The Shinkansen with large suitcases: book a seat with oversized baggage space
A family trip usually comes with a few large suitcases. On the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen (Tokyo – Shin-Osaka – Hakata – Kagoshima-Chuo), a bag whose length, width and height add up to more than 160 cm needs a reserved seat with an oversized baggage space. Knowing this in advance makes travel days easier.
Measure the suitcase
Add the length, width and height. Up to 160 cm, no special reservation is needed for the bag. From 161 to 250 cm, it counts as oversized baggage: it goes in the space behind a seat with an oversized baggage space, which you reserve when you buy the ticket. Over 250 cm, it cannot be taken on board. Many large check-in suitcases are close to 160 cm, so measure before you travel.
Which seats to book
Seats with an oversized baggage space are the last row of some cars; the space behind them is shared by the five passengers in that row. Non-reserved cars and some reserved cars do not have them. If you board with oversized baggage without a reservation, a fee is charged. JR Central is also trialling baggage storage areas on some cars that need no reservation, but a group should not count on them.
Strollers, instruments and sports gear
Strollers, musical instruments and sports equipment can go in the baggage racks, the baggage compartments or the oversized baggage space; to use the oversized baggage space, you still reserve it when you buy the ticket.
Send the big bags ahead
Japan has luggage delivery between airports, hotels and cities, and “Hands-Free Travel” counters offer same-day delivery or delivery at a set date and time. For a family with several suitcases, sending the big bags to the next hotel and taking only a small bag on the train is often far easier. Check the drop-off time and when the bags will arrive.
Asahi’s note
When you send your brief, tell us how many suitcases you have and their size: it decides the seats on the train, the vehicle and whether to send luggage ahead.
Official sources
Rules and dates can change. Check the official pages before you travel.
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