Coin Lockers and Luggage Storage in Japan: Sizes and Costs

Where should I store my bag for the day?#

You have several options, and the right one depends on your bag size and how long you need. Use this quick comparison.

Option	Best for	Where	Notes
Coin locker	Bags that fit a locker, a few hours to a few days	Train stations, malls, attractions	Fast and cheap when available
Staffed storage counter	Oversized bags, busy times	Major stations, some tourist sites	Costs more; usually no size problem
Luggage-storage app	When lockers are full	Shops and cafes that hold bags	Book a spot in advance
Hotel hold	Before check-in or after check-out	Your hotel	Usually free for guests
Luggage forwarding	Sending a bag to your next hotel	Convenience stores, hotels	Travels for you; not same-day pickup

For most day trips, a coin locker is the simplest choice. When lockers are full or your suitcase is too big, move to a staffed counter or a booking service.

What size locker do I need, and what does it cost?#

Coin lockers come in several sizes. As of June 2026, the rough guide is below. Prices and sizes vary by station, so treat these as typical, not exact.

Locker size	Fits	Typical price per day (as of June 2026)
Small	Backpack, day bag, shopping	Around 400 yen
Medium	Carry-on or large backpack	Around 500-600 yen
Large	Mid-size suitcase	Around 700 yen
Extra-large	Larger suitcase	Around 800-1,000 yen

Notes:

• Very large suitcases may not fit any locker — use a staffed counter.
• Many lockers reset at a fixed time (often early morning), so an overnight stay can need a second payment.
• Lockers usually allow storage up to about 3 days, then move contents to a holding office.

How do I pay and open a coin locker?#

Modern lockers are easy once you know the steps. There are two common types.

Coin-only lockers:

1. Put your bag in an empty locker and close the door.
2. Insert the coins shown (have 100-yen coins ready).
3. Take the key, or note the code/slip printed.
4. To retrieve, unlock with the key or enter the code.

IC-card lockers (touch-panel):

1. Choose an empty locker on the screen and put your bag in.
2. Pay by IC card (Suica, Pasmo) or cash.
3. The card or a printed slip with a code becomes your key.
4. To retrieve, tap the same card or enter the code, then pay any extra time.

Keep your key, card, or slip safe. Photograph the locker number and bank location so you can find it again in a large station.

What if lockers are full or my bag is too big?#

This is common at major stations during peak seasons. Work through these in order:

Step	Action
1	Check a different exit, floor, or nearby station — lockers are spread out
2	Use a staffed luggage storage counter at major stations
3	Use a luggage-storage booking service (shops and cafes hold bags)
4	Ask your hotel to hold the bag before check-in or after check-out
5	For onward travel, send the bag ahead by luggage forwarding

Booking a storage spot or a forwarding service in advance is the surest way to avoid the full-locker problem during Golden Week, Obon, and cherry blossom season.

When should I use storage versus forwarding?#

These two services solve different problems. Choosing the right one saves money and effort.

You want to…	Use	Why
Free your hands for a day of sightseeing	Coin locker or staffed counter	Same-day pickup in the same place
Skip carrying a suitcase to your next hotel	Luggage forwarding (takkyubin)	The bag travels for you, usually next day
Store a bag overnight near a station	Coin locker (check time limit) or staffed counter	Short-term hold
Move bags before an early flight	Luggage forwarding to the airport	Send a day or two ahead; confirm cut-off times

Forwarding is handled at convenience stores and many hotels. It is not same-day in most cases, so use storage for items you need back the same day, and forwarding for bags you do not need until you reach the next place.

What tips and traps should I know?#

A few practical points save time and avoid surprises:

• Photograph the locker number and its location. Large stations have many locker banks, and they look alike.
• Carry 100-yen coins. Coin-only lockers do not give change, and not all take notes.
• Check the daily reset time. A locker paid in the evening may need another payment the next morning.
• Mind the size. If a door will not close, the locker is too small; do not force it.
• Avoid leaving valuables or anything fragile for long periods.
• Keep your slip, key, or IC card safe. Losing it means a slower retrieval through the station office.

With a charged phone photo of the locker, the right coins, and an eye on the reset time, coin lockers are one of the most convenient parts of travelling in Japan.

Quick reference: luggage storage#

Topic	Detail (as of June 2026)
Cheapest option	Coin lockers at stations
Typical cost	~400 yen (small) to ~1,000 yen (extra-large) per day
Payment	Coins or IC card (Suica, Pasmo)
Time limit	Often up to ~3 days; many reset daily
Oversized bags	Use a staffed storage counter
When full	Try other exits, a staffed counter, or a booking app
Onward travel	Luggage forwarding sends bags to your next hotel

Prices, sizes, and time limits vary by location and change over time. Check the notice on each locker, and confirm details with the station or service when in doubt.