Japan Railways Group


	International travelers are increasingly frustrated and limited by airline rules about carry-on items. You will find that rail travel in Japan is basically free of these concerns. Below you will find a general description of several luggage topics followed by the official Japan Railway regulations. Rest assured that you can carry almost all luggage without hassle and that there is generally no problem finding space for it on trains. And remember that unlike airlines there is no restriction on food, drink and personal items. In fact one of the great delights of rail travel in Japan is the vast variety of food, especially the traditional ‘o-bento’ boxed lunches, sold in stations and on trains.

The basic limitations, i.e. number of pieces and size, are clearly outlined in the Official Rules (see below), but these are not strictly enforced except for the obvious (no wild animals or corpses!) or very large items such as bicycles. The major limitation on luggage is common sense. Stations can be very large and trains very long so it is wise to carry luggage that you can handle without strain. On board long-distance trains there are overhead racks that will hold medium-sized suitcases (i.e. somewhat larger than airplane carry-on), and there is generally some space for very large suitcases at the end of each car behind the last row of seats. The airport shuttle trains have special luggage racks near the doors to the car. It is important to note that items cannot be left in the aisles of trains, nor can they block the doors to the cars and boarding platform.

There is NO porter service in Japanese stations and there is no checked luggage on trains. You must carry your own luggage between trains or between trains and bus, subway, taxi etc. Large stations have escalator and elevator access to platforms but smaller stations may have staircases that you must use. If you are making a round-trip excursion, for example from Tokyo to Kyoto, you may wish to leave some bags at your hotel to pick up later. There are also shipping services (takuhai-bin) that can send bags anywhere in the country. There are desks for these shipping services at the major airports and hotels can also assist you, but remember that city to city shipping may take more than a day. Most stations have coin lockers for storing luggage while you sightsee; for details go to our Coin Lockers and Luggage Storage section.

Local trains operating daily during morning and evening rush hours, and long-distance trains operating during peak national holiday periods may be extremely crowded. During these times you may find it awkward to maneuver on and off trains as well as on platforms if you carry large amounts of luggage. We recommend that you try to travel during non-peak hours or on non-holiday dates if possible. The busiest holiday seasons are New Year’s, Golden Week (early May) and O-Bon (mid August), especially weekends. Local urban trains during rush hour operate very frequently so if one train is extremely crowded it may be best to wait for the following train a few minutes later.

The regulations covering bicycles are clearly outlined in the Official Rules (below). These rules are strictly enforced in that bikes must be partially disassembled and in a carry bag. Skis and sports equipment are allowed. Leaving baby strollers unfolded on a train car is at the discretion of the conductor; regulations require them to be folded up for the safety of both child and other passengers since a nearly empty train car may suddenly become quite crowded. Small pets are allowed if in the appropriate cage; a small fee is required. Assistance or guide dogs are allowed if properly documented. For all details see the Official Rules below.

Two pieces of hand-carried baggage each with a maximum combined height, width, and depth of 250 cm (98.5 inches), maximum allowable length: 2 m (6.5 feet) and a maximum weight of 30 kg (66 lbs) each may be taken on board. (Personal items such as umbrellas, canes, and handbags are not counted as one of these items.)

Items which could endanger other passengers may not be taken on board, including dangerous items, heaters and gas stoves, animals, corpses, unclean items, and items that emit a foul odor. Items that could damage the train interior are also prohibited.

• This excludes a small quantity of small birds, small insects, baby chicks and shellfish placed in a proper carrying case.

• Hand-carried baggage such as travel luggage, suitcases, sporting goods, music instruments, recreation goods, and toys.

• Sporting goods, music instruments and recreation goods: these items may be taken on board even if they exceed the maximum length, as long as the items can be placed in a standing position inside the train and can be carried by hand. (Please place such items in a suitable carrying case or bag.).

• Bicycles for use in cycling or sporting events if the bicycle is disassembled and placed in a bicycle carrying bag, or if the bicycle is a folding bicycle that has been folded and placed in a bicycle carrying bag.

• Other similar items.

Note: Wheelchair access is available on Shinkansen and some other trains without additional charge. Tickets for wheelchair space or adjacent seating should be obtained at least 2 days in advance of boarding the train. Wheelchair measurements should be within 120 cm (47 inches) for length and height, and 70 cm (27.5 inches) for width.

Pets including small dogs, cats, pigeons and other similar small animals (excluding wild animals and snakes), and, which meet the following conditions:

• The animal must be in a cage that has a maximum length of 70 cm (27.5 inches)and a maximum combined length, width and height of approximately 90 cm (35.5 inches).

• The maximum combined weight of the case and the animal must be 10 kg (22 lbs) or less.

• Cases containing a small number of small birds, small insects, baby chicks, or shellfish can be taken on board free of charge.

• The charge for the above is ¥270 per item. Please show the items to the attendant at the station ticket gate where you are boarding the train and purchase a standard carry-on ticket for each item.

• The passenger is responsible for carrying and stowing his or her carry-on items.

• The carrying on of large items may cause problems for other passengers during busy periods. Please use extra care at such times.

• To insure safety, please do not place any heavy items or items with an unstable shape on the baggage racks in the train.

• There may be times when certain baggage cannot be taken on board, for example, if the baggage will create problems for other passengers and during extremely crowded rush hours.