuring security for international travel.
  3. Silent Double Casters & Multi-Stage Handle
    The 360-degree rotating silent double casters allow for smooth movement even in crowded stations. The handle is multi-stage adjustable, so you can use it at a height that suits you.
New Trip 0201 スーツケース

超軽量・拡張機能付きモデル

New Trip 0201

S/M/L三種類のサイズ｜20%ABS+80%PC

拡張機能 Sサイズで2.8kg 静音双輪キャスター 多段階キャリーバー

¥12,580~

商品を見る
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六、まとめ

Bringing your suitcase on the Shinkansen can be a comfortable experience for both you and those around you, with a little preparation and consideration.

As long as you follow the rules and remember to be considerate of others, your suitcase should be a reliable travel companion.

Please use the methods introduced here as a reference and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey!

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