Did you know that there are rules for bringing oversized baggage on Shinkansen? If you are bringing oversized baggage—defined as baggage for which the sum of the height, width, and length is greater than 160 cm and less than 250 cm—then you will need to reserve a special seat.

There are two types of special seat reservations for oversized baggage. The first type is “Seats with an oversized baggage area.” These seats are located at the very back of the car, and have an oversized baggage area directly behind the seats. The second type is “Seats with an oversized baggage compartment.” The location of these seats varies depending on the car, and lets you use the oversized baggage compartment on the deck that is closest to your seat.

Both the oversized baggage area and the oversized baggage compartment have set dimensions, so make sure to check them in advance before making a reservation.

Seats with an oversized baggage area

Oversized baggage area:

• ・Location: Space at the rear of each car
• ・Baggage size: Sum of the height, width, and length is less than 250 cm

Oversized baggage compartment

Oversized baggage compartment:

• ・Location: On the deck nearest to your seat (next to the washroom)
• ・Baggage size:

• 　Upper rack: Max. lengths for each dimension are 80 x 60 x 50 cm
• 　Lower rack: Max. lengths for each dimension are 80 x 60 x 40 cm

These special seat reservations can be made when purchasing a ticket online, at a station ticket machine, or at a ticket counter. There is no additional charge for these seats, and they can be used for the price of a reserved seat in a regular car or Green car. However, please note that you will need to have your own contactless IC card, such as a Suica or Pasmo transportation IC card, to lock the oversized baggage compartment.

After boarding, place your baggage in the designated area or compartment. The oversized baggage compartment has a dial key—unlock it by entering the four-digit number of your reserved seat (car number + row number), place your baggage inside, and then lock it by holding up your IC card to the reader. When removing your baggage, once again hold your IC card to the reader and set the dial to unlock the compartment and remove your baggage.

As mentioned above, there is no additional charge for these reserved seats; however, if you attempt to bring oversized baggage without making a reservation, then you will be charged a 1,000 yen fee. Strollers, musical instruments, and sports equipment can also be brought without making a reservation.

Making a reservation for one of these special seats ensures that you have a place to store your baggage, and lets you get on and off the Shinkansen more smoothly. Baggage is also either stored nearby or with a lock to prevent theft, which provides peace of mind. Make sure to check for these seats early before the reservations fill up!